1. Welcome
to
8th Grade Georgia Studies

2. This
upcoming
academic
year will
focus mainly
on historic
development
of our area
beginning with the prehistoric period through
to the present. We will also learn how
government works in our country and state.

3. Georgia Performance Standards
GPS

4. The 8th
grade curriculum is
based on learning information
as it relates to various
“themes”.
There are 9 recurrent
throughout our course of
study.
themes

5. What is a Theme
A theme or concept is a way of organizing
the information you learn. A topic may be
organized into one or more themes. There is
no ONE correct theme.
The themes we utilize will be used throughout
Social Studies in all grade levels. This should
help you to make connections between what
you are learning and what you already know.
Have you ever been
to a theme party?

6. •Conflict and Change
•Distribution of Power
•Governance
•Individuals Groups and Institutions
•Location
•Movement and Migration
•Production, Distribution, Consumption
•Rule of Law
•Technological Innovation

7. Enduring Understandings
• As you learn the themes this year, you will also be
learning an ENDURING UNDERSTANDING
which accompanies each theme.
• The EU is a big idea or generalization that can be
applied to many historical situations and events.
Remembering the EU and Theme will help you
remember the facts in Georgia Studies. The
Themes and EUs help you make connections in
your learning.
• You will also see the EUs again in high school.

8. Production, Distribution, and
Consumption
• The student will understand that the
production, distribution, and consumption of
goods/services produced by the society are
affected by the location, customs, beliefs, and
laws of the society. (EU)
• What are some of the products produced or
manufactured in your area?
• How are these products distributed to other areas?

9. Production, Distribution, Consumption: The
student will understand that the production,
distribution, and consumption of goods/services
produced by the society are affected by the location,
customs, beliefs, and laws of the society.
Hmmm this sounds sort of
familiar!… Which of the earlier
themes does this relate to?

10. (Theme) Conflict and
Change: The student will
understand that when
there is conflict between
or within societies,
change is the result.
(Enduring Understanding)
Discuss how topics and ideas within this video reflect the
idea stated above and answer Essential Questions (next slide)
Watch video clip:
More Safety, Less
Liberty: 1 min 46 sec

11. Conflict and Change
• Students will understand that when there is
conflict between or within societies, change is
the result. (EU)
• How might conflict among family members result
in change for that family?
• What conflict has occurred in your community
and how was it resolved?
• Why has there been a change of government in
Iraq? How did that change occur?

12. Technological Innovation: The student will
understand that technological innovations
have consequences, both intended and
unintended, for a society. Physical affects
Of an Atomic
Bomb Explosion

13. Technological Innovation
• The student will understand that technological
innovations have consequences, both intended
and unintended, for a society. (EU)
• How has access to the Internet both benefited and
harmed schools?
• What technological innovations have impacted the
way you are taught and the way you study?

14. Governance: The student will understand that as a
society increases in complexity and interacts with
other societies, the complexity of the government also
increases. See video clip- Sumerian Government
Power, Governance,
and Authority in the
Sumerian City State
2min 13 secs
Power, Governance, and Authority in the
Sumerian City State
2min 13 secs

15. GOVERNANCE
• The student will understand that as a society
increases in complexity and interacts with
other societies, the complexity of the
government also increases. (EU)
• How might rules, responsibilities, and
expectations change when there is a change in
your family (new sibling, divorce, grandparent
moving in)?
• How do rules change in sports from when you
are young to professional sports?

16. Rule of Law:
The student
will
understand that
in a
democracy,
rule of law
influences the
behavior of
citizens,
establishes
procedures for
making
policies, and
limits the
power of
government.
Rights and
Responsibility
of Citizens

17. Rule of Law
• The student will understand that in a
democracy, rule of law influences the behavior
of citizens, establishes procedures for making
policies, and limits the power of government.
(EU)
• What prevents teachers or police from abusing
their power?
• Why should you (or shouldn’t you) have all laws
and rules written down in an official document?
See video clips on the Constitution in folder.

18. Bill_of_Rights__U_S__Supreme_Court.asf
Distribution of Power: The student will
understand that distribution of power in
government is a product of existing documents
and laws combined with contemporary values
and beliefs. See video clip on separation of powers in folder.

19. Distribution of Power
• The student will understand that
distribution of power in government is a
product of existing documents and laws
combined with contemporary value and
beliefs. (EU)
• Why is the power structure at your school
set up the way it is?
• How is power divided in your family?

20. Individuals, Groups,
Institutions: The student
will understand that the
actions of individuals,
groups, and/or institutions
affect society through
intended and unintended
consequences.

21. Individuals, Groups, and Institutions
• Read the Jackie Robinson letter to President
Kennedy.
• Why do you think Jackie Robinson wrote
this letter?
• Do you think it had any unintended or
intended consequences?

22. Individuals, Groups, and Institutions
• The student will understand that the actions of
individuals, groups, and/or institutions affect
society through intended and unintended
consequences. (EU)
• How might the actions of a few students bring
consequences for an entire class?
• What decisions have you made in your life that
have had intended or unintended consequences

23. Location: The student will understand that
location affects a society’s economy, culture,
and development.

24. LOCATION
The student will understand that location
affects a society’s economy, culture, and
development. development. (EU)
• How do your activities change depending on
where you go on vacation?
• How do your activities changed depending on
where you choose to spend your free time?
• What are some differences between city (urban)
and country (rural) areas?

25. Movement/Migration: The student will
understand that the movement or
migration of people and ideas affects all
societies involved.
What does the Statue of Liberty
symbolize? Where is it found?
See video clip
in folder.

26. Movement and Migration
• The student will understand that the
movement or migration of people and
ideas affects all societies involved. (EU)
• How does your class change when a new
student moves in?
• What impact do you have on your
community?