United States History

8 Gold
Mr. Shaver

Class Description: In 8th grade social studies, we will focus our studies on United States history from early
Americans through the 20th Century.
History is much more than memorizing dates, figures, and facts! It is our goal to not only learn basic historical
information, but to also develop our ability to process and present this information through research, discussion,
and active participation in classroom activities. Projects and activities completed in class will focus on real life
skills, students will need in the future, regardless of their career/life path! We will debate, discuss, examine
historical sources, and gain a better understanding of how the past relates to our lives in the present.

* All 8th graders must pass the U.S. Constitution Test to be eligible for graduation.

What will we do and study in U.S. History Class?

Skills

Debate
Public speaking
Reading primary and secondary sources
Distinguishing fact and opinion
Determining cause and effect
Research
Making an argument and supporting your argument with evidence
Interpreting quotations, reading images, and analyzing political cartoons/propaganda
Writing, editing, and proofreading

Topics
This year, we will be studying history thematically. This means we will study historical events as
interconnected events, examining cause and effect, and looking at the impact of historical events on the present.
Instead of simply looking at history as a timeline of events, we will look at similar events, compare and
contrast, and make connections. While the same information will be covered, we will explore history through a
lens which will allow students to make sense of the world around them, and understand how major world events
are interconnected and impact the world around us.
A few examples of units:

Early Settlement and American Identity

Migration and Immigration
War (World War I, World War II, Vietnam)
Political Participation
Revolution and Change