Vermont State Standards for Social Studies: Grade 8

VT.6.1. Critical Evaluation: Causes and Effects in Human Societies: Students examine complex webs of causes and effects in relations to events in order to generalize about the workings of human societies, and they apply their findings to problems.

H&SS7-8:1. Grade Level Expectation: Social and Historical Questioning: Students initiate an inquiry by:

7-8:1.a. Asking focusing and probing questions that will lead to independent research and incorporate concepts of personal, community, or global relevance (e.g., What are the causes of low voter turnout? What are the most effective ways to improve voter participation?). 2
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:1.a.

H&SS7-8:2. Grade Level Expectation: Hypothesis/Research Statement: Students develop a hypothesis, thesis, or research statement by:

7-8:2.a. Predicting results, proposing a choice about a possible action, or exploring relationships between facts and/or concepts. 2
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:2.a.

H&SS7-8:3. Grade Level Expectation: Research Plan: Students design research by:

7-8:3.a. Identifying the quality and quantity of information needed, including primary and secondary sources. 16
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:3.a.

7-8:3.b. Identifying tools and procedures needed for collecting, managing, and examining information, including a plan for citing sources (e.g., establishing a time line or schedule for research, identifying places to find possible sources). 7
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:3.b.

7-8:3.c. Determining possible ways to present data (e.g., Power-Point, hypercard, report, graph, etc.). 8
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:3.c.

H&SS7-8:4. Grade Level Expectation: Conducting Research: Students conduct research by:

7-8:4.a. Referring to and following a detailed plan for an inquiry. 2
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:4.a.

7-8:4.b. Locating relevant materials such as print, electronic, and human resources. 3
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:4.b.

7-8:4.c. Applying criteria from the plan to analyze the quality and quantity of information gathered (e.g., judging the accuracy of different accounts of the same event). 2
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:4.c.

7-8:4.d. Describing evidence and recording observations using notecards, videotape, tape recorders, journals, or databases. 8
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:4.d.

7-8:4.e. Revising the research plan and locating additional materials and/or information, as needed. 3
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:4.e.

7-8:4.f. Citing sources. 7
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:4.f.

H&SS7-8:5. Grade Level Expectation: Conducting Research: Students develop reasonable explanations that support the research statement by:

7-8:5.a. Organizing and display information in a manner appropriate to the research statement through tables graphs, maps, dioramas, charts, narratives, posters timelines, models, simulations, and/or dramatizations. 16
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:5.a.

7-8:5.b. Determining the validity and reliability of the document or information. 15
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:5.b.

7-8:5.c. Choosing and using appropriate methods for interpreting information, such as comparing and contrasting, summarizing, illustrating, generalizing, sequencing, synthesizing, analyzing, and/or justifying (e.g., analyzing information to determine why two historical accounts of the same event might differ.) 21
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:5.c.

7-8:5.d. Revising explanations as necessary based on personal reflection, peer critique, expert opinion, etc. 7
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:5.d.

H&SS7-8:6. Grade Level Expectation: Students make connections to research by:

7-8:6.a. Formulating recommendations and/or making decisions based on evidence. 2
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:6.a.

7-8:6.b. Using their research results to support or refute the original research statement. 2
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:6.b.

7-8:6.c. Proposing solutions to problems based on their findings, and asking additional questions. 2
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:6.c.

7-8:6.d. Identifying problems or flaws with the research plan and suggesting improvements (e.g., identifying additional types of information that could strengthen an investigation). 2
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:6.d.

7-8:6.e. Proposing further investigations. 2
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:6.e.

H&SS7-8:7. Grade Level Expectation: Students communicate their findings by:

7-8:7.a. Developing and giving oral, written, or visual presentations for various audiences. 6
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:7.a.

7-8:7.b. Soliciting and responding to feedback. 6
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:7.b.

7-8:7.c. Pointing out possibilities for continued or further research. 2
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:7.c.

H&SS7-8:8. Grade Level Expectation: Students connect the past with the present by:

7-8:8.a. Explaining differences between historic and present day objects in the United States and/or the world, and evaluating how the use of the object and the object itself changed over time (e.g., comparing modes of transportation used in past and present exploration in order to evaluate impact and the effects of those changes). 8
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:8.a.

7-8:8.b. Describing ways that life in the United States and/or the world has both changed and stayed the same over time, and explaining why these changes have occurred (e.g., In what ways would the life of a teenager during the American Revolution be different from the life of a teenager today? What factors have contributed to these differences?). 9
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:8.b.

7-8:8.c. Investigating and evaluating how events, people, and ideas (democracy, for example) have shaped the United States and the world, and hypothesizing how different influences could have led to different consequences (e.g., How did the ideals of Greek democracy impact the world? How has European colonialism influenced race relations in Africa?). 3
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:8.c.

H&SS7-8:9. Grade Level Expectation: Students show understanding of how humans interpret history by:

7-8:9.a. Identifying different types of primary and secondary sources (for example, visual, literary, and musical sources), and evaluating the possible biases expressed in them (e.g., analyzing Paul Revere's engraving of the Boston Massacre). 15
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:9.a.

7-8:9.b. Reading and interpreting historic maps. 20
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:9.b.

7-8:9.c. Evaluating the credibility of differing accounts of the same event(s) (e.g., account of the Revolutionary War from a colonist's perspective vs. British perspective; the bombing of Hiroshima from the perspective of a Japanese citizen vs. an American soldier). 16
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:9.c.

7-8:9.d. Evaluating attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in different historical contexts (e.g., examining how religious values have influenced historic events). 25
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:9.d.

7-8:9.e. Identifying how technology can lead to a different interpretation of history (e.g., DNA evidence, forensic analysis of a battle site). 14
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:9.e.

H&SS7-8:10. Grade Level Expectation: Students show understanding of past, present, and future time by:

7-8:10.a. Identifying the beginning, middle, and end of an historical narrative or story. 3
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:10.a.

7-8:10.b. Constructing time lines of significant historical developments in the nation and world, designating appropriate equidistant intervals of time and recording events according to the order in which they occurred. 8
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:10.b.

7-8:10.c. Interpreting data presented in time lines. 8
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:10.c.

7-8:10.d. Measuring and calculating calendar time by days, weeks, months, years, decades, centuries, and millennia (e.g., How long ago did people first come to North America?). 11
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:10.d.

7-8:10.e. Understanding a variety of calendars (e.g., Islamic, Jewish, Chinese) and reasons for their organizational structures (e.g., political, historic, religious). 8
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:10.e.

7-8:10.f. Making predictions and/or decisions based on an understanding of the past and the present (e.g., after analyzing past events, determining what steps can impact the future). 12
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:10.f.

7-8:10.g. Identifying important events in the United States and/or world, and describing multiple causes and effects of those events. 37
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:10.g.

7-8:10.h. Explaining transitions between eras that occurred over time (e.g. independence of African nations) as well as those that occurred as a result of a pivotal event (e.g., the invention of the automobile and the light bulb). 12
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:10.h.

7-8:10.i. Identifying why certain events are considered pivotal and how they cause us to reorder time (e.g., the explosion of the atom bomb and the beginning of the nuclear age; September 11, 2001). 5
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:10.i.

VT.6.7. Geography: Geographical Knowledge: Students use geographical knowledge and images of various places to understand the present, communicate historical interpretations, develop solutions for problems, and plan for the future.

H&SS7-8:11. Grade Level Expectation: Students interpret geography and solve geographic problems by:

7-8:11.a. Identifying characteristics of states, countries, and continents using resources such as landmarks, models, different kinds of maps, photographs, atlases, internet, video, reference materials, GIS and mental mapping. 12
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:11.a.

7-8:11.b. Observing, comparing, and analyzing patterns of national, and global land use (e.g., agriculture, forestry, industry) to understand why particular locations are used for certain human activities. 8
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:11.b.

7-8:11.c. Locating the physical, political, and cultural regions of the United States and the world (e.g., Sub-Sahara, Middle East, Eurasia). 14
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:11.c.

7-8:11.d. Locating and using absolute and relative location, and explaining why selected cities are of historical and current importance (e.g., Palestine; Moscow). 12
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:11.d.

7-8:11.e. Using absolute and relative location to identifying major mountain ranges, major rivers, and major climate and vegetation zones and the effects of these on settlement patterns (e.g., Appalachian Mountain's effect on westward movement; overgrazing; Palestinian/Israeli conflict). 12
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:11.e.

7-8:11.f. Interpreting a variety of effective representations of the earth such as maps, globes, and photographs and project future changes (e.g., physical, political, topographic, computer generated, and special purpose maps). 12
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:11.f.

7-8:11.g. Identifying and using basic elements of a variety of maps. 12
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:11.g.

7-8:11.h. Using grid systems to locate places on maps and globes (e.g., longitude and latitude). 12
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:11.h.

7-8:11.i. Comparing and contrasting spatial patterns or landforms using geographic resources (e.g., comparing water usage between nations). 12
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:11.i.

H&SS7-8:12. Grade Level Expectation: Students show understanding of human interaction with the environment over time by:

7-8:12.a. Describing how human activity and technology have changed the environment in the U.S. and world for specific purposes (e.g., development of urban environments, genetic modification of crops, flood control, reforestation). 45
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:12.a.

7-8:12.b. Generating information related to the impact of human activities on the physical environment (for example, through field studies, mapping, interviewing, and using scientific instruments) in order to draw conclusions and recommend actions (e.g., damming the Yangtze River). 32
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:12.b.

7-8:12.c. Evaluating different viewpoints regarding resource use in the U.S. and world (e.g., debating drilling for oil in a national wildlife refuge). 37
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:12.c.

7-8:12.d. Examining multiple factors in the interaction of humans and the environment (e.g., population size, farmland, and food production). 8
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:12.d.

7-8:12.e. Recognizing patterns of voluntary and involuntary migration in the U.S. and world. 6
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:12.e.

7-8:12.f. Using information to make predictions about future migration. 3
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:12.f.

H&SS7-8:13. Grade Level Expectation: Students analyze how and why cultures continue and change over time by:

7-8:13.a. Identifying and comparing expressions of culture in Vermont, the U.S., and the world through analysis of various modes of expression such as poems, songs, dances, stories, paintings, and photographs (e.g., identifying how the Japanese art of Gyotaku [fish printing] reflects history and culture). 6
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:13.a.

7-8:13.b. Describing the contributions of various cultural groups to the world, both past and present. 21
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:13.b.

7-8:13.c. Analyzing how location and spatial patterns influence the spread of cultural traits (e.g., comparing clothing, food, religion/values, government, and art across four ancient cultures in relation to location). 22
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:13.c.

7-8:13.d. Identifying ways in which culture in the United States and the world has changed and may change in the future (e.g., the spread of Islam). 21
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:13.d.

VT.6.9. Citizenship: Meaning of Citizenship: Students examine and debate the meaning of citizenship and act as citizens in a democratic society.

H&SS7-8:14. Grade Level Expectation: Students act as citizens by:

7-8:14.a. Comparing the rights and responsibilities of citizenship in another country to those of the U.S. (e.g., after reading accounts of elections in news articles, compare voting rights) 30
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:14.a.

7-8:14.b. Identifying the various ways people become citizens of the U.S. (e.g., birth, naturalization). 4
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:14.b.

7-8:14.c. Giving examples of ways people act as members of a global community (e.g., collecting used textbooks for countries in need). 10
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:14.c.

7-8:14.d. Demonstrating positive interaction with group members (e.g., working with a group to design a lesson teaching younger students about rights and responsibilities). 15
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:14.d.

7-8:14.e. Identifying problems, proposing solutions, and considering the effects of a course of action in the local community, state, nation, or world. 12
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:14.e.

7-8:14.f. Explaining and defending their own point of view on issues that affect themselves and society, using information gained from reputable sources (e.g. communism vs. democracy; war vs. economic sanctions). 22
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:14.f.

7-8:14.g. Explaining and critically evaluating views that are not one's own. 15
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:14.g.

7-8:14.h. Giving examples of ways in which political parties, campaigns, and elections provide opportunities for citizens to participate in the political process. 14
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:14.h.

7-8:14.i. Illustrating how individuals and groups have brought about change locally, nationally, or internationally (e.g., interview someone involved in civil union legislation). 13
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:14.i.

7-8:14.j. Demonstrating how identity stems from beliefs in and allegiance to shared political values and principles, and how these are similar and different to other peoples (e.g. Northern Ireland/Republic; socialism; capitalism). 5
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:14.j.

7-8:14.k. Establishing rules and/or policies for a group, school, or community, and defending them (e.g., dress code policies, establishing a skate board park). 15
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:14.k.

H&SS7-8:15. Grade Level Expectation: Students show understanding of various forms of government by:

7-8:15.a. Describing how rules and laws are created (e.g., participating in a simulation about creating a new law). 11
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:15.a.

7-8:15.b. Identifying key documents on which U.S. laws are based and where to find them (e.g., Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, U.S. Constitution). 1
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:15.b.

7-8:15.c. Describing how government decisions impact and/or relate to their lives. 10
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:15.c.

7-8:15.d. Identifying the basic functions, structures and purposes of governments within the United States. 10
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:15.d.

7-8:15.e. Describing the basic principles of American democracy (e.g., right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; responsibility for the common good; equality of opportunity and equal protection of the law; freedom of speech and religion). 1
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:15.e.

7-8:15.f. Defining criteria for selecting leaders at the school, community, state, national and international levels. 15
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:15.f.

H&SS7-8:16. Grade Level Expectation: Students examine how different societies address issues of human interdependence by:

7-8:16.a. Analyzing a current or historic issue related to human, rights, and explaining how the values of the time or place influenced the issue (e.g. Kosovo, China, Vietnam). 3
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:16.a.

7-8:16.b. Analyzing how shared values and beliefs can maintain a subculture (e.g., political parties, religious groups). 23
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:16.b.

7-8:16.c. Describing the purposes and functions of governmental and nongovernmental international organizations (e.g., the United Nations, NATO, International Red Cross, Amnesty International). 7
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:16.c.

7-8:16.d. After examining issues from more than one perspective, defining and defending the rights and needs of others in the community, nation, and world (e.g. AIDS in Africa; One Child Policy in China; nuclear waste disposal). 15
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:16.d.

7-8:16.e. Analyzing differences and similarities among people that arise from factors such as cultural, ethnic, racial, economic, and religious diversity, and describing their costs and benefits. 3
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:16.e.

7-8:16.f. Citing examples, both past and present, of how diversity has led to change (e.g., immigration of Cubans into Miami). 10
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:16.f.

7-8:16.g. Identifying examples of interdependence among states and nations (e.g., transportation systems). 10
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:16.g.

7-8:16.h. Analyzing behaviors that foster global cooperation among groups and governments (e.g., lowering trade barriers). 13
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:16.h.

7-8:16.i. Explaining conditions, actions, and motivations that contribute to tensions and/or conflict within and among individuals, communities, and nations (e.g., investigating the relationship between poverty and conflict). 63
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:16.i.

7-8:16.j. Explaining ways in which conflicts can be resolved peacefully (e.g., assimilation/separatism; affirmative action; diplomacy). 6
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:16.j.

H&SS7-8:17. Grade Level Expectation: Students examine how access to various institutions affects justice, reward, and power by:

7-8:17.a. Comparing how different groups gain or have been denied access to various institutions, and describing the impact this has had on these groups in the US and other countries (e.g., Property ownership for voting, ageism, access to education; affirmative action, due process, petition). 21
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:17.a.

7-8:17.b. Identifying and describing examples of tensions between belief systems and government policies and laws, and identifying ways these tensions can be reduced (e.g., Gambling on reservations; neutrality of Switzerland; humanitarian aid). 46
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:17.b.

VT.6.15. Economics: Knowledge of Economic Principles: Students use the basic principles of economics to interpret local, state, national, and international economic activity.

H&SS7-8:18. Grade Level Expectation: Students show an understanding of the interaction/ interdependence between humans, the environment, and the economy by:

7-8:18.a. Explaining how goods and services around the world create economic interdependence between people in different places (e.g., writing a persuasive essay about the effects of importing oil, exporting labor, etc.). 3
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:18.a.

7-8:18.b. Examining how producers in the U.S. and/or world have used natural, human, and capital resources to produce goods and services, and predicting the long term effects of these uses (e.g., describing how the use of petroleum products will impact the production of hybrid vehicles; examining how the use of human resources in the U.S. has changed over time). 11
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:18.b.

7-8:18.c. Drawing conclusions about how choices within an economic system affect the environment in the state, nation, and/or world (e.g., decisions to build 'box' stores and new roads). 42
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:18.c.

H&SS7-8:19. Grade Level Expectation: Students show understanding of the interconnectedness between government and the economy by:

7-8:19.a. Identifying goods and services provided by local, state, national, and international governmental and/or nongovernmental organizations (e.g., Red Cross, UN peacekeeping efforts, etc.). 13
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:19.a.

7-8:19.b. Evaluating the costs and benefits of government economic programs to both individuals and groups (e.g., debate the pros and cons of welfare programs). 14
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:19.b.

7-8:19.c. Explaining the relationship between taxation and governmental goods and services in the U.S. and/or world (e.g., how much of the federal budget is devoted to international aid?). 8
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:19.c.

7-8:19.d. Recognizing that governments around the world create their own currency for use as money (e.g., examining foreign currency for cultural and political symbols). 2
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:19.d.

7-8:19.e. Recognizing that a change in exchange rates changes the relative price of goods and services between two countries (e.g., track the cost in dollars of ordering a Big Mac in Paris over a three week period).

H&SS7-8:20. Grade Level Expectation: Students make economic decisions as a consumer, producer, saver, investor, and citizen by:

7-8:20.a. Define and apply basic economic concepts such as supply and demand, price, market and/or opportunity cost in an investigation of a regional, national, or international economic question or problem (e.g., In Colombia, what could be an alternative agricultural product to coca?). 5
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:20.a.

7-8:20.b. Examining the causes and long-term effects of people's needs and/or wants exceeding their available resources, and proposing possible solutions (e.g., examining long term effects of population issues in China and India). 2
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:20.b.

7-8:20.c. Comparing price, quality, and features of goods and services. 4
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:20.c.

7-8:20.d. Analyzing influences on buying and saving (e.g., media, peers). 1
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:20.d.

7-8:20.e. Analyzing factors involved in the production of a product or service (e.g., developing a business plan for community fundraising). 11
Suggested Titles for Vermont Social Studies State Standard 7-8:20.e.