SOCIAL STUDIES

Students will study the geographic, economic, governmental, religious, and historical factors that create foundations for cultures of the world.  A variety of primary, secondary, and ancillary materials will be used to support the learning of required content and skills.  In sixth grade social studies, students study people, places, and societies of the contemporary world.  Societies selected for study are chosen from the following regions of the world:  Europe, Russia, the Eurasian Republics, North America, Middle America, Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Southwest Asia, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Realm.  Students describe the influence of individuals and groups on historical and contemporary events in those societies and identify the locations and geographic characteristics of selected various societies.  Students identify different ways of organizing economic and governmental systems.  The concepts of limited and unlimited government are introduced, and students describe the nature of citizenship in various societies.  Students compare institutions common to all societies such as government, education, and religious institutions.  Students explain how the level of technology affects the development of the selected various societies and identify different points of view about selected events. 

Students study the history of Texas from early times to the present.  Students examine the full scope of Texas history, including the cultures of Native Americans living in Texas prior to European exploration and the eras of mission-building, colonization, revolution, republic, and statehood.  Students describe the structure and functions of municipal, county, and state governments, explain the influence of the U.S. Constitution on the Texas Constitution, and examine the rights and responsibilities of Texas citizens.  Students use primary and secondary sources to acquire information about Texas. 

Students study the history of Texas from early times to the present.  Students examine the full scope of Texas history, including the cultures of Native Americans living in Texas prior to European exploration and the eras of mission-building, colonization, revolution, republic, and statehood.  Students describe the structure and functions of municipal, county, and state governments, explain the influence of the U.S. Constitution on the Texas Constitution, and examine the rights and responsibilities of Texas citizens.  Students use primary and secondary sources to acquire information about Texas. This honors class will also include extra independent readings, primary source investigation and projects.

Social studies students study the history and geography of the United States from the Age of Exploration through Reconstruction.  Historical content focuses on the political, economic, and social events and issues related to the colonial and revolutionary eras, the creation and ratification of the U.S. Constitution, challenges of the early Republic, westward expansion, sectionalism, Civil War, and Reconstruction.  Students describe the physical characteristics of the United States and their impact on population distribution and settlement patterns in the past and present.  Students analyze the various economic factors that influenced the development of colonial America and the early years of the Republic and identify the origins of the free enterprise system.  Students examine the American beliefs and principles, including limited government, checks and balances, federalism, separation of powers, and individual rights reflected in the U.S. Constitution and other historical documents.  Students evaluate the impact of Supreme Court cases, major reform movements, and examine the rights and responsibilities of citizens of the United States.  Students research the impact of scientific discoveries and technological innovations on the development of the United States.  Students use critical-thinking skills, including identifying bias in written, oral, and visual material. Students will take the 8th grade STAAR social studies assessment. 

8th grade honors social studies will focus on the beginning of Colonial America through the Reconstruction Era. Students will be introduced to the social, cultural, political and economic events and philosophies which shaped early America. Students will examine the emergence and growth of the early English colonies in North America and trace the development of representative government to the basic elements of the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, as it relates to the function of our government today. The student’s journey will continue with an exploration into the 19th century challenges of leadership, expansion, conflict and resolution in the emerging nation that contributed to the development of our American identity. Additionally, students will study the Humanities (American art, music, literature and architecture) to build a greater depth of understanding regarding the creation of the characteristics, attitudes, and habits of American culture. This honors class will also include extra independent readings, primary source investigation and projects. Students will take the 8th grade STAAR social studies assessment.