Eighth Grade U.S. History

Eighth grade social studies is a multi-text program. The core text used with students is Creating America published by Houghton Mifflin. The program also uses The African American Experience published by Globe Fearon, , and Ordinary Americans, published by the Close Up Foundation.

The course focuses on the history of the United States from 1776-1877. These dates mark significant turning points in the history of the country, one the eve of revolution, the other at the conclusion of the Civil War and reconstruction. The eighth grade course is special in that during the one hundred year content emphasis, teachers are given ample opportunity to organize instructional activities appropriate for middle school students. The course curriculum guide contains activities that promote hands on experiences and presentation opportunities for students. Students should be given exposure to significant pieces of literature and the study of primary source documents throughout the entire year.

Instruction in the eighth grade program should be organized to reflect the following units of study. These units are more fully presented in the curriculum guide.

Unit I: Geography
The geography unit reviews basic map skills, longitude and latitude, and the location of the United States in the world. Understanding about the topography of the United States is developed through a series of map activities. The unit ends with a study of the five themes of geography model.

Unit II: United States History, Review, Pre-Exploration, Revolution
This unit examines the discovery, exploration and settlement of North and South America. Emphasis is placed on the structure of the Native American cultures that existed prior to European settlements.

Unit III: The Constitution
The unit on the Constitution presents the history and organizing structures of the United States Constitution. The unit should provide students with foundation information about government. This information will be extended in the ninth grade when students enroll in the Local, State and National Government course.

Unit IV: Nation Building
The unit explores life in the United States during the late 1700's and early 1800's. Emphasis is placed on the establishment of political parties and territorial growth.

Unit V: Westward Expansion
The unit on Westward expansion focuses on the people and events associated with the continued development of the United States during the 1840' and 1850's.

Unit VI: Sectionalism
Slavery and political, economic, and social differences highlight the study of this unit.

Unit VII: Civil War
The human side of war is explored in addition to the traditional emphasis of politics and military strategy.

Unit VIII: Reconstruction and Expansion
Changes in the nation after the Civil War are explored with emphasis placed upon the impact that the settlement of the Plains region had on Native American cultures.

**      This school year a select group of social studies students will have an opportunity to participate in the National History Day Project.

**      Students will also use computers and other technology as part of the learning environment.

The Grading Policy for Social Studies:

Class work                                                 15%

Homework                                                 15%

Written Assignments (BCR’s/ECR’s)       20%

Test, Quizzes, and Projects                       50%