Social Science Grade 8

This semester course is designed to meet the new IL State Civics graduation requirement, and also includes the U.S. Constitution exam requirement. Democracy depends on an involved and informed populace. Young people who can answer the Participate course’s Essential Questions will, we believe, have taken the first steps toward active and informed participation in our democracy. They will understand foundational concepts, like democracy, power, and participation. They will know how to use and create media. They will understand their rights and how those rights have changed over time. They will understand the significance of elections in a democracy and know how they can participate—by voting, running for office, campaigning, helping inform and register other voters, and more. They will recognize why public policy is important and have the knowledge and skills needed to analyze policy and influence policymakers. They will be able to analyze power in their communities. Finally, they will be able to answer the question, “what power do I have as an eighth-grader?”
The units include core lessons, instruction aligned to standards that should be taught in order. Upon completion of a unit, we have also included "explorations." These "Explorations" are extended lessons that are optional, deepen student learning and investigation into the essential question, and provide opportunities for students to experience the Powerful Practices: Discussion of controversial issues; simulations of democratic practices; and taking informed action (Inquiry to Action projects). Teachers may do one or more of these explorations, depending on the student interest, or what is happening in the world.

This second half of this course builds understanding of the complexities and challenges within our history and present by analyzing how people have fought for, and continue to fight for, the ideals and promises of American democracy. The course examines how individuals and organizations confronted, and continue to resist, systems of power in order to combat oppression. Students will make connections of the struggles, goals, and tactics of past social movements to the purpose and efforts of present-day fights for justice. With this study, students will understand the power people have to take action in their community, nation and world. They will also gain the knowledge, skills, and tools to be the agents of change. This semester study includes the CPS Reparations Won required unit of study, as well as Facing History and Ourselves' Choices in Little Rock.