606	HONORS 8TH GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES
Length/Credit	1 year
Prerequisite	8th grade standing
Other Info
Location	Chinook, Highland, Odle, Robinswood, Tillicum, Tyee
Students will examine the ideas that have shaped the United States through a historical context using the skills of problem solving, logic, critical thinking, and information gathering, presentations and simulations. Students analyze, synthesize and evaluate social science concepts students will examine the following topics in depth: U.S.geography, colonization, the American Revolution, the founding of the American government, the roles that multiple ethnic groups have in the development of the U.S., expansion and reform, the Civil War and Reconstruction, and the development of the industrial U.S. This course also covers Washington State History and the Washington State Constitution.

Honors 8^th Grade Social Studies Overview

Honors 8^th Grade Social Studies more deeply explores the history of the United States beginning with a study of North American Indians through the Industrial Era of the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries.  This course is divided into 9 units covering the following themes:

The First Americans

European Exploration & Colonization

The American Revolution

The Constitution

The New Nation

Expansion and Reform

The Civil War

Washington State History

Students will learn to analyze causes and effects, analyze readings and prime source documents.  Students will compare events, conflicts, and issues from this era, as well as link them to relevant issues and events of the modern era.  Students will express views and judgments both orally and in writing, will further develop essay writing skills and will write a document based essay question (DBQ).

Using a variety of materials, lessons, and activities, students will deepen their understanding of American History and political, economic, and social concepts. This course will further develop student’s social studies skills and prepare students for the rigor of high school social studies.

U.S. Presidential Election 2008   Because this is an election year, teachers have carved out time to devote Wednesdays unitl the November 4th election to teach civic lessons that  address the nature and content of political campaigns and elections.