Civics and American History Course Description:

Civics and American History is a course designed to connect our past to our present. Civics will be the driving focus of our historical understanding, and this is a Civics course taught in the timeframe of American History as delineated in the NJSLS. While students learn about the time period of 1763 (beginning of the French & Indian War) through the end of the Reconstruction Era, they will learn about the foundational values, principles, people, and laws that have shaped our world today. Students will also learn about a variety of perspectives on major historical events to broaden their understanding of our American story. Our major performance tasks will ask students to think critically about our past and form their own opinions on current events. Primary sources, like the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, Declaration of Sentiments, Gettysburg Address, and others, will be integral in showing students the impact of the phrase “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” over the course of American history.

In addition to content-based knowledge and skills, this curriculum integrates the skills and knowledge of interdisciplinary standards including ELA, Technology, and Career Readiness. To ensure the consistent and organized planning of this multifaceted approach, this course has been organized using the Understanding by Design framework. This document is a tool that will provide an overview as to what to teach, when to teach it, and how to assess student progress. There are also considerations made for altered pacing, modifications, and accommodations.

On my classroom website, you will find grading methods, suggested social studies resources, classroom resources and current events. Additionally, whenever you finish classwork early, there is a list of resources and activities for you to explore and work on. 

To view the 8th grade social studies curriculum, follow the link.