8th Grade Social Studies Curriculum

Welcome to 8th Grade Global Studies! During the school year, we will study a wide variety of topics. We will learn about the cultures, history, physical features, conflicts/issues (i.e., religious, economic, political, and environmental) that are associated with the Middle East. In addition, we will discuss the oceans and global issues which ultimately affect each of us in some way. We will also focus on issues affecting us here in our local community and in the State of Delaware. Technological advancements in communication and transportation have made the study of a global society and geography even more important than just a decade ago. Studying the earth and its people is and will be a critical ingredient in our children’s future success. It is necessary for students to not only know geographic locations, but also to understand how geography affects various people and their relationships with others in the world.

Students will be expected to become familiar with physical areas,landforms, political divisions, economic systems, and cultures that exist across the globe. A major emphasis is placed on reoccurring concepts and themes that occur (i.e., starvation, overpopulation, political problems, religious conflict, and ethnic conflict).

Some of the topics we will cover include the following:

Foundations of physical and human geography
Brief overview of local, state, and North American geography
Russia and the former Soviet Republics
North Africa and the Middle East (Southwest Asia)
Asia (i.e., China, North/South Korea, Vietnam, Japan, and India)
Sub-Saharan Africa
Oceania (Australia and New Zealand)
Current Event topics via USA Today, Time magazines, local newspapers, and other various sources

Throughout this school year, your child will be doing a wide range of activities and projects. Some of the activities and projects include making maps, doing group presentations, using the computer and Internet, and researching and writing a report about current day issues in various countries.

Each marking period, all students will complete a quarterly assessment designed in a DSTP format.