8th Grade Social Studies - Historical & Cultural Perspectives

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Time, Continuity, Change

Explore American territorial expansion and how it affected relations with European and American powers and Native Americans

Territorial Expansion - chart showing the growth in square miles of US territory from 1790 on; also include map; from InfoPlease.

U.S. Territorial Maps - fourteen color-coded maps arranged in chronological order depicting the expansion of the United States from 1775 to 1920.

Explain the expanding intercontinental exchange and encounters brought on by exploration and colonization
Examine different European countries' motives for exploration and colonization and the resulting struggle for control of North America

Cultures, Cultural Diversity

Review the conflict of cultures as three worlds meet in the exploration and colonization of the Western Hemisphere
Examine the contributions of both free and enslaved Africans and disenfranchised women to the development of English colonies and the United States
Explore the cultures of the Western Hemisphere's native peoples

People, Places, Events

Identify the important leaders and events in the development of ancient civilizations

Mr. Don's Ancient History Page - a wonderful listing of resources dealing with ancient civilizations.

Mr. Dowling's Electronic Passport - one can browse virtually any part of the world and any time in ancient history on this site. Includes great articles and links to additional resources.

Ancient Egypt Webquest - take on the role of a cyber archaeologist and construct an exhibit for an Egyptian museum.

Identify the causes, major events, and personalities of the American Revolution

A Hypertext on American History: American Revolution - a ten page essay focusing on the events leading up to the American Revolution and an analysis of the Revolution.

The Continental Army - description of American Revolution's Continental Army, along with pictures of soldiers.

The American Revolution - from the Library of Congress.

Spy Letters of the American Revolution - a great collection of letters, stories, and much more from the Clement's Library.

American Revolution - from Encyclopedia.com; several different articles included at this site.

Encyclopedia Encarta: American Revolution - another encyclopedia site with great charts, graphs, tables, etc.

The History Place - American Revolution - timeline broken down into 6 different areas. Also includes other links.

Common Sense or Plain Truth: The Struggle Within - lesson plan that explores the diverse opinions of those known as Tories and Whigs; from Georgia Learning Connections.

American Revolution - Fictional Point of View - Students will demonstrate an understanding of the causes and conflicts concerning the American Revolution in North Carolina and will demonstrate the ability to write historical fiction from a character's viewpoint; from Learn NC.

A Revolutionary WEBQUEST - Learn of the heroes, the battles, victories and defeats, and the culture of the colonies. Read about all aspects of the war, and learn how the American colonists defeated the overwhelming odds of British tyranny. Interact while you experience what life was like as a minuteman; from ThinkQuest.

Revolution Inquizition - review important people, Acts of Parliament, and Battles of the American Revolution; from Learn NC.

Explore the causes, course, and consequences of the Civil War and reconstruction

The American Civil War - provides a time line, discussion of the causes, leaders and much more.

Selected Civil War Photographs - from the Library of Congress.

Civil War Archeology - several good links to information on the Civil War.

The American Civil War Homepage - WOW! Tons of links to resources on the Civil War.

Divided and United - This lesson investigates the causes of the Civil War and its effects on the American people. Also provides audio and video links.

The Civil War - several mini lessons with activities pertaining to the Civil War.

Causes of the Civil War - great list of resources on the causes of the Civil War.

Evaluate the contributions made by Tennesseans to American westward expansion
Examine the character, successes, and failures of reform movements of the early 1800's

Process/Investigation

Investigate the feudalism and the rise of the Christian church as the dominant factors in Medieval Europe
Investigate the development of major religions among both ancient eastern and western cultures
Analyze how Native American societies change as a result of expanding European and America settlements
Distinguish between primary and secondary sources of data from which historical events are related
Analyze the sectional differences that evolved with the westward movement, expansion of slavery, and emerging industrialization

1846: Portrait of A Nation - discusses the United States in 1846; great pictures.

Movin' West - web-based research project on the westward movement.

Westward Expansion and Reform - gives a history of the Westward Expansion along with pictures.

U.S. History Lesson Plans - includes 5 activities/lesson plans dealing with industrialization

How Did American Slavery Begin? - readings on the origins of slavery.

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