8th Grade Social Studies

U.S. History I:
 1763 to the Causes of the Civil War

Overview           Special Activities           Lessons and WebQuests

8th Grade Social Studies Teachers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overview

 

American democracy has experienced major transformations since the creation of the United States of America. Students analyze the evolution of American democracy.  Click on the links below for additional information.

 

8th Grade Curriculum Guide

 

8th Grade Overview

Essential Concepts:

• Equality (sameness)
• Liberty (freedom)
• Conflict (difference)
• Citizenship (belonging)

 

Essential Questions:

• What are the roles of the citizens in American democracy?
• How have the concepts of equality and liberty evolved in American history?
• How have important, long-standing conflicts shaped American history?
• How does one develop and express well informed positions?

 

Essential Content:

• Foundations of American Political, Social, and Economic Life
  • Causes of the American Revolution
  • Declaration of Independence
  • U.S. Constitution
  • Bill of Rights
• Expansion of American Political, Social, and Economic Life
  • Application of the American Political System
  • Physical Expansion of the United States
• Geographic Features of the United States
• Population Growth/Immigration
• Technological/Industrial change
• Social Status/Social Reform
• Economic Impact/Manufacturing
• Political Response to Growth
• Impact on Indigenous Peoples
  • Sectionalism as a Response to Expansion
• Collapse of American Political, Social, and Economic Life
  • Ante-Bellum America and Causes of Conflict
  • Civil War Erupts

 

Neshaminy Standards:
  Neshaminy students will:

• React to the statement, "All men are created equal" as it applies to the post revolutionary period.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how the Constitution manages conflicts among citizens on issues of liberty and equality.
• Explain how each geographic area of the United States came to be part of the country, what were the conditions of its acquisition and what social, political, and economic conflicts were created by that acquisition.
• Explain how conflicts which resulted from the Industrial Revolution, increasing immigration, the rapid expansion of slavery, and the westward movement led to regional tensions and civil war.
• Explain how the Civil War and Reconstruction shaped the American concepts of Equality and Liberty.

 

Neshaminy District Performance Assessment:
(UNDER REVISION) Students will present a portfolio of their writings and notes that will assist them in responding to a contemporary problem reflecting the evolution of equality in America. This will act as the students' final examination.

 

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