Connecticut State Standards for Social Studies: Grade 8

CT.1. History: Historical Thinking: Students will develop historical thinking skills, including chronological thinking and recognizing change over time; contextualizing, comprehending and analyzing historical literature; researching historical sources; understanding the concept of historical causation; understanding competing narratives and interpretation; and constructing narratives and interpretation.

1.1. Formulate historical questions based on primary and secondary sources, including documents, eyewitness accounts, letters and diaries, artifacts, real or simulated historical sites, charts, graphs, diagrams and written texts. 26
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.1.

1.2. Gather information from multiple sources, including archives or electronic databases, to have experience with historical sources and to appreciate the need for multiple perspectives. 9
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.2.

1.3. Distinguish between primary and secondary sources. 17
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.3.

1.4. Interpret data in historical maps, photographs, art works and other artifacts. 19
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.4.

1.5. Examine data to determine the adequacy and sufficiency of evidence, point of view, historical context, bias, distortion and propaganda, and to distinguish fact from opinion. 17
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.5.

1.6. Analyze data in order to see persons and events in their historical context, understand causal factors and appreciate change over time. 44
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.6.

1.7. Examine current concepts, issues, events and themes from historical perspectives and identify principle conflicting ideas between competing narratives or interpretations of historical events. 5
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.7.

1.8. Develop written narratives and short interpretative essays, as well as other appropriate presentations from investigations of source materials. 7
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.8.

CT.2. History: Local, United States and World History: Students will use historical thinking skills to develop an understanding of the major historical periods, issues and trends in United States history, world history, and Connecticut and local history.

2.1. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of major events and trends of United States history (e.g., the American Revolution, the Civil War, industrialization, the Great Depression, the cold war). 75
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 2.1.

2.2. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of selected events representing major trends of world history (e.g., emergence of new centers of agrarian society in the 3rd and 2nd millennia BCE, the Black Death, the Columbian voyages, the French Revolution, World War II). 21
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 2.2.

2.3. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of major events and trends in local history (e.g., the Pequot war, establishment of self-government, and disestablishment of the Puritan church, industrialization, waves of in-and-out migration, suburbanization, and racial tensions). 2
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 2.3.

2.4. Locate the events, peoples and places they have studied in time and place (e.g., on a time line and map) relative to their own location. 12
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 2.4.

2.5. Explain the relationships among the events and trends studied in local, state, national and world history. 9
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 2.5.

CT.3. History: Historical Themes: Students will apply their understanding of historical periods, issues and trends to examine such historical themes as ideals, beliefs and institutions; conflict and conflict resolution; human movement and interaction; and science and technology in order to understand how the world came to be the way it is.

3.1. Explain the origins of American religious diversity, showing knowledge of some of the beliefs of native Americans and migrants to the new world and give examples of ways those beliefs have changed over time. 28
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 3.1.

3.2. Explain how roles and status of people have differed and changed throughout history based on gender, age, class, racial and ethnic identity, wealth, and/or social position. 12
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 3.2.

3.3. Describe the emergence of select governmental systems, principles and institutions. 33
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 3.3.

3.4. Describe some of the more common forms of government found in the past, giving examples of societies that have practiced them (e.g., monarchy, oligarchy, clan/tribal, autocracy, dynasty, theocracy, republic, democracy). 34
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 3.4.

3.5. Describe examples of how societies throughout history have used various forms of visual arts, dance, theater, myths, literature and music to express their beliefs, sense of identity and philosophical ideas. 20
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 3.5.

3.6. Explain reasons for conflict and the ways conflicts have been resolved. 57
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 3.6.

3.7. Identify and analyze the various causes and effects of movements of groups of people. 16
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 3.7.

3.8. Explain the significance of the achievements of selected individual scientists and inventors from around the world and from various periods. 18
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 3.8.

3.9. Explain how economic factors influenced historical events in the United States and other regions of the world. 4
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 3.9.

3.10. Describe, explain and analyze the impact of the exchange of ideas on societies, politics, religion, etc. 27
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 3.10.

CT.4. History: Applying History: Students will recognize the continuing importance of historical thinking and historical knowledge in their own lives and in the world in which they live.

4.1. Initiate questions and hypotheses about historic events being studied. 10
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 4.1.

4.2. Describe and analyze, using historical data and understandings, the options which are available to parties involved in contemporary conflicts or decision making. 4
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 4.2.

4.3. Be active learners at cultural institutions such as museums and historical exhibitions. 1
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 4.3.

4.4. Display empathy for people who have lived in the past. 34
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 4.4.

4.5. Describe relationships between historical subject matter and other subjects they study, current issues and personal concerns. 17
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 4.5.

CT.1. Civics and Government: United States Constitution and Government: Students will apply knowledge of the U.S. Constitution, how the U.S. system of government works and how the rule of law and the value of liberty and equality have an impact on individual, local, state and national decisions.

1.1. Demonstrate an under-standing of the historical background of the Declaration of Independence 9
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.1.

1.2. Explain how the Constitution divides the power of government among the executive, legislative and judicial branches, and how each branch can check the power of another. 17
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.2.

1.3. Explain how and why powers are distributed among the national, state and local governments. 16
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.3.

1.4. Identify their representatives in national and state legislatures, and the heads of the executive branch at the national, state and local levels. 4
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.4.

1.5. Understand the process of how a bill becomes a law. 6
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.5.

1.6. Explain how an individual's rights to life, liberty and property are protected by the Constitution and criminal and civil laws. 17
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.6.

1.7. Describe means of conflict management, including negotiation, mediation, arbitration and litigation. 17
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.7.

1.8. Describe how the public agenda is shaped by political leaders and parties, interest groups, the media, public opinion, state and federal courts, and individual citizens. 20
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.8.

CT.2. Civics and Government: Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens: Students will demonstrate knowledge of the rights and responsibilities of citizens to participate in and shape public policy, and contribute to the maintenance of our democratic way of life.

2.1. Describe how one becomes a citizen of the United States. 11
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 2.1.

2.2. Explain the meaning of political rights (e.g., right to vote, right to assemble) as distinguished from personal rights (e.g., freedom of speech, freedom of movement). 13
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 2.2.

2.3. Evaluate situations involving conflicts between rights and propose solutions to these conflicts. 13
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 2.3.

2.4. Identify significant characteristics of an effective citizen and know how to influence public policy by participating in the government of their school. 19
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 2.4.

2.5. Research an issue of interest and be able to take and defend a position on that issue. 18
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 2.5.

2.6. Identify and apply criteria useful in selecting political leaders at the local, state and national levels. 17
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 2.6.

CT.3. Civics and Government: Political Systems: Students will explain that political systems emanate from the need of humans for order, leading to compromise and the establishment of authority.

3.1. Describe and compare unlimited and limited government. 30
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 3.1.

3.2. Explain the meaning of civic life, politics and government. 35
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 3.2.

3.3. Compare and evaluate forms of government found outside the United States. 29
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 3.3.

3.4. Describe the role of the U.S. Constitution in the limitation of government powers. 2
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 3.4.

CT.4. Civics and Government: International Relations: Students will demonstrate an understanding of how the major elements of international relations and world affairs affect their lives and the security and well-being of their community, state and nation.

4.1. Describe the organization of the world into nation-states and describe some ways that nation-states interact with one another. 8
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 4.1.

4.2. Explain what foreign policy is and give examples of United States foreign policy. 16
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 4.2.

4.3. Describe the influence of U.S. political, economic and cultural ideas on other nations and the influence of other nations' ideas on the United States. 26
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 4.3.

4.4. Evaluate the impact of significant international events on the United States and on other nations. 26
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 4.4.

4.5. Describe the roles of the three branches of U.S. government in developing and conducting foreign policy. 20
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 4.5.

4.6. Describe how foreign policy decisions may affect domestic groups and organizations. 21
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 4.6.

4.7. Describe how domestic groups and organizations seek to influence foreign policy decisions. 16
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 4.7.

CT.1. Geography: Places and Regions: Students will use spatial perspective to identify and analyze the significance of physical and cultural characteristics of places and world regions.

1.1. Describe human and natural characteristics of places and how they shape or place identity. 15
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.1.

1.2. Describe the process and impact of regional change. 7
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.2.

1.3. Examine ways in which regions are interconnected. 9
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.3.

1.4. Identify and evaluate various perspectives associated with places and regions. 6
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.4.

1.5. Explain and assess how culture affects perception of places and regions. 20
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.5.

1.6. Use latitude and longitude to locate places and calculate differences between places. 11
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.6.

1.7. Locate natural and cultural features in their own and nearby communities, in the United States and in other regions of the world, as needed, to answer geographic questions. 25
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.7.

1.8. Demonstrate how personal knowledge and experiences influence an individual's perception of places. 26
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.8.

CT.2. Geography: Physical Systems: Students will use spatial perspective to explain the physical processes that shape the Earth's surface and its ecosystems.

2.1. Understand how concepts of physical geography can be applied to explain natural processes. 9
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 2.1.

2.2. Understand and apply how natural processes influence the formation and location of resources. 8
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 2.2.

2.3. Use basic climatic and other physical data to understand how natural processes shape environ-mental patterns. 10
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 2.3.

2.4. Explain local and world patterns of ecosystem distribution. 2
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 2.4.

CT.3. Geography: Human Systems: Students will interpret spatial patterns of human migration, economic activities and political units in Connecticut, the nation and the world.

3.1. Explain the patterns and characteristics of human migrations at various levels. 15
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 3.1.

3.2. Explain how patterns of international trade change technology, transportation and communication, and affect economic activities and human migration. 10
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 3.2.

3.3. Analyze the formation, characteristics and functions of urban, suburban and rural settlements. 6
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 3.3.

3.4. Identify processes that divide Earth's surface into different political and economic units from local to international levels. 5
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 3.4.

CT.4. Geography: Human and Environmental Interaction: Students will use geographic tools and technology to explain the interactions of humans and the larger environment, and the evolving consequences of those interactions.

4.1. Explain the essential features and functions of maps, globes, photographs, geographic models and satellite images. 13
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 4.1.

4.2. Make maps, globes, models, charts and geographic databases. 14
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 4.2.

4.3. Compare and contrast differences among maps, globes, photographs, models and satellite images for solving geo-graphic problems. 13
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 4.3.

4.4. Use maps, globes, models, graphs, charts and data-bases to analyze distributions and patterns. 15
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 4.4.

4.5. Describe human and natural characteristics of places and how they shape or lace identity. 13
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 4.5.

4.6. Draw a freehand map from memory of increasing and appropriate complexity to display geographic information and answer geographic questions. 10
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 4.6.

4.7. Demonstrate and explain ways that humans depend on, adapt to and alter the physical environment. 7
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 4.7.

4.8. Identify the ways ecosystems are transformed through physical and human activities, and can predict the consequences of these activities. 60
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 4.8.

CT.1. Economics: Limited Resources: Students will demonstrate that because human, natural and capital resources are limited, individuals, households, businesses and governments must make choices.

1.1. Compare the resources used by various cultures, countries and/or regions throughout the world. 37
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.1.

1.2. Explain that households, businesses, governments and societies face scarcity just as individuals do. 2
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.2.

1.3. Define opportunity and cost, giving examples. 4
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.3.

1.4. Present historical and current controversies about the use of resources. 41
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.4.

1.5. Illustrate how resources can be used in a variety of ways. 36
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.5.

1.6. Explain economic growth as a sustained increase in the production of goods and services, and that Gross Domestic Product is the basic measure of economic output. 2
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.6.

1.7. Explain how technological change and innovation improves a society's productivity and economic growth. 21
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 1.7.

CT.2. Economics: Economic Systems: Students will demonstrate that various economic systems coexist, and that economic decisions are made by individuals and/or governments, influenced by markets, cultural traditions, individuals and governments in the allocation of goods and services.

2.1. Explain how different economic systems (traditional, market and command use different means to produce, distribute and exchange goods and services. 6
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 2.1.

2.2. Explain that all countries' economies reflect a mix of market, command and traditional elements. 6
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 2.2.

2.3. Describe the relationships among demand, supply and price and their roles in a market system. 4
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 2.3.

2.4. Identify how fundamental characteristics of a market system (e.g., private property, profits and competition, businesses, labor, banks and government) influence decision making. 6
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 2.4.

2.5. Identify governmental activities that affect the local, state, national and international economy. 11
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 2.5.

2.6. Describe how, in a market system, government enforces property rights and provides for standardized systems (e.g., weights and measures, and money). 7
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 2.6.

2.7. Analyze the impact of government taxing and spending decisions on specific individuals, businesses, organizations and groups. 8
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 2.7.

CT.3. Economics: Economic Interdependence: Students will demonstrate how the exchange of goods and services by individuals, groups and nations create economic interdependence and change.

3.1. Explain how specialization leads to more efficient use of economic resources and economic growth. 19
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 3.1.

3.2. Explain why trade encourages specialization. 6
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 3.2.

3.3. Explain how specialization increases interdependence among producers, consumers and nations and consequently leads to a higher standard of living. 7
Suggested Titles for Connecticut Social Studies State Standard 3.3.