Grade 8

American History, 1607 to 1877

This year we will be taking a closer look into our own country's past, beginning with the first explorers and ending the year with the effects of Reconstruction after the Civil War. Throughout the year we will be focusing on the American Dream and analyzing how this idea developed and changed throughout our nation's history. We will also work toward developing and refining historical skills such as analyzing primary and secondary sources, comparing perspectives, recognizing bias, and using evidence to form an argument.

Year-Long Essential Questions:

1. What is the American Dream and to what extent is it attainable?

2. Whose “dream” is it and how might it evolve?

How will 8th grade social studies be different than 7th grade?

history-focused rather than geography-focused
focus mainly on America rather than a variety of countries
chronological curriculum
less map work
hard copy textbook that each student will have & need to cover
notes on longer sections, more frequently assigned notes
more work with primary sources
DBQ essays will be historical, not always argumentative essays

What will be graded?

Students will be assessed in a variety of ways throughout the year, including but not limited to:

- quizzes
- unit tests
- homework assignments
- writing assignments
- classwork
- projects/presentations
- debates

*Note: All additional class information and expectations is located on the Home page.

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