Author: bdavidson

8th Grade Social Studies

Contact Info:
Ben Davidson

United States History

Email:
BDavidson@be.wednet.edu
Phone:
757-3375 ext. 117

First Quarter: Early Exploration and Colonization

We’ll spend the first quarter of 8th grade looking at the early exploration of the North American Continent. We’ll study factors that led to this early exploration as well as it’s impact on those who already inhabited the land, both positive and negative. We’ll then look at early attempts to colonize the area. This will lead us to the 13 colonies discontent.

Second Quarter: Revolution and Government

Grading Scale
93-100 A
90-92 A-
88-89 B+
83-87 B
80-82 B-
78-79 C+
73-77 C
70-72 C-
68-69 D+
63-67 D
60-62 D-
59 and Below F

Over the course of second quarter we’ll look more in depth at what began to anger many colonists to the point where they began to entertain thoughts of revolt. We’ll move on to the course of events that culminated with that revolution as well as how they realized such an improbable victory. From here we will examine the construction of a United States Government. The Bill of Rights will be a topic of extra focus.
Also during second quarter, 8th graders will be taking the Social Studies CBA. More information will follow as the test draws closer.

Third Quarter: Expansion

We’ll revisit the ideas of cultural imperialism and manifest destiny as it pertained to the great march westward across the North American Continent. The Louisiana Purchase, Lewis and Clark, and the Oregon Trail will be examined. We’ll also look closely at the War of 1812 during third quarter as well as the emergence of a United States Foreign Policy

Fourth Quarter: Causes and Effects of the Civil War

To finish out the year, we will take a close look at the industrial revolution and how it led to a stark division between North and South. We’ll also examine the issue of slavery and how these two issues led to civil war. We’ll look at the conflict itself and finish the year with a look at reconstruction.

Social Studies Materials and Resources

We us a variety of resources for 8th Grade Social Studies. We have a set of classroom textbooks for student use, but students will not be required to carry a textbook with them in their backpack. Students may check out a book from the room for overnight use. There are also a limited number of class texts available for checkout from the school library for extended home use. We will also use the internet extensively for research. While the computers in the lab are a great benefit, their use brings with it great responsibility, and the district computer policy will be strictly enforced.

Homework Policy

Now that you are 8th Graders, you have a new system to learn. We recognize that you desire to be independent and strongly encourage you to take the responsibility that goes along with that independence. Please remember that you are responsible for you! That means that you need to know when assignments, projects, quizzes, and/ or tests are due. Use your planner diligently to help you! I understand that life will occasionally throw you a “curve ball”, so I encourage you to let me know if this is the case, and we will often be able to work around that. All of your 7/8th grade teachers take their jobs very seriously, and one of the most important parts of our job is to prepare you for success in high school. Turning work in on time is one of the most basic expectations of high school students. Meeting deadlines is also an extremely valuable skill that will be utilized for the rest of your lives.
For Social Studies, work is expected to be turned in on time! With that being said, I want you to complete the work for it’s inherent educational value. In order to encourage you to do this, you may earn 50% credit for one week following the due date.
All assignments are graded on a point system. It is absolutely critical that every assignment is turned in, whether for full or partial credit! Please make sure that you keep the lines of communication open! If you are experiencing problems or frustration, please let me know BEFORE an assignment is due!
Feel free to contact me anytime you have a question or concern! That goes for Mom and Dad too!

Student Signature: _____________________________ Date:_________________
Parent Signature: ______________________________ Date: ________________