LCBMS

Lakeland Copper Beech Middle School

Welcome...

Dear Students, Parents and Families,

Welcome to 8th grade Social Studies! This year is sure to be a rewarding, exciting, and challenging new experience in your learning career. I am thrilled to be able to share in this journey with each one of you, and am here to help you every step of the way. Please read through the following information to become familiar with my classroom content, procedures and policies. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to ask me at any time.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

My 8^th grade United States Social Studies classes align with the New York State Social Studies Learning Standards, The Social Studies Framework, and The New York Guided Core Curriculum can be found on the NYSED website at: http://www.nysed.gov/curriculum-instruction/social-studies These standards address the ideas, issues, and events that have shaped the United States, from early Reconstruction through Modern Times In order to master these standards, students will focus on reading, writing, listening, communicating, thinking creatively, and being actively involved in creative project based assignments. Students will work individually and collaboratively through interactive learning experiences. Technology will be a major component of the curriculum in order to help students develop 21st century skills.

Social Studies in 8^th grade is the second half of a two year course focusing on United States and New York State history. The 8^th grade portion covers the period after the Civil War through present day. With the introduction of the Common Core, there is an increased focus on written work. Students will also analyze economic and governmental developments with respect to their influence on US history. This is NOT an easy class as the goal is to prepare students for the rigors of high school. Topics covered during the year will include:

• Civics: The Constitution

• Reconstruction

• Westward Movement

• Industrialization, Immigration, and Urbanization

• Expansion and Imperialism

• World War I and the Roaring Twenties

• The Great Depression

• World War II

• Foreign Policy

• Domestic Politics and Reform

• The Political Process