Grade 8
United States & Massachusetts Government and Civics Life
Overview: Students study the roots and foundations of U.S. democracy, how and why it has developed over time, and the role of individuals in maintaining a healthy democracy. They study these topics by exploring guiding questions such as, “How have concepts of liberty and justice affected the United States democratic system of government?” and “How can power be balanced in government?” Additional supporting questions appear under each topic. The questions are included to stimulate teachers’ and students’ own questions for discussion and research.
Source: Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for HIstory and Social Studies (2018)
Unit Folders
BPS History Recommendations
Instructional Minutes : At minimum students should have Civics 5 x 50 min per week.
To begin the year by creating a strong sense of community in the classroom, DKP provides resources for students to explore identity and personal and community values in their "Preamble Unit" as well as in Unit 1 ("Identity and Values")
Preamble Module
How does a free press support a democratic government?
The Philosophical Foundations of the United States Political System
What were the roots of the ideas that influenced the development of the US political system?
The Development of the United States Government
How did the framers of the Constitution attempt to address issues of power and freedom in the design of the new political system?
The Constitution, Amendments, and Supreme Court
How has the content and interpretation of the Constitution evolved over time?
Freedom of the Press/ Media Literacy
How does a free press support a democratic government?
The Philosophical Foundations of the United States Political System
What were the roots of the ideas that influenced the development of the US political system?
The Development of the United States Government
How did the framers of the Constitution attempt to address issues of power and freedom in the design of the new political system?
The Constitution, Amendments, and Supreme Court
How has the content and interpretation of the Constitution evolved over time?
Institutions of the United States Government
How do the institutions of the US political systems work?
Civics in Action Projects
Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens / Immigration
What is the role of the individual in maintaining a healthy democracy?
The Structure of Massachusetts State and Local Government
What is the role of state and local government in the US political system?
Place-Based Learning: Using the City as a Classroom
Field Trip Recommendations for Your Grade Level:
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Recommended Resources
Democratic Knowledge Project Pacing Calendar
Student Learning Outcomes
H/SS Content Standards Crosswalk Grade 8 (FINAL)2018 Standards Crosswalk
Resources for the Reading Like A Historian curriculum that teaches students "how to investigate historical questions by employing reading strategies such as sourcing, contextualizing, corroborating, and close reading." (E/M/H)
"A wide range of multimedia materials that focus on helping students make connections between history and the moral choices they confront in their own lives." (M/H)
Primary sources, including art, photographs, and documents from libraries and archives across the US, including the National Archives. (E/M/H)
Lesson plans and digital games focus on engaging students on key topics of civic education
Instructional Strategies
