The eighth grade social studies curriculum is a chronological survey of American history from pre-Revolutionary War through Reconstruction. Major topics include:

• Road to Revolution and Revolutionary War
• Declaration of Independence
• Constitution/Bill of Rights
• First Presidents -- Washington, Adams, Jefferson
• War of 1812
• First Industrial Revolution
• King Cotton & Slavery
• Westward Expansion
• Causes of Civil War and Civil War

The key skills that will be emphasized throughout the year are:

• Reading non-fiction, including primary sources from the 18th and 19th century
• Analyzing maps
• Analyzing political cartoons
• Communicating - writing TDAs and presenting effectively