Welcome to Mrs. Bartosch's America's Past Page

 

                                                                                                                                               

 

Social Studies 8 presents a chronological, narrative survey of the history of the United States from prehistoric America to 1877.  The program is designed to encourage identification with the American people, their aspirations, their ideals, and their experiences at various points in time in our country’s history.

 

Content

 

·         Prehistoric America Unit

concept of history

         geography of North America

         Native American cultures

 

·         Europeans Colonize North America

establishment of European colonies

interactions between Europeans and Native Americans

economic development of colonies

 

·         Road to Independence—The American Revolution

post-French and Indian War British policies

events prior to the Revolution

historical writings and documents

         key events during the American Revolution

         results of the Revolution

 

·         Creating the AmericanRepublic

Constitution, Bill of Rights

administrations of Washington, Adams and Jefferson

emerging political parties

social transformations

 

·         Nationalism and Expansion in America

Jefferson’s domestic and foreign policy decisions

Jackson’s presidency

Westward expansion

 

·         A Nation Divided—Sectionalism and Slavery

early immigration and industrialization

slavery

sectionalism

events leading to the Civil War

 

 

  

·         The Civil War—America at War with Itself

    Northern and Southern strengths and weaknesses

    war aims and strategies

    Lincoln’s political decisions

          war time experiences of soldiers and civilians

          results of the war

 

·         Transforming the Nation—Reconstruction

          conditions in the South

          Reconstruction policies

 

Skills

 

·         application of geography concepts

·         application of economic concepts

·         interpretation of primary and secondary sources

·         analysis of perspectives

·         analysis of current events

·         use of technologies

·         construct support

·         investigation

·         decision making

·         problem solving

·         content reading

·         content writing

 

 

Grade 8 Gifted and Talented America's Past

 

 

Gifted and Talented Social Studies 8 presents a chronological, narrative survey of United States history from prehistoric America to 1877. The program is designed to encourage independent, creative, and thorough study of topics and concepts in American history.

 

 

Included in the Gifted and Talented American History program is a year-long Oral History Project. This project will guide students through an authentic oral history experience including background research on a topic, the interview process, and the critical analysis of the interview.

 

 

Content:

 

 

·         Prehistoric America: Its People and Geography

o       How did the indigenous people of North America utilize the natural environment to meet their basic needs?

·         Europeans Colonize North America

o       How did social, political, and economic conditions affect the development of British colonies in North America?

·         Oral History Project I: Focus Question

·         Road to Independence: The American Revolution

o       How did disagreements over British policies result in the establishment of an independent United States?

·         Oral History Project II: Research

·         Creating the AmericanRepublic

o       How did the challenges faced by Americans following the Revolution impact the organization and policies of the new government?

·         Nationalism and Expansion in America

o       How did the decisions made by the federal government result in the development and expansion of the nation?

·         Oral History Project III: Interview

·         A Nation Divided: Sectionalism and Slavery

o       How did differences in social, economic, and political conditions contribute to regional diversity?

·         Oral History Project IV: Analysis

·         The Civil War: America at War with Itself

o       How did events during the Civil War result in victory for the federal government?

·         Transforming the Nation: Reconstruction

o       How did the federal government respond to condition in the South following the Civil War?

 

 

Skills:

 

 

·         analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of primary and secondary sources

·         investigation

·         decision making

·         use of technology

·         analysis of current events

·         analysis of multiple perspectives

·         synthesis of ideas and concepts

·         justification of positions

·         debate and discussion

·         problem solving

·         content writing