Social Studies — Grade 8

A record of school desegregation: Conduct your own oral history project

In this unit for grade 8, students will research the history of school desegregation, and will use their knowledge to conduct oral history interviews with community members. Students will reflect on the experience through writing.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Social Studies)

By Dayna Durbin Gleaves.

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s “I Have A Dream” speech

Students will display their understanding of the symbolism and references that Dr. King used to enrich his famous speech on August 28, 1963 from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial by constructing a “jackdaw,” a collection of documents and objects.

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

By Charlotte Lammers.

Lumbee learning

In Teaching about North Carolina American Indians, page 3.2

Introduction Education for the Lumbee tribe has always been important. After Reconstruction ended and the state of North Carolina began its journey to educate its people, no provisions were made for American Indians. Segregated schools provided education...

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 and 8 English Language Arts and Second Languages)

By Gazelia Carter.

Home is where the hearth is: Using photographs to discuss traditional family roles

In this lesson students will examine pictures of hearths (fireplaces), which used to be the cornerstone of the home and family life. These images, from the Built Heritage Collection at North Carolina State University, will help students use observation skills and inference to draw conclusions about the culture of family life at various points throughout the history of North Carolina and the United States.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Social Studies)

By Loretta Wilson.

Resources on the web

Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Power of Nonviolence

This lesson introduces students to Martin Luther King, Jr.'s philosophy of nonviolence and the teachings of Mohandas K. Gandhi that influenced King's views. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 7–8 English Language Arts and Social Studies)

Provided by: National Endowment for the Humanities

From forest to farm to urban forest

Students examine what happens when the post-war urban development boom crowds out the forest. Students will also reflect on how science and technology have changed people’s perception of the natural world. (Learn more)

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

Provided by: Forest History Society