In 8th Grade, students study the history of the United States from approximately 1760 until 1900. Through our studies of the United States, students will focus on key literacy skills that are outlined by the Common Core Standards. We will be following a distance learning format that will include a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning. Students will be learning key historical concepts in a fun, challenging, and highly engaging way. In order to do so, we will use the California History-Social Science Standards to help guide our curriculum. Through our studies of the United States, students will focus on key literary skills that are outlined by the Common Core Standards. These skills are clear, understandable, and consistent; aligned with college and work expectations; and include rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skills. Your child will be expected to be an active participant instead of a passive observer. He/she will experience history through innovative teaching practices that include debates, project-based learning, case studies, group projects, and writing from a historical perspective.
The units we will be studying include a new nation, the Constitution, the US as an emerging power, westward expansion, slavery, the Civil War and Reconstruction, rise of industrial America, and immigration.