West Virginia State Standards for Social Studies: Grade 8

WV.SS.S.1. West Virginia Studies: Citizenship: Students will describe, demonstrate and employ the civic dispositions of good citizenship (Civic Dispositions); develop a respect for symbols, ideas and concepts of the United States and describe the roles of significant individuals (Respect For People, Events, and Symbols); develop and employ the civic skills necessary for effective citizenship by using criteria to make judgments, arrive at and defend positions and evaluate the validity of the positions or data (Evaluation Skills); demonstrate and employ the participatory skills of interacting, monitoring and influencing that are essential for informed, effective and responsible citizenship, including participation in civic life to shape public policy (Participatory Skills); and explain and practice the responsibilities, privileges and rights of United States citizens (Civic Life).

SS.8.1.1. Students will evaluate how citizens can participate in government at the local, state and national levels (e.g., voting, community service, letter writing). 21
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.1.1.

SS.8.1.2. Students will identify and practice forms of civic discussion and participation consistent with the ideals of citizens in a democratic republic. 8
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.1.2.

SS.8.1.3. Students will analyze the effectiveness of selected public policies and citizen behaviors. 25
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.1.3.

SS.8.1.4. Students will explain the relationship between policy statements and action plans used to address issues of public concern. 9
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.1.4.

SS.8.1.5. Students will explain the political process and the opportunities for citizens to influence government. 16
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.1.5.

SS.8.1.6. Students will locate, access, analyze, organize and apply information about selected public issues, recognizing and explaining multiple points of view. 35
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.1.6.

SS.8.1.7. Students will explain and analyze various forms of citizen action that influence public policy (e.g., how groups can work with governmental agencies to impact the development of tourism). 17
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.1.7.

SS.8.1.8. Students will analyze the influence of diverse forms of public opinion on the development of public policy and decision making. 5
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.1.8.

SS.8.1.9. Students will examine the strategies designed to strengthen the common good, which consider a range of options for citizen action. 19
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.1.9.

SS.8.1.10. Students will identify, analyze, evaluate and interpret sources and examples of the responsibilities, privileges and rights of citizens. 14
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.1.10.

SS.8.1.11. Students will explain the role and importance of voting in the democratic process and practice the voting process by participating in a class/school/state mock election. 5
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.1.11.

SS.8.1.12. Students will identify voting as a responsibility and right of citizens, and identify the legal voting age. 14
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.1.12.

SS.8.1.13. Students will identify ways students can participate in the governance of their school and community. 3
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.1.13.

SS.8.1.14. Students will develop and utilize a process to express opinion, resolve problems and/or seek assistance. 13
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.1.14.

SS.8.1.15. Students will examine and analyze a local community and propose ways in which tourism can be developed. 7
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.1.15.

SS.8.1.16. Students will develop a mock bill to promote tourism in West Virginia. 2
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.1.16.

WV.SS.S.2. West Virginia Studies: Civics/Government: Students will identify, examine and analyze the purposes and basic principles of the United States government (Purposes of Government); explain, evaluate and analyze the origins and meaning of the principles, ideals and core democratic values expressed in the foundational documents of the United States (Ideals of United States Democracy); identify, examine and explain the structure, function and responsibilities of governments and the allocation of power at the local, state and national levels (United States Government and Politics); and analyze how the world is organized politically and describe the role and relationship of the United States to other nations and to world affairs (United States Government and World Affairs).

SS.8.2.1. Students will analyze the division of powers and responsibilities of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of United States and West Virginia state government. 25
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.2.1.

SS.8.2.2. Students will identify the elected officials at the national, state and local levels; their requirements; duties; and responsibilities (e.g., President, Governors, Senators, Representatives/Delegates, Members of Board of Public Works, County Commissioners, Mayor/City Council). 16
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.2.2.

SS.8.2.3. Students will examine the amendment process of the West Virginia Constitution. 2
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.2.3.

SS.8.2.4. Students will explain and chart the process of how a bill becomes law in West Virginia (e.g., a bill to promote tourism). 1
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SS.8.2.5. Students will analyze the functions and jurisdictions of the federal, state, local and special courts (e.g., United States Supreme Court, State Supreme Court, circuit courts, magistrate courts, family courts). 14
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.2.5.

SS.8.2.6. Students will identify various types of elections in West Virginia (e.g., primary/general, state/local, partisan/non-partisan). 2
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.2.6.

SS.8.2.7. Students will research and describe how special interest groups influence government and the law-making process in West Virginia (e.g., West Virginia Education Association, United Mine Workers, Division of Tourism). 2
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.2.7.

SS.8.2.8. Students will identify major sources and uses of revenue for state and local governments (e.g., property tax, income tax, fees and licenses, excise tax, levies). 1
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.2.8.

SS.8.2.9. Students will identify and analyze individual rights and privileges protected by the United States and West Virginia constitutions and laws. 5
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.2.9.

SS.8.2.10. Students will explain major principles of American constitutional government (e.g., federalism, separation of powers, the elastic clause, checks and balances, government by consent of the governed, individual rights) and compare to the West Virginia Constitution. 27
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.2.10.

SS.8.2.11. Students will analyze conditions under which constitutional government flourishes. 21
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.2.11.

SS.8.2.12. Students will compare and contrast rights and privileges of the individual citizen. 17
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.2.12.

SS.8.2.13. Students will examine laws passed in a legislative session and list their impact (e.g., tourism, economy, education, health). 16
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.2.13.

WV.SS.S.3. West Virginia Studies: Economics: Students will analyze the role of economic choices in scarcity, supply and demand, resource allocation, decision making, voluntary exchange and trade-offs (Choices); research, critique and evaluate the roles of private and public institutions in the economy (Institutions); compare and contrast various economic systems and analyze their impact on individual citizens (Economic Systems); describe and demonstrate how the factors of production apply to the United States economic system (Factors of Production); analyze the elements of competition and how they impact the economy (Competition); and examine and evaluate the interdependence of global economies (Global Economies).

SS.8.3.1. Students will describe how West Virginia's economic condition affects social conditions (e.g., employment, in/out migration). 2
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.3.1.

SS.8.3.2. Students will define and explain the importance of West Virginia's renewable and non-renewable resources and how absentee ownership of these resources impacts the state's economy. 157
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.3.2.

SS.8.3.3. Students will explain the benefits of trade to West Virginia's economy. 5
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.3.3.

SS.8.3.4. Students will examine economic reasons for the decline of some communities in West Virginia and the economic growth of others. 5
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.3.4.

SS.8.3.5. Students will determine the factors that caused West Virginia to become a leader in the production of salt, coal and electricity. 7
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.3.5.

SS.8.3.6. Students will identify industries and products (e.g., tourism, coal, glass, recreation, agriculture) that are important to the economy of the four regions of West Virginia and how they relate to occupations. 32
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.3.6.

SS.8.3.7. Students will describe and analyze the effects of national and state governmental actions on West Virginia's economy. 9
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.3.7.

SS.8.3.8. Students will describe and analyze the importance of banking in West Virginia's economy (e.g., savings, interest, loans). 9
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.3.8.

SS.8.3.9. Students will analyze and predict the changes in West Virginia's economy and people due to industrial development and debate the issue of industrialization vs. preserving history. 8
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.3.9.

SS.8.3.10. Students will examine the effect of technological changes on West Virginia's economy (e.g., in employment, agriculture, tourism, education, industry). 43
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.3.10.

SS.8.3.11. Students will identify the labor/management strategies that have affected West Virginia's economy (e.g., strikes, boycotts, yellow-dog contracts, injunctions, lock outs). 5
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.3.11.

SS.8.3.12. Students will list some of the major industries in West Virginia and identify representative jobs under each (e.g., manufacturing, mining, tourism, health care). 8
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.3.12.

SS.8.3.13. Students will describe the economic benefit of changing tourist attractions from seasonal to year round (e.g., Snowshoe). 3
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.3.13.

WV.SS.S.4. West Virginia Studies: Geography: Students will interpret, use and construct maps, globes and other geographic tools to locate and derive information about personal directions, people, places and environments (The World in Spatial Terms); describe the physical and human characteristics of place and explain how the lives of people are rooted in places and regions (Places and Regions); describe and explain the physical processes that shape the earth's surface and create, sustain and modify the cultural and natural environment (Physical Systems); identify, explain and analyze how the earth is shaped by the movement of people and their activities (Human Systems); analyze the interaction of society with the environment (Environment and Society); and explain geographic perspective and the tools and techniques available for geographic study (Uses of Geography).

SS.8.4.1. Students will describe West Virginia's location in relationship to the Prime Meridian, Equator, Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn, Arctic and Antarctic Circles. 20
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.4.1.

SS.8.4.2. Students will identify West Virginia's location by latitude and longitude including degrees, minutes and seconds. 31
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.4.2.

SS.8.4.3. Students will identify West Virginia's man-made and natural borders. 13
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.4.3.

SS.8.4.4. Students will identify the four major geographic regions, major rivers, landforms and points of interest in West Virginia. 2
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SS.8.4.5. Students will identify, analyze and discuss West Virginia's geographic regions through reading descriptive literature. 6
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SS.8.4.6. Students will identify the location of West Virginia in relationship to neighboring states and the eastern United States. 18
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SS.8.4.7. Students will identify the counties and major cities of West Virginia on a map. 30
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.4.7.

SS.8.4.8. Students will cite reasons for the development of the West Virginia transportation system. 2
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SS.8.4.9. Students will draw conclusions about climate, landforms and resources in West Virginia's regions using special purpose maps. 48
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.4.9.

SS.8.4.10. Students will explain how the cultural and economic isolation of different areas of the United States and West Virginia have been changed through technological advances (e.g., TV, radio, telephone, computers, highways). 11
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.4.10.

SS.8.4.11. Students will describe West Virginia's climate and its effect on people's lives. 1
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.4.11.

SS.8.4.12. Students will use a map to explain the settlement, exploration and population patterns of West Virginia in relation to geographic features. 3
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.4.12.

SS.8.4.13. Students will identify the geographic factors that led to development of agriculture, coal, glass, chemical, metallurgical and tourism industries in West Virginia. 47
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.4.13.

SS.8.4.14. Students will define region and list various regional configurations found in West Virginia (e.g., geographic, tourist, health, education). 17
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.4.14.

SS.8.4.15. Students will identify the eight tourist regions of West Virginia. 1
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.4.15.

SS.8.4.16. Students will explain how West Virginia's environment affects tourism. 5
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.4.16.

WV.SS.S.5. West Virginia Studies: History: Students will examine, analyze and explain historical relationships using chronology to sequence and organize events and people in history (Chronology); use the processes and resources of historical inquiry to gather, examine, compare, analyze and interpret historical data (Skills and Application); examine, analyze and synthesize historical knowledge of major events, individuals, cultures and the humanities in West Virginia, the United States and the world (Culture and Humanities); use historical knowledge to analyze local, state, national and global interdependence (Interpretation and Evaluation); and examine political institutions and theories that have developed and changed over time (Political Institutions).

SS.8.5.1. Students will list reasons for exploration, routes and discoveries of major explorers on the western Virginia frontier. 35
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.5.1.

SS.8.5.2. Students will sequence the events and incentives for Virginia's expansion west to the Ohio River. 22
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SS.8.5.3. Students will compare and contrast French and English explorers, settlers and settlements on the western frontier. 13
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SS.8.5.4. Students will sequence the events that led to the formation of the state of West Virginia. 17
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SS.8.5.5. Students will identify characteristics of various Native American cultures in West Virginia from the pre-Columbian period to the arrival of Europeans. 7
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.5.5.

SS.8.5.6. Students will identify the types of transportation that facilitated the growth of West Virginia and western expansion. 5
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.5.6.

SS.8.5.7. Students will sequence and analyze the impact of contemporary social, economic and technological developments on people and culture in West Virginia and the United States. 18
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.5.7.

SS.8.5.8. Students will describe and analyze the evolution of the labor movement in West Virginia and the United States. 13
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SS.8.5.9. Students will identify the role of ethnic and racial minorities, women and children in West Virginia's history. 2
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.5.9.

SS.8.5.10. Students will explain reasons for and resulting consequences of conflicts and wars as they pertain to the formation of West Virginia as a state (e.g., French and Indian War, American Revolution, Civil War). 24
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.5.10.

SS.8.5.11. Students will draw conclusions about West Virginia and other areas from various types of charts, graphs, maps, pictures, models and timelines. 29
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.5.11.

SS.8.5.12. Students will describe the cultural conflict between the Europeans and Native Americans as it relates to western Virginia. 4
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.5.12.

SS.8.5.13. Students will explain the effect of immigration on the culture of West Virginia from European settlement through the early twentieth century. 9
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.5.13.

SS.8.5.14. Students will identify men and women in West Virginia who have made significant contributions to our history in the public and/or private sectors (e.g., statehood movement, abolition movement, education, industry, literature, government). 3
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.5.14.

SS.8.5.15. Students will identify and explain the significance of historical experience and of geographical, social and economic factors that have helped to shape both West Virginian and American society. 44
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.5.15.

SS.8.5.16. Students will describe the moral, ethical and legal tensions that led to the creation of the new state of West Virginia and how those tensions were resolved. 2
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.5.16.

SS.8.5.17. Students will identify and locate places of historical importance in West Virginia that can be visited by tourists. 2
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.5.17.

SS.8.5.18. Students will list fairs and festivals in West Virginia that can be attributed to the influence of various cultural groups who have settled in the state. 2
Suggested Titles for West Virginia Social Studies State Standard SS.8.5.18.