8th Grade Social Studies
Term 1
The Industrial Revolution
Interest Packet
Outcome: Beginning with a review of the Enlightenment, we will investigate the Industrial Revolution as it played out in several countries. In doing so, we will examine the social, political, and economic impact of large-scale industry on societies.
Term Introduction: Think about the world today and how interconnected we all are as a human race. Korea sells cars and electronics in Europe and North America, China manufactures goods that are consumed worldwide, and the United States’ entertainment industry is a global commodity.
Things weren’t always like this, however. Only a few hundred years ago, most people were simple farmers. Then a series of events happening in a very short time caused people to radically change their lifestyles and forced societies to adopt new economic models. We will learn about these changes and their impact in this term.
Topic Overview: We will learn about these topics.
· The Enlightenment and its impact on government
· Natural resource consumption
· Geography and the economy
· The growth of cities during the 19th century
· Problems caused by overcrowding in cities
· Working conditions in the new industries
· Political philosophies that developed as a result of the Industrial Revolution
Essential Questions: Here are some things to ask yourselves along the way.
· How did the Enlightenment “spring” from the Scientific Revolution?
· What events forced people to migrate from farms to cities?
· What problems do growing cities face?
· What might the role of government be in solving these problems?
· How did the Industrial Revolution differ from country to country?
Skills List: Here are the skills we will focus on building this term.
Reading History
RH.8.1. Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.
RH.8.2. Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
RH.8.4. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary specific to domains related to history/social studies.
Writing History
WH.8.1. Write arguments focused on history-specific content.
WH.8.2. Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/experiments, or technical processes.
Speaking and Listening
SL.8.1. Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher- led) with diverse partners on subject material, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing your own clearly.
SL.8.2. Analyze the purpose of information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and evaluate the motives (e.g. social, commercial, political) behind its presentation.
Reference Materials: Here are some of the books we will be using.
Spielvogel, Jackson J. World History & Geography: Modern Times. McGraw-Hill, 2011
Term 1
The Industrial Revolution
Interest Packet
Outcome: Beginning with a review of the Enlightenment, we will investigate the Industrial Revolution as it played out in several countries. In doing so, we will examine the social, political, and economic impact of large-scale industry on societies.
Term Introduction: Think about the world today and how interconnected we all are as a human race. Korea sells cars and electronics in Europe and North America, China manufactures goods that are consumed worldwide, and the United States’ entertainment industry is a global commodity.
Things weren’t always like this, however. Only a few hundred years ago, most people were simple farmers. Then a series of events happening in a very short time caused people to radically change their lifestyles and forced societies to adopt new economic models. We will learn about these changes and their impact in this term.
Topic Overview: We will learn about these topics.
· The Enlightenment and its impact on government
· Natural resource consumption
· Geography and the economy
· The growth of cities during the 19th century
· Problems caused by overcrowding in cities
· Working conditions in the new industries
· Political philosophies that developed as a result of the Industrial Revolution
Essential Questions: Here are some things to ask yourselves along the way.
· How did the Enlightenment “spring” from the Scientific Revolution?
· What events forced people to migrate from farms to cities?
· What problems do growing cities face?
· What might the role of government be in solving these problems?
· How did the Industrial Revolution differ from country to country?
Skills List: Here are the skills we will focus on building this term.
Reading History
RH.8.1. Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.
RH.8.2. Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
RH.8.4. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary specific to domains related to history/social studies.
Writing History
WH.8.1. Write arguments focused on history-specific content.
WH.8.2. Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/experiments, or technical processes.
Speaking and Listening
SL.8.1. Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher- led) with diverse partners on subject material, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing your own clearly.
SL.8.2. Analyze the purpose of information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and evaluate the motives (e.g. social, commercial, political) behind its presentation.
Reference Materials: Here are some of the books we will be using.
Spielvogel, Jackson J. World History & Geography: Modern Times. McGraw-Hill, 2011