Social Studies

Grade 8

The eighth grade social studies curriculum builds on the study of the development of the United States from grade 7.  An emphasis is placed on the how our nation continued to grow and change from our Civil War through the current day.  Students are taught to use the disciplines of history, geography and economics to develop and draw relationships and understandings about the social/cultural and political aspects of life in the United States.


Units of Study include:

• Industrialization and Immigration
• An Independent Nation in an Increasingly Interdependent World
• The World at War
• A Superpower Emerges
• Domestic Issues in an International World
• Being a World Power in our Modern World

The course is designed around nine themes and corresponding essential questions which challenge students to think critically about the material they are studying and to make connections between and among other significant historical events:

• (Civics)     How do individuals influence society?

• (Conflict)    Is conflict inevitable?
• (Culture)    What does it mean to be an American?
• (Economics)    What role does economics play in decision-making?
• (Geography)    Why is “where” important?
• (Government)    What is the purpose of government?
• (Individuals)     How is history interpreted from different perspectives?
• (Power)    Do the ends justify the means?
• (Technology)    How do technological developments change society?

By the end of the school year, all eighth-grade students should be able to:

• Answer each of the essential questions by using specific examples from the units of study as supporting evidence.
• Use chronological reasoning to show causation from events in American History.
• Use geographic reasoning to show how American culture developed and expanded and interacted with other cultures over time.
• Think critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems.
• Work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.
• Gather, interpret and evaluate various sources of information from American history.
• Understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively.
• Conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning
• Understand and appreciate our own American culture and history, and be open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other cultures.  
• Assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.