LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Social Studies — Grade 8

Goal 8: The learner will evaluate the impact of demographic, economic, technological, social, and political developments in North Carolina since the 1970's.

Objective 8.02. List economic and technological advances occurring in North Carolina since 1970, and assess their influence on North Carolina's role in the nation and the world.

Additional related resources

We’re in the process of aligning our content for students to the Standard Course of Study. As we do, you’ll find it here.

Research Triangle Park
In Recent North Carolina, page 3.1
The Research Triangle Park (RTP) was founded by a committee of government, university, and business leaders as a model for research, innovation, and economic development. By establishing a place where educators, researchers, and businesses come together as collaborative partners, the founders of the Park hoped to change the economic composition of the region and state, thereby increasing the opportunities for the citizens of North Carolina.
Format: article
Key industries: Tobacco
In Recent North Carolina, page 3.9
An overview of the recent history of the tobacco industry in North Carolina.
Format: article
Key industries: Textiles & apparel
In Recent North Carolina, page 3.8
An overview of the recent history and decline of North Carolina's textile industry.
Format: article
Key industries: Information technology
In Recent North Carolina, page 3.7
The information technology industry has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, fueling the American economic boom of the 1990s and subsequent growth and development. This article looks at the growth of that industry in North Carolina
Format: article
Key industries: Furniture
In Recent North Carolina, page 3.5
The traditional North Carolina furniture industry has been experiencing drastic changes in the past decade. This article gives an overview of the industry's history and current state in North Carolina.
Format: article
Key industries: Biotechnology
In Recent North Carolina, page 3.4
Biotechnology is a perfect example of a "new economy" industry, a sector that did not exist as we know it a century ago but is a major economic driver for many national and regional economies today. This article gives an overview of the biotechnology industry in North Carolina.
Format: article
Key industries: Banking and finance
In Recent North Carolina, page 3.3
An overview of the history of the banking industry in North Carolina.
Format: article
The closing of a factory
In Recent North Carolina, page 3.2
In North Carolina History: A Sampler, page 5.8
Excerpts from two oral history interviews about the closing of the White Furniture Factory in Mebane, North Carolina, in the 1990s. Includes historical background.
Format: interview/primary source
Commentary and sidebar notes by L. Maren Wood.

General resources

Aligned lesson plans

Folklife
Students will learn North Carolina folklore, traditions, war activities, local legends, superstitions, food preparation traditions, art, songs and dances which are unique to the area.
Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Social Studies)
By Carolyn Early.

Resources on the web

From forest to farm to urban forest
In this lesson from the Forest History Society in Durham, North Carolina, students examine what happens when the post-war urban development boom crowds out the forest. Students will examine the land use history of Duke Forest from 1930 on, and the variety... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 5–8 Science and Social Studies)
Provided by: Forest History Society
Don't fence me out! (Barriers to trade)
Students explore whether comparative advantage encourages free, unrestricted trade among nations. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Social Studies)
Provided by: National Council on Economic Education