8th Grade U.S. History Assessment

Student Review Reading for SS.7.C.2.8 Identify America's current political parties, and illustrate their ideas about government. Benchmark Clarifications: Students will compare current political parties’ ideas about government. Students will evaluate the impact political parties have on society, government, or the political system. Overview: 1. Identify the two major political parties of the United States and compare their ideas about government. 2. In his Farewell Address, President George Washington warned Americans against political parties: “I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the State...Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally. - President George Washington, Farewell Address, September 19, 1796 Imagine you have the opportunity to explain to President Washington the positive effects of political parties. Using what you have learned during this lesson and using specific examples gathered during your research, write an argument explaining the impact of political parties on society, government or the political system. Convince Washington by citing specific examples and evidence to support your argument.

If the Civil War ended slavery 150 years ago, why are there still racial problems today? This mini ALU will get students really thinking about how history repeats itself through applying their knowledge from the Reconstruction Era to today. The students will research the Reconstruction Plans, and southern reaction to Reconstruction and the effect on race relations; taking into consideration current events such and Ferguson, MO, The Baltimore Riots and The Charleston Shooting and flag debate, develop a plan that would achieve Lincoln’s goal of healing the nation and prevent modern racial issues?

This assignment promotes active reading and critical thinking while reading My Brother Sam is Dead or any novel. The students are always creative with their hashtag summaries, and they are able to practice using the "Notice and Note" fiction signposts as they read. Although designed for this specific novel, this could be adapted to any novel that you are using in your classroom.

I usually post this electronically, and the students complete it as we read the novel. they then submit to me electronically for a grade. This is a fun way for students to think critically about themes, plot, and characters in the novel while making their own personal connections.

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Are you looking to engage your students in the study of FDR's New Deal? This New Deal Matching Game is the perfect way to get your students excited and engaged with history. The game provides slides to guide both the teacher and the student through note-taking, student discussions/debate, and the ‘New Deal Matching Game’.

Instructions: Organize into groups of 3-4 students. Each group will analyze 10 scenarios that will be presented in the next several slides. Fill out the T-chart addressing the following…

1. Which New Deal program(s) is the best match in addressing the problems associated with each scenario? Write in the letter of the card. 

(*You will use each program only once).

2. Acronyms? Write in the abbreviation. 

3. Which of the 3 R’s best applies to each of the scenarios; Relief, Recovery, or Reform? (Hint, scenario #3 is the only one that has two of the R’s)

If you would like to purchase the entire Unit, 'Mystery: What Caused the Great Depression'? (FDR Matching Game is included), click HERE.