Grade 6:

The Eastern Hemisphere

Grade 7:

United States and New York State History

Grade 8:

United States and New York State History

U.S. History and Government (Grade 8)

Essential Questions:

Essential Questions:

Essential Questions:

Essential Questions:

• Does Geography determine development?
• To what degree does geography determine culture?
• What role do belief systems play in society?
• Why do civilizations rise and fall?
• How can power, wealth, and religion influence change and development?

• Did the American Revolution accomplish its goals?
• How does a nation respond to economic, political, and social challenges?
• How does a nation balance its own needs and interests with that of other nations?

• What are a nation’s responsibilities to its citizens after major conflict (e.g., civil war…)?
• How do people, policies, and technological advances shape a nation?
• To what degree should a nation be involved in the affairs of other nations?
• How does a nation respond to economic, political, and social challenges?
• How does a nation balance its own needs and interests with that of other nations?
• How do competing powers views of powers and morality lead to global conflict?
• Has the United States lived up to the promise and potential of its history and status?

• What are American foundations for liberty and freedom?
• Was the Civil War inevitable?
• How was America’s response to challenges of growth and progress aligned to its ideals of democracy?
• How does a nation balance its own needs and interests with that of other nations?
• Is there one America or many?