In 8th grade, the 3 units in social studies are guided overarching questions that support the standards and content listed below. PowerStandards Civics SS.CV.2.6-8.MdC: Explain the origins, functions, and structure of government with reference to the U.S. Constitution, Illinois Constitution and other systems of government. SS.CV.4.6-8.MdC: Analyze the ideas and principles contained in the founding documents of the United States and other countries, and explain how they influence the social and political system. SS.CV.1.6-8.MC: Evaluate the powers and responsibilities of citizens, political parties, interest groups, and the media. SS.CV.3.6-8.LC, MdC, MC: Compare the means by which individuals and groups change societies, promote the common good, and protect rights. History SS.H.4.6-8.MC: Organize applicable evidence into a coherent argument about the past. Essential and Supporting Questions What were the circumstances that led to the Constitutional Convention? How does the Constitution limit the power of government? How has the role of government in…

In 7th grade, the 5 units in social studies are guided overarching questions that support the standards and content listed below. PowerStandards Financial Literacy SS.EC.FL1.6-8:MdC: Identify how people choose to buy goods and services while still maintaining a budget based on income, taxes, savings, and fixed and variable interest rates. Supporting Questions and Essential Understandings How can a budget be used to achieve financial goals as well as manage spending?  What are the steps in planning a budget?  What is the difference between gross and net pay? What are the differences between fixed, variable, and occasional expenses? Students will be able to…  Explain how income and savings relate to budget. Create a basic budget Explain how a budget affects choices individuals make in the market Understand how a budget is created and how it can support good financial decision making PowerStandards Economic Decision Making SS.EC.1.6-8.MdC: Explain how external benefits and…

In 6th grade, the 3 units in social studies are guided overarching questions that support the standards and content listed below. PowerStandards Geography  SS.G.1.6-8.MdC: Use mapping and graphing to represent and analyze spatial patterns of different environmental and cultural characteristics. SS.G2.6-8.MdC: Compare and contrast the cultural and environmental characteristics of different places or regions. SS.G.3.6-8.LC: Explain how environmental characteristics impact human migration and settlement.  SS.G.4.6-8.LC: Identify how cultural and environmental characteristics vary among regions of the world. History SS.H.1.6-8.LC: Classify series of historical events and developments as examples of change and/or continuity.  SS.H.2.6-8.LC: Explain how and why perspectives of people have changed over time SS.H.3.6-8.MdC: Detect possible limitations in the historical record based on evidence collected from different kinds of historical sources. SS.H.4.6-8.LC: Explain multiple causes and effects of historical events   Essential Question:  How do humans control their environment to have their needs met?  Supporting Questions: In what ways…