Welcome

to

8th Grade Georgia Studies

This upcoming academic year will focus mainly on historic development of our area beginning with the prehistoric period through to the present. We will also learn how government works in our country and state.

Georgia Performance StandardsGPS

The 8th grade curriculum is based on learning information as it relates to various

“themes”.

There are 9 recurrent throughout our course of study.

themes

What is a Theme

A theme or concept is a way of organizingthe information you learn. A topic may be organized into one or more themes. There is no ONE correct theme.

The themes we utilize will be used throughout Social Studies in all grade levels. This should help you to make connections between whatyou are learning and what you already know.

Have you ever been to a theme party?

•Conflict and Change•Distribution of Power•Governance•Individuals Groups and Institutions•Location•Movement and Migration•Production, Distribution, Consumption•Rule of Law•Technological Innovation

Enduring Understandings

• As you learn the themes this year, you will also be learning an ENDURING UNDERSTANDING which accompanies each theme.

• The EU is a big idea or generalization that can be applied to many historical situations and events. Remembering the EU and Theme will help you remember the facts in Georgia Studies. The Themes and EUs help you make connections in your learning.

• You will also see the EUs again in high school.

Production, Distribution, and Consumption

• The student will understand that the production, distribution, and consumption of goods/services produced by the society are affected by the location, customs, beliefs, and laws of the society. (EU)

• What are some of the products produced or manufactured in your area?

• How are these products distributed to other areas?

Production, Distribution, Consumption: The student will understand that the production, distribution, and consumption of goods/services produced by the society are affected by the location, customs, beliefs, and laws of the society.

Hmmm this sounds sort of familiar!… Which of the earlierthemes does this relate to?

(Theme) Conflict and Change: The student will understand that when there is conflict between or within societies, change is the result. (Enduring Understanding)

Discuss how topics and ideas within this video reflect the idea stated above and answer Essential Questions (next slide)

Watch video clip:More Safety, LessLiberty: 1 min 46 sec

Conflict and Change

• Students will understand that when there is conflict between or within societies, change is the result. (EU)

• How might conflict among family members result in change for that family?

• What conflict has occurred in your community and how was it resolved?

• Why has there been a change of government in Iraq? How did that change occur?

Technological Innovation: The student will understand that technological innovations have consequences, both intended and unintended, for a society. Physical affects

Of an Atomic Bomb Explosion

Technological Innovation

• The student will understand that technological innovations have consequences, both intended and unintended, for a society. (EU)

• How has access to the Internet both benefited and harmed schools?

• What technological innovations have impacted the way you are taught and the way you study?

Governance: The student will understand that as a society increases in complexity and interacts with other societies, the complexity of the government also increases. See video clip- Sumerian Government

Power, Governance, and Authority in the Sumerian City State2min 13 secs

Power, Governance, and Authority in the Sumerian City State2min 13 secs

GOVERNANCE• The student will understand that as a society

increases in complexity and interacts with other societies, the complexity of the government also increases. (EU)

• How might rules, responsibilities, and expectations change when there is a change in your family (new sibling, divorce, grandparent moving in)?

• How do rules change in sports from when you are young to professional sports?

Rule of Law: The student will understand that in a democracy, rule of law influences the behavior of citizens, establishes procedures for making policies, and limits the power of government.

Rights and Responsibility of Citizens

Rule of Law• The student will understand that in a

democracy, rule of law influences the behavior of citizens, establishes procedures for making policies, and limits the power of government. (EU)

• What prevents teachers or police from abusing their power?

• Why should you (or shouldn’t you) have all laws and rules written down in an official document?

See video clips on the Constitution in folder.

Bill_of_Rights__U_S__Supreme_Court.asf

Distribution of Power: The student will understand that distribution of power in government is a product of existing documents and laws combined with contemporary values and beliefs. See video clip on separation of powers in folder.

Distribution of Power

• The student will understand that distribution of power in government is a product of existing documents and laws combined with contemporary value and beliefs. (EU)

• Why is the power structure at your school set up the way it is?

• How is power divided in your family?

Individuals, Groups, Institutions: The student will understand that the actions of individuals, groups, and/or institutions affect society through intended and unintended consequences.

Individuals, Groups, and Institutions

• Read the Jackie Robinson letter to President Kennedy.

• Why do you think Jackie Robinson wrote this letter?

• Do you think it had any unintended or intended consequences?

Individuals, Groups, and Institutions

• The student will understand that the actions of individuals, groups, and/or institutions affect society through intended and unintended consequences. (EU)

• How might the actions of a few students bring consequences for an entire class?

• What decisions have you made in your life that have had intended or unintended consequences

Location: The student will understand that location affects a society’s economy, culture, and development.

LOCATION

The student will understand that location affects a society’s economy, culture, and development. development. (EU)

• How do your activities change depending on where you go on vacation?

• How do your activities changed depending on where you choose to spend your free time?

• What are some differences between city (urban) and country (rural) areas?

Movement/Migration: The student will understand that the movement or migration of people and ideas affects all societies involved.

What does the Statue of Liberty symbolize? Where is it found?

See video clip in folder.

Movement and Migration

• The student will understand that the movement or migration of people and ideas affects all societies involved. (EU)

• How does your class change when a new student moves in?

• What impact do you have on your community?