Social Studies — Grade 8

British migration to Roanoke: Push and pull factors

In Two worlds: Educator's guide, page 4.1

In this lesson, students will examine the push/pull factors that led settlers to attempt to settle Roanoke Island in the 1580s.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Social Studies)

By Pauline S. Johnson.

Archaeobotany

In Intrigue of the Past, page 2.6

Students will use pictures of seeds, an activity sheet, and a graph to identify seven seeds and the conditions in which they grow. They will also infer ancient plant use by interpreting archaeobotanical samples and determine changing plant use by Native North Carolinians by interpreting a graph of seed frequency over time.

Format: lesson plan (grade 4–5 and 8 Science and Social Studies)

Analyzing primary sources: John White and the "lost colonists"

In Two worlds: Educator's guide, page 4.3

In this lesson, students will read about John White's attempt to find the "lost colonists" in 1590, and will practice thinking critically and analyzing primary source documents.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Social Studies)

By Pauline S. Johnson.

Analyzing North Carolina's natural history

In Two worlds: Educator's guide, page 1.4

These two short activities will allow students to examine the changes that occurred as the earth formed and assess their impact on what is now North Carolina.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Science and Social Studies)

By Pauline S. Johnson.

Analyzing historical maps of North Carolina

In this lesson students will analyze historical maps and will use their knowledge of history, observation skills, and inference to draw conclusions about the events that affected the geographic development of North Carolina over time.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Social Studies)

By Loretta Wilson.

Resources on the web

Myth and Truth: "The First Thanksgiving"

By exploring myths surrounding the Wampanoag, the pilgrims, and the first Thanksgiving, this lesson asks students to think critically about commonly believed myths regarding the Wampanoag Indians in colonial America. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 8 English Language Arts and Social Studies)

Provided by: IRA/NCTE

From forest to farm and back again

How did pioneer farmers manage the landscape? Students will examine, interpret, and analyze physical and cultural patterns of forest use and management over a 300-year period. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Social Studies)

Provided by: Forest History Society

Discovering North Carolina: A colonial map webquest

Using historical maps of North Carolina and other primary sources now published online, students complete a webquest in which they describe the colony of North Carolina for the King of England and imagine they are explorers in his employ. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Social Studies)

Provided by: UNC Libraries