What does a student learn in StateMassachusetts,GradeGrade 8,SubjectSocial Studies?

Demonstrate civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions, including the values and habits of participation in a constitutional democracy.

Develop focused questions or problem statements and conduct inquiries using multiple sources.

Organize information and data from multiple primary and secondary sources to support analysis and argumentation.

Analyze the purpose and point of view of each source, distinguishing opinion from fact and acknowledging bias.

Evaluate the credibility, accuracy, and relevance of each source used to develop claims.

Argue or explain conclusions, using valid reasoning and evidence drawn from primary and secondary sources.

Determine next steps and take informed action when appropriate.

Analyze change and continuity across United States, Massachusetts, and world history.

Use maps, photographs, and geographic tools to investigate places, regions, and human-environment interactions, including in Massachusetts.

Analyze multiple perspectives on historical events using evidence from primary and secondary sources.

Analyze causes and consequences of historical events and construct historical arguments using evidence.

Analyze the foundational principles, institutions, and practices of constitutional democracy in the United States and Massachusetts.

Analyze the rights and responsibilities of citizens and practice civic skills needed for participation in public life.

Analyze how citizens and civic institutions shape public policy at the local, state, and federal levels.

Apply economic reasoning to evaluate alternatives and their costs and benefits.

Analyze how markets, prices, and competition allocate resources locally, nationally, and globally.

Apply principles of personal financial literacy, including saving, spending, credit, and investing.