Welcome to Social Studies

Grading Percentages are the same for all students:

30% total average for all Classwork and Homework combined

70% total average for all Tests, Quizzes, and Projects assigned

In 8th Grade Social Studies we will be studying the following THEMES throughout the four quarters of the year:

1st Quarter:  GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES 

The Big Ideas:  What enduring principles have made America FREE and PROGRESSIVE?  What responsibilities do I have as a citizen of the USA and the world?  What are 21st century concerns/solutions for our nation? 

Students will learn about the US Constitution and ways in which Americans address conflict within our nation and around the globe.  Students will demonstrate the ability to participate in the democratic system.  They will also have to pass the Constitution Test during late October. This year the Constitution Test is on October 21st!

2nd Quarter:  US HISTORY 

Students will study the history race relations and tolerance in the USA from just after the Civil War, starting with the Reconstruction Era.  Ties and connections will be made from news and topics in our current news stories.

3rd Quarter:  HOW THE USA BECAME A WORLD POWER

Students will examine historical sources and uses of resources, as well as wealth in the US.  Economics and Geography will be highlighted.

Students will also look at historical wars involving America, and the modernization of our country that started before the first world war and continued through World War II.

4th Quarter:  THE MODERN ERA/DC TRIP?

Students will create presentations from the Cold War era decades; then, we will study world religions, conflicts, Terrorism today, and create hypotheses about what the future may hold...