In eighth grade social studies, students explore the history of the United States and New York State from the Industrial Era to the present.
By the end of the school year, all students should be able to:
■ Analyze the causes and effects of the various waves of immigration to the United States, public policies regarding immigration, and the contributions of immigrants.
■ Use diverse sources to seek multiple perspectives. For example, did all residents believe the United States should enter World War I or II?
■ Examine and debate the advantages and disadvantages of the Industrial Revolution.
■ Understand the changes to America’s workforce as the nation became more industrialized. For example, explain the changes in the number of farm workers during the early years of the 20th century compared to the number of factory workers.
■ Explain the reasons for African-American migration from the southern to the northern United States in the first half of the 20th century.
■ Investigate the factors that helped the United States become a world economic power between World War I and World War II.
■ Compare the different economic climates that existed in the United States during the 1920s and the 1930s, for example, the end of the wartime economy of World War I, the growth of the industrial economy and factories, and the development of science and technology.
■ Discuss how scarce resources during the Great Depression, World War II, and other periods affected life in the United States.
■ Know and appreciate the contributions of famous leaders of the Civil Rights movement, such as Martin Luther King, Jr.; Rosa Parks; and Malcolm X.
Learning at Home
Talk with your child about the career opportunities that are open to young people today. How are they different from what was available when you were their age? Talk with your child about the skills needed to get a good job today.
Together, investigate the New York Public Library’s Web site for New York City history at kids.nypl.org/newyork/newyorkhistory.cfm. Talk about how each borough grew and changed in the industrial age.
Explore the development of New York City’s famous subway system at www.nycsubway.org. Together, consider how a subway or other rapid transit system contributes to the economic growth of a city. Also use the site to learn about the art in our stations.
Encourage your child to talk with a great-grandparent or other relative who participated in World War II. Record the conversation and submit it to the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project, www.loc.gov/vets.