SO 2356: Social Studies 7

Quarter 1

Quarters 1 & 2

Quarter 2

Quarters 2 & 3

Quarters 3 & 4

Quarter 4

Unit Title and Time

Life After the Civil War:

Units 1 & 2

(4 weeks)

The Shine and the Shadows of the Industrial Age in America

Units 3, & 4

(8 weeks)

The United States on a Global Stage in the Early 20th Century

Units 5 & 6

(6 weeks)

The Ups and Downs of the 20s, 30s, and 40s

Units 7 & 8

(7 weeks)

Fighting for the Democratic Ideal in the World and at Home

Units 9, 10 & 11

(9 weeks)

Chasing Innovations and the Pursuit of Status

Unit 12

(2 weeks)

Image Cue

Focus of the Story

We begin by examining the extent to which opportunities  changed for a variety of people after  the Civil War. We wrestle with why the new rights of freed  peoples didn’t result in more meaningful  change.  

Next, we investigate the challenges and accomplishments of immigration, industrialization, and urbanization. We explore the drama associated with many reform movements during this time that led to considerable change.  

We shift our focus to conflict and alliances  with other nations.  We examine foreign policy to better understand our  motivations in growing our influence in the world. 

We return our attention to what’s happening at home as we analyze  the cultural and economic impacts on daily life during the 1920s and 30s. 

Next we examine our role in world conflicts as the champion of democracy. We reckon with the need to address democratic ideals at home, which leads to civil rights movements.

Finally, we explore innovations both nationally and globally to examine  American influence in the world.  

Transfer Goals

It is important to note that each transfer goal is likely to be present in each unit.  The emphasis, however, will be placed on the ones explicitly identified.

THINK: Comprehend how (evidence-based) sources and perspectives can clarify and contradict key information to better understand core issues (across contexts) in the past and present. (Knowledgeable, Thinkers and Inquirers, Cross-Culturally Competent)

ACT: Communicate effectively based on purpose, task, and audience using valid and reliable information with accurate and relevant details* (Problem Solvers and Value Creators, Knowledgeable)

ENGAGE: Engage in respectful discourse to exchange and process diverse information, ideas, and points of view in order to inform one’s own perspective and explanation (Communicators and Collaborators; Personally and Socially Responsible)

ACT: Communicate effectively based on purpose, task, and audience using valid and reliable information with accurate and relevant details* (Problem Solvers and Value Creators, Knowledgeable)

QUESTION: Ask and pursue a line of questioning based on curiosity, prior knowledge, personal experience, and ongoing research to establish patterns, draw well-reasoned conclusions, or take actions. (Knowledgeable, Thinkers and Inquirers, Problem Solvers and Value Creators)

ACT: Communicate effectively based on purpose, task, and audience using valid and reliable information with accurate and relevant details* (Problem Solvers and Value Creators, Knowledgeable)

ENGAGE: Engage in respectful discourse to exchange and process diverse information, ideas, and points of view in order to inform one’s own perspective and explanation (Communicators and Collaborators; Personally and Socially Responsible)

ACT: Communicate effectively based on purpose, task, and audience using valid and reliable information with accurate and relevant details* (Problem Solvers and Value Creators, Knowledgeable)

QUESTION: Ask and pursue a line of questioning based on curiosity, prior knowledge, personal experience, and ongoing research to establish patterns, draw well-reasoned conclusions, or take actions. (Knowledgeable, Thinkers and Inquirers, Problem Solvers and Value Creators)

ACT: Communicate effectively based on purpose, task, and audience using valid and reliable information with accurate and relevant details* (Problem Solvers and Value Creators, Knowledgeable)

CONNECT: Demonstrate civic and social practices through interactions with others and self-reflection in service of an interdependent global community. (Personally and Socially Responsible, Resilient Learners)

ACT: Communicate effectively based on purpose, task, and audience using valid and reliable information with accurate and relevant details* (Problem Solvers and Value Creators, Knowledgeable)

Learning Targets

• I can  use artifacts and other sources to describe the ways in which the end of the Civil War impacted Americans in the North, South and moving West.
• I can interpret maps to recognize key geographic features and describe how they influence movement west.

• I can determine the cause-effect relationships that show the impact of immigration and industrialization on society
• I can compare and  contrast  the immigrant experience, working conditions, industrialists and reformers to draw conclusions.
• I can use social, political, economic and environmental evidence of the industrial era to make generalizations. 

• I can determine the cause-effect relationships that caused conflict during the late 1880s and early 1900s.
• I can compare political perspectives to describe issues resulting in imperialism and war.
• I can interpret maps to recognize key geographic features and describe how they influenced war.

• I can use an analysis tool to interpret artifacts and sources to determine the vast differences between the 1920s, 1930s and into the 1940s.
• I can  use artifacts and other sources to explain social, economic, and political change .
• I can determine the cause-effect relationships that caused American involvement in World War II.
• I can interpret maps to recognize key geographic features and describe how they influenced

• I can compare and contrast the cultural differences between the United States and foreign adversaries to draw conclusions.
• I can use a decision-making model to determine the costs and benefits for social groups during the Civil Rights Era.

• I can  use an analysis tool to interpret artifacts and other sources to describe the ways in which America impacted the global economy, as well as its influence in social, political and environmental spheres.