Grade 8 Social Studies A

This course employs an integrative approach to the teaching of U.S. history with an emphasis on geography, government, economics, culture, science, and technology. Students will learn how early explorations and development of the first colonies led to the union of 13 states as one nation. Students will examine and analyze important founding documents including the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. A survey of the events will reveal how Americans embraced the idea of Manifest Destiny and expanded the nation across North America. Students will follow and analyze the complex issues leading up to the American Civil War. The course concludes with a look at post-war issues.