The history of the United States begins with our nation's earliest settlers and ends with exploration issues related to immigration today. Topics of study include: European explorers, settlers to America, immigration and its impact on our economy, origins of the U.S. government, how our country works together to promote principles of democracy and the promise of freedom and justice for all.

Emphasis is placed on the Constitution, daily current events and preparation for the first year of high school. Curriculum standards for 6th, 7th and 8th grade social studies are available at Standards. Students are expected to understand basic writing principles, basic research skills and possess the desire to learn how important the study of their government is so that they may become contributing members of their society.

CAMPAIGN 2008, C-SPAN's comprehensive site on the Road to the Whitehouse. Includes historic elections, speeches, ads, the electoral college (See small map below) and an online quiz.

• The Story of Our Flag Includes a 10 point quiz.
• The Interactive Constitution
• An Introduction to the US Government
• What is the Preamble to the Constitution?
• Historic Documents and Resources. Includes historic speeches, addresses and papers.
• The American Journey, Glencoe McGraw-Hill Social Studies Text.
• Student Programmed Worksheets.
• C-Spans American Presidents.
• The Cabinet
• Federal Agencies
• Your Representatives in Washington D.C.
• Anna Eshoo (14th Congressional District)
• Jackie Speier (12th Congressional District)
• How does the House of Representatives work?
• Your Senators in Washington D.C.
• Barbara Boxer
• Diane Feinstein
• Executive Branch. Take the Oath of Office
• How does the Senate work?
• Legislative Branch.The 108th Congress, The Senate and The House of Representatives.
• Judicial Branch
• The Supreme Court of the United States
• U.S. Supreme Court Justices
• Government Salaries and Presenting a Brief before the Supreme Court, 12/01/2000.
• California State and Local Government
• How a Bill becomes a Law in California
• The U.S. Senate Floor Plan
• Project Vote Smart
• Checks and Balances
• Civil War
• Selected Civil War Photographs from the Library of Congress
• Civil War Maps. From West Point. Includes a chronology of campaigns.
• Ellis Island
• Entering the US, 1892-1924. With all your belongings.
• Index of Inventors
• Edisonia
• The Invention Factory Try your luck with motion pictures.
• History students celebrate 100 years of flight.
• The Little Rock Nine monograph. Read about the incredible events that took place at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1957.
• Building The Transcontinental Railroad
• World War II Resource Site. Includes National World War II Memorial and D-Day 60th Anniversary links.
• Election 2008 C-SPAN's Legislative Branch
• Election 2008 C-SPAN's Executive Branch
• Election 2008 C-SPAN's Judicial Branch. C-SPAN sites include up to date election coverage, interviews, and an online quiz on each branch of government. Test yourself!

Check here for updated daily assignments

Check here for current Extra Credit.

Trimester projects will include:

• Play the Bill of Rights Game
• Take the Citizenship Quiz
• The Constitution Community.
• Checks and Balances Diagram.
• The American President Research Project.
• How a Bill becomes a Law
• Filibuster and Cloture
• The Committees
• Amendment Poster
• Vote Smart Activities 1-8. This includes Who Represents Me? Quiz.
• Design a coin

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