Sept.

Citizenship and Government

1. Democratic government depends on informed and engaged citizens who exhibit civic skills and values, practice civic discourse, vote and participate in elections, apply inquiry and analysis skills and take action to solve problems and shape public policy.

7.1.1.1.1        

Exhibit civic skills including participating in civic discussion on issues in the contemporary United States, demonstrating respect for the opinions of people or groups who have different perspectives, and reaching consensus.  For example: Civic skills—speaking, listening, respecting diverse viewpoints, evaluating arguments. Controversial issues—First Amendment in the school setting, mandatory voting.

What traits are required in order for a democratic government to work? Why?

How can civic skills be used to promote respect, dialog, debate and understanding?

What are differences in the civic rights of Americans in a school setting vs. outside of school (in adult life)?

Civics in Action Unit Test

Civics in Action notes and lessons. Rights and Responsibility lessons. Future Fright video and lesson. Do I Have a Right (pocket lawfirm) iCivics.org

Sept.

3. The United States is based on democratic values and principles that include liberty, individual rights, justice, equality, the rule of law, limited government, common good, popular sovereignty, majority rule and minority rights.

7.1.2.3.1        

Identify examples of how principles expressed in the Declaration of Independence and Preamble to the Constitution have been applied throughout United States history, including how they have evolved (if applicable) over time.  For example: Equality, liberty, First Amendment rights, criminal rights, civil rights.

In what ways do the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution promote democratic values and principles?

Civics in Action Unit Test/assignments

Review Declaration of Independence assignment, civics in action notes, goals of preamble pictoral.

Oct.

 5. Individuals in a republic have rights, duties and responsibilities.

7.1.3.5.1        

Explain landmark Supreme Court decisions involving the Bill of Rights and other individual protections; explain how these decisions helped define the scope and limits of personal, political and economic rights.  For example: Brown v. Board of Education, Tinker v. Des Moines, Mapp v. Ohio, Miranda v. Arizona.

What are examples of the rights, duties, and responsibilities that we have as citizens? What is the importance of these landmark supreme court rulings in our daily lives?

Civics in Action Unit Test

PBS Supreme Ct. landmark cases web Quest

A day in the life

timeline

Oct.

6. Citizenship and its rights and duties are established by law.  

7.1.3.6.1        

Describe the components of responsible citizenship including informed voting and decision making, developing and defending positions on public policy issues, and monitoring and influencing public decision making.

How are the rights and duties of citizenship different? What is required of Americans to be considered an informed voter?

Civics in Action Unit Test

Civics in Action notes

Rights and Responsibilites lesson; online lesson on voter information, candidates, and poll information

Oct.

7.1.3.6.2        

Compare and contrast the rights and responsibilities of citizens, non-citizens and dual citizens.  For example: Voting, paying taxes, owning property.  

Describe the contract a citizen has with their government. What is the difference between citizens, non-citizens, and dual citizens in how they interact with the government?

Civics in Action Unit  Test

Civics in Action notes, Duties and Responsibilities of Citizens. Citizenship lesson

Oct.

7. The United States government has specific functions that are determined by the way that power is delegated and controlled among various bodies: the three levels (federal, state, local) and the three branches (legislative, executive, judicial) of government.

7.1.4.7.1        

Describe historical applications of the principle of checks and balances within the United States government.  For example: Johnson's impeachment, Roosevelt's court packing plan, War Powers Resolution.

How does our system of checks and balances work? Describe the power each branch has over the others.

Civics in Action Unit Test

Checks and Balances political cartoon assignment.

Oct.

8. The primary purposes of rules and laws within the United States constitutional government are to protect individual rights, promote the general welfare and provide order.

7.1.4.8.1        

Analyze how the Constitution and the Bill of Rights limits the government and the governed, protects individual rights, supports the principle of majority rule while protecting the rights of the minority, and promotes the general welfare.  For example: Miranda v. Arizona, Ninth and Tenth Amendments, Civil Rights Act of 1964.

How do our laws protect individual rights? How does the Constitution balance the function of government and the rights of individuals?

Civics in Action Unit  Test

Constitution matrix assignment, Bill of Rights scenario assignment, Do I have a Right? iCivics game

Oct.

7.1.4.8.2        

Describe the amendment process and the impact of key constitutional amendments.

Describe the process of making a change to our Constitution.

Civics in Action Unit  Test

Civics in Action notes. Classroom Amendment simulation

Oct.

10. Free and fair elections are key elements of the United States political system.

7.1.4.10.1        

Analyze how changes in election processes over time contributed to freer and fairer elections.  For example: Fifteenth, Seventeenth, and Nineteenth Amendments; Voting Rights Act of 1965; redistricting.

How have citizen, in the past, been prevented from participating in elections? What changes to our Constitution ensure US citizens have the right to vote? What is the significance of expanding the voting population in the US?

Civics in Action Test, assignments

Civics in Action notes, election simulation, electoral map

Nov.

11. The United States establishes and maintains relationships and interacts with indigenous nations and other sovereign nations, and plays a key role in world affairs.  

7.1.5.11.1        

Describe diplomacy and other foreign policy tools; cite historical cases in which the United States government used these tools.

What is role of the United States of America in world affairs? What are the foreign policy tools the US uses to improve diplomatic relationships with other countries?

Civics in Action Unit Test.

Civics in Action notes, BIA articles, World Affairs articles, current events, news, discussion

May

Economics  

1. People make informed economic choices by identifying their goals, interpreting and applying data, considering the short- and long-run costs and benefits of alternative choices and revising their goals based on their analysis.

7.2.1.1.1

Apply reasoned decision-making techniques in making choices; explain why different households or groups faced with the same alternatives might make different choices.  For example: Techniques—PACED decision-making process (Problem, Alternative, Criteria, Evaluation, Decision), benefit-cost analysis, marginal analysis, consideration of sunk costs, results of behavioral economics.

What are the principles of economic reasoning?

Economics Test

Economics Notes, snack crackers activity. Opportunity costs discussion.

May

3. Because of scarcity individuals, organizations and governments must evaluate trade-offs, make choices and incur opportunity costs.

7.2.3.3.1        

Explain how items are allocated or rationed when scarcity exists.  For example:  Sugar, gasoline and other goods rationed by coupons during WWII; Social Security benefits rationed by personal characteristic (age); goods rationed by “first-come, first-served” policy in former Soviet Union; many things rationed by price.

How does scarcity affect people's lives? What impact an we, as individuals, have on scarcity?

Economics Test

Economics Notes, Game of Life & Discussion, supply and demand activity

May

5. Individuals, businesses and governments interact and exchange goods, services and resources in different ways and for different reasons; interactions between buyers and sellers in a market determines the price and quantity exchanged of a good, service or resource.  

7.2.4.5.1        

Describe how the interaction of buyers (through demand) and sellers (through supply) determines price in a market.  For example: Cotton prices during the Civil War, Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) embargo in the 1970s.

What is the role of government in the U.S. economy? What drives demand? What drives supply? How does supply and demand influence each other?

Economics Test

Economics notes, supply/demand activity and chart, current events articles and discussion.

May

6. Profit provides an incentive for individuals and businesses; different business organizations and market structures have an effect on the profit, price and production of goods and services.  

7.2.4.6.1        

Describe profit as an incentive for an individual to take the risks associated with creating and producing new goods or starting a business in an existing market; give examples of how the pursuit of profit can lead to undesirable, as well as desirable, effects.  For example: Individuals—Henry Ford (Ford Motor Company), Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates (Microsoft), Martha Stewart, Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook). Undesirable effects—Ponzi schemes; exploitation of people, the environment, natural resources.  

How do households and firms interact in a free market economy? What motivates entrepreneurs to create and produce new products? What risks do entrepreneurs face?

Economics Test

Economics notes, student teaching activity (notecards)

November

Geography        

1. People use geographic representations and geospatial technologies to acquire, process and report information within a spatial context.

7.3.1.1.1        

Create and use various kinds of maps, including overlaying thematic maps, of places in the United States; incorporate the “TODALSS” map basics, as well as points, lines and colored areas to display spatial information.  For example: “TODALSS” map basics—title, orientation, date, author, legend/ key, source, and scale. Spatial information—cities, roads, boundaries, bodies of water, regions.

How do we use the information that makes up “TODALSS” to interpret maps of the United States?

Westward Expansion Test & maps

Louisiana Purchase Map, 1833 Expansion Map, various time period maps

December

History        

2. Historical inquiry is a process in which multiple sources and different kinds of historical evidence are analyzed to draw conclusions about how and why things happened in the past.

7.4.1.2.1        

Pose questions about a topic in United States history, gather and organize a variety of primary and secondary sources related to the questions, analyze sources for credibility and bias; suggest possible answers and write a thesis statement; use sources to draw conclusions and support the thesis; present supported findings, and cite sources.

How do historians go about their work? How do primary sources help historians better understand specific events, places, or people in history? How does secondary materials support and influence historians findings?

Civil War Research Project, Decades Project

Civil War Research Project

Decades Project research, use of primary and secondary material

Nov.-April

4. The differences and similarities of cultures around the world are attributable to their diverse origins and histories, and interactions with other cultures throughout time.  

7.4.2.4.1

        Compare and contrast the distribution and political status of indigenous populations in the United States and Canada; describe how their status has evolved throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.  

What were some of the treaties made between the US government and American Indian tribes? How did they affect American Indian culture?

Westward Expansion Unit Test

Westward expansion notes,

America: The Story of US video guide

Nov./Dec.

18. Economic expansion and the conquest of indigenous and Mexican territory spurred the agricultural and industrial growth of the United States; led to increasing regional, economic and ethnic divisions; and inspired multiple reform movements. (Expansion and Reform: 1792-1861)

7.4.4.18.1        

Describe the processes that led to the territorial expansion of the United States, including the Louisiana Purchase and other land purchases, wars and treaties with foreign and indigenous nations, and annexation.(Expansion and Reform: 1792-1861)  For example: Tecumseh’s War, Adams-Onis Treaty of 1819, Texas annexation, Oregon Trail, “Manifest Destiny” concept

What were some of the negative aspects of the expansion of the U.S.? What were some of the positive aspects of the expansion of the U.S.? Did the ideals of Manifest Destiny lead to Americans desire to expand their territory?

Westward Expansion Test, maps, assignments

Westward expansion notes, Lewis & Clark video, Louisiana Purchase Map, Westward Expansion Map, Mexican Land Gains Map.

January

7.4.4.18.2        

Identify new technologies and innovations that transformed the United States' economy and society; explain how they influenced political and regional development. (Expansion and Reform: 1792-1861)  For example: Cotton gin, power loom, steam engine, railroad.

How did the Industrial Revolution change where people worked? How did the inventions and innovations, during this time, change how people worked?

Industrializing America Unit Test.

Industrializing America digital curriculum, Inventions Group Project, Progressive Y or N

Dec.

7.4.4.18.3        

Identify causes and consequences of Antebellum reform movements including abolition and women's rights. (Expansion and Reform: 1792-1861)  For example:  Second Great Awakening, Underground Railroad, 1848 Seneca Falls convention, Ten-Hour movement.

Why were reforms movements so popular during this time period? What areas did reformers want to refine or improve? What policies brought about change in America?

Industrializing America test

Reform Movements jig-saw, Progressive Y or N

Jan./Feb.

19. Regional tensions around economic development, slavery, territorial expansion and governance resulted in a Civil War and a period of Reconstruction that led to the abolition of slavery, a more powerful federal government, a renewed push into indigenous nations’ territory and continuing conflict over racial relations. (Civil War and Reconstruction: 1850-1877)

7.4.4.19.1        

Cite the main ideas of the debate over slavery and states' rights; explain how they resulted in major political compromises and, ultimately, war. (Civil War and Reconstruction: 1850-1877)  For example: Missouri Compromise, Nullification Crisis, Compromise of 1850, Bleeding Kansas.

What were the key compromises over slavery in the territories? What trigger events led to the Civil War? What divided the North and South?

Causes of the Civil War Test

Causes of the Civil War lesson, reading, and discussion.

Jan./Feb.

7.4.4.19.2        

Outline the major political and military events of the Civil War; evaluate how economics and foreign and domestic politics affected the outcome of the war. (Civil War and Reconstruction: 1850-1877)

What major battles had a lasting impact on the war? What technological advantages did the North have? Compare/Contrast the economic differences between the North and the South.

Civil War Research Project

North/South T-chart. Amerca:The Story of US: Civil War. Civil War battle matrix. Civil war in 4 video lessons.

Jan./Feb.

7.4.4.19.3

Describe the effects of the Civil War on Americans in the north, south and west, including liberated African-Americans, women, former slaveholders and indigenous peoples. (Civil War and Reconstruction: 1850-1877)  For example: Reconstruction, Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments, Black Codes, sharecropping, National and American Woman Suffrage Associations, Homestead Act.

What were the economic effects of the Civil War? What were social effects? How did the Civil War change the West? What did the Civil War bring to minority groups in America?

Ex. Women, slaves, American Indians….

Civil War Research Project

Civil War article/discussion, major names of the Civil War lesson, Effects of the Civil War Q and A.

March

20. As the United States shifted from its agrarian roots into an industrial and global power, the rise of big business, urbanization and immigration led to institutionalized racism, ethnic and class conflict and new efforts at reform. (Development of an Industrial United States: 1870-1920)

7.4.4.20.1

"Explain the impact of the United States Industrial Revolution on the production, consumption and distribution of goods. (Development of an Industrial United States: 1870-1920)

For example: Iron and steel industries, transcontinental railroad, electric lighting, Sears Roebuck & Co.

"

How did the steel industry make an impact on industry in the U.S.?

How did the railroad impact the consumption and distribution of goods.

What other changes did the Ind. Rev. bring to the way Americans made, sold, and purchased goods?

Industrializing America pt. 2 Test

Industrializing America notes, America: The Story of US: Heartland/Cities.  Big Business slides project

March

7.4.4.20.2

"Analyze the consequences of economic transformation on migration, immigration, politics and public policy at the turn of the twentieth century. (Development of an Industrial United States: 1870-1920)

For example: The “New Immigration” from Eastern and Southern Europe, “Great Migration” of African Americans to the North, Tammany Hall, Sherman Anti-Trust Act.

"

What policy changed the numbers of immigrants entering the US?

Why did immigrants seek US citizenship?

What role did immigrants play in transforming the US economy?

Industrializing America pt. 2 Test

Industrializing America Notes, America: The Story of US: Heartland/Cities.  Ellis Island timeline and tour. Progressive: Y or N?

March

7.4.4.20.3        

"Compare and contrast reform movements at the turn of the twentieth century. (Development of an Industrial United States: 1870-1920)

For example: Progressivism (Civil Service reform, Settlement House movement, National Consumers League, muckrakers),  American Federation of Labor, Populism, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Why did several reform movements begin during this time period? What purpose did the reform movements have? Compare/Contrast the various reform movements.

Industrializing America Test

Progressives Notes, America: The Story of US: Heartland/Cities.

Progressives article, Progressive: Y or N?

March

7.4.4.20.4        

"Analyze the effects of racism and legalized segregation on American society, including the compromise of 1876, the rise of ""Jim Crow,"" immigration restriction, and the relocation of American Indian tribes to reservations. (Development of an Industrial United States: 1870-1920)

For example: Withdrawal of federal troops from the South in 1877, Southern “redeemer” governments, 1892 Plessy v. Ferguson decision, 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, 1887 Dawes Allotment Act.

How did Southern states continue to restrict the rights of African-Americans?

How were Native American groups treated at this time?

Civil War Test

Post Civil War Reconstruction discussion and assignment.

March

7.4.4.20.5        

"Describe the strategies used by suffragists in their campaigns to secure the right to vote; identify the Nineteenth Amendment. (Development of an Industrial United States: 1870-1920)

For example: National American Woman Suffrage Association, National Woman’s Party.

How did suffragists work to get women the right to vote?

Industrializing America Test

Progressive: Y or N?

April

7.4.4.20.6

"Evaluate the changing role of the United States regarding its neighboring regions and its expanding sphere of influence around the world. (Development of an Industrial United States: 1870-1920)

For example: Spanish-American War, “Big Stick” and Dollar Diplomacy, annexation of Hawaii.

What was the role of the U.S. in the Western Hemisphere?

Industrializing America Test

America: The Story of US: Boom

April

7.4.4.20.7

"Outline the causes and conduct of World War I including the nations involved, major political and military figures, and key battles. (Development of an Industrial United States: 1870-1920)

For example: Submarine warfare, the sinking of the Lusitania, Zimmerman telegram, Russian Revolution, collapse of the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires, trench warfare, First and Second Battles of the Somme, Hundred Days Offensive, Wilson, Pershing, Paris Peace Conference.

"

What events and alliance systems in Europe contributed to the large number of countries  to become involved?

How did WWI change Americans opinion on foreign policy?

What role did the US have in WWI?

WWI-WWII Test

WW I-WW II Notes, America: The Story of US: WWI

iWitness History article jig-saw

April

7.4.4.20.8

"Identify the political impact of World War I, including the formation of the League of Nations and renewed United States isolationism until World War II. (Development of an Industrial United States: 1870-1920)

For example: Senate rejection of the Treaty of Versailles, Red Scare, Industrial Workers of the World, American Civil Liberties Union, urban race riots."

How did WW I change foreign policy in the U.S. after the war?

What was the purpose of the League of Nations?

What was the role of the US in the League of Nations?

WWI-WWII Test

WWI-WWII Notes, America: The Story of US: WWI

WWI notes and discussion

March

21. The economic growth, cultural innovation and political apathy of the 1920s ended in the Great Depression which spurred new forms of government intervention and renewed labor activism, followed by World War II and an economic resurgence. (The Great Depression and World War II: 1920-1945)

7.4.4.21.1        

"Identify causes of the Great Depression and factors that led to an extended period of economic collapse in the United States. (The Great Depression and World War II: 1920-1945)

For example: Farm crisis, overproduction, structural weaknesses in United States economy, 1929 stock market crash, bank failures, monetary policies, mass unemployment, international debt and European economic collapse, Dust Bowl."

What events led to the Great Depression?

WWI-WW II Test

Notes, America: The Story of US: WW I and WW II, Boom/Bust

1930’s notes

Depression photo project

7.4.4.21.2

"Describe the impact of the Great Depression on United States society, including ethnic and racial minorities, and how government responded to events with New Deal policies. (The Great Depression and World War II: 1920-1945)

For example: Bonus Army, “Okie” migration, bread lines and soup kitchens, labor strikes, financial reforms, Works Progress Administration, Reconstruction Finance Corporation, Tennessee Valley Authority, Social Security, the 1932 political realignment."

How did the Great Depression change the way people lived? How did the Great Depression change the way the government worked?

What groups of people were impacted the most from the Great Depression?

WWI-WW II Test

WW I and II Notes,1920’s scavenger hunt, America the Story of US: Boom/Bust, Great Depression Photo project

7.4.4.21.3

"Outline how the United States mobilized its economic and military resources during World War II; describe the impact of the war on domestic affairs. (The Great Depression and World War II: 1920-1945)

For example: Industrial mobilization, rationing, “Rosie the Riveter” and the female labor force, Bracero Program, uses of propaganda."

How did WW II impact the U.S. economy?

How did women help with the war effort? What things did Americans do at home to help with the war effort?

WWI-WW II Test

WW I and II Notes, America the Story of US: WWII, WWII topic jig-saw,

7.4.4.21.4        

"Outline the causes and conduct of World War II including the nations involved, major political and military figures and key battles, and the Holocaust. (The Great Depression and World War II: 1920-1945)

For example: D-Day, Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal, segregated military, Japanese internment camps, development and deployment of the atomic bomb, Roosevelt, Churchill, Stalin."

What were the important battles of the war? Who were the key people? What impact did the knowledge of the Holocaust have on how Americans view genocide?

WWI-WW II Test

WW Iand II Notes, WWII topic jig-saw,America the Story of US: WWII.

WW II major battle marix, The Holocaust lesson,article, and discussion.

April

22. Post- World War II United States was shaped by an economic boom, Cold War military engagements, politics and protests, and rights movements to improve the status of racial minorities, women and America’s indigenous peoples. (Post-World War II United States: 1945-1989)

7.4.4.22.1        

"Identify military and non-military actions taken by the United States during the Cold War to resist the spread of communism. (Post-World War II United States: 1945-1989)

For example: Military actions—Korean War, Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam War. Non-military actions— Marshall Plan, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the “Kitchen Debate,” the Space Race."

How did the U.S. try to combat the spread of communism?

What was the purpose of the Truman doctrine?

What conflicts arose as a result of the US efforts against communism?

Post WWII-Present Test

Decades Project

Post WWII - Present Notes,, America the Story of US: Superpower.

Decades Project

7.4.4.22.2

"Analyze the social and political effects of the Cold War on the people of the United States. (Post-World War II United States: 1945-1989)

For example: Nuclear preparedness, McCarthyism and the Hollywood blacklist, growth of the military-industrial complex, the anti-nuclear and peace movements."

What social problems did the Cold War cause?

How did the Cold War change America’s policy?

How did the Cold War influence the lives of Americans?

Post WWII-Present Test

Decades Project

Post WWII- Present Notes,, America the Story of US: Super Power, Duck and Cover, Nuclear War simulation.

Decades Project.

7.4.4.22.3

"Compare and contrast the involvement and role of the United States in global conflicts and acts of cooperation. (Post-World War II United States: 1945-1989)

For example: Conflicts—Guatemalan civil war, 1979 Iranian Revolution, Cooperation—United Nations, World Bank, United States Agency for International Development, anti-apartheid movement."

Why does the world turn to the US to help in global conflicts and issues? What leadership role does the US play abroad?

Post WWII-Present Test

Post WWII- Present Notes, America the Story of US: Superpower.

Current events and discussions

7.4.4.22.4        

"Explain the economic boom and social transformation experienced by postwar United States. (Post-World War II United States: 1945-1989)

For example: Expanded access to higher education, suburbanization, growth of the middle class, domesticity and the Baby Boom, television, counter culture, Moral Majority."

Why is education and technology so vital to the U.S. economy?

Post WWII-Present Test

Post WWII- Present Notes, America the Story of US: Superpower, President overviews, 1980's powerpoints, 1980's Interview

7.4.4.22.5        

"Describe the changing role of the federal government in reshaping post-war society. (Post-World War II United States: 1945-1989)

For example: G.I. Bill, Fair Deal, New Frontier, Great Society."

How has the role of the U.S. (federal) government changed, and expanded, following WW II?

Post WWII-Present Test

Post WW II-present notes, America the Story of US: Superpower, President overviews, 1980's powerpoints, 1980's/90’s Interview

7.4.4.22.6        

Compare and contrast the goals and tactics of the Civil Rights Movement, the American Indian Movement, and the Women's Rights Movement; explain the advantages and disadvantages of non-violent resistance. (Post-World War II United States: 1945-1989)

Compare/contrast the civil rights movement with other similar minority groups movements. Why are non-violent protests seen as decisive? How did MLK Jr. influence this?

Post WWII-Present Test

Post WW II-present notes, America the Story of US: Super Power, Freedom Summer, MLK jr biography, 1980's powerpoints

23. The end of the Cold War, shifting geopolitical dynamics, the intensification of the global economy and rapidly changing technologies have given renewed urgency to debates about the United States’ identity, values and role in the world. (The United States in a New Global Age: 1980-present)

7.4.4.23.1

Describe how new technologies have changed political, economic and social interactions. (The United States in a New Global Age: 1980-present)

For example: New technologies—changes in media (including telecommunications), medicine, transportation, agriculture. 

Describe how and why technology is important to the U.S. economy.

What role has technology played in reshaping and changing the ways Americans interact?

Post WWII-Present Test

Post WWII- present notes, America the Story of US: Milenium, President overviews, 1980's powerpoints, 1980's Interview, Current events discussion

7.4.4.23.2

Analyze the changing relations between the United States and other countries around the world in the beginning of the twenty-first century. (The United States in a New Global Age: 1980-present)

For example: North American Free Trade Agreement, changing trade policies with China, conflicts in the Middle East, support of developing nations in Africa.   

What is the goal of U.S. foreign policy today?

What organizations play a major role in the way the US interacts with the rest of the world?

Post WWII-Present Test

Post WW II-present notes, America the Story of US: Milenium, President overviews, 1980's powerpoints, 1980's Interview, Current events discussion