8th Grade Social Studies Curriculum – U.S. History

In their final year of middle school social studies, students wrap up U.S. history with the major events and changes that shaped the nation from Reconstruction onward. 

This final course connects earlier lessons to more recent history and deepens student understanding of how the United States developed socially, politically, and economically.

Sample Lesson

You can find more lessons about social studies for eighth grade on YouTube at The Miacademy Learning Channel!

Is my student ready for social studies in 8th grade?

Before beginning eighth-grade U.S. History, we recommend students complete a seventh-grade social studies curriculum, such as our U.S. History 1 course.

Your student is likely ready for eighth-grade social studies if they: 

1. Know the basic causes and outcomes of the American Revolution and why independence mattered
   
2. Can identify the three branches of government and explain basic rights in the Bill of Rights
   
3. Understand the role slavery played in shaping the economy and politics of early America
   
4. Know the sequence of major events leading up to the Civil War and the years they occurred (1861-1865)
   
5. Can locate states, regions (North, South, West), and major cities on a map
   
6. Can read short historical documents like speeches, letters, or excerpts with some guidance
   
7. Recognize how one historical event can lead to another — for example, how slavery contributed to the Civil War
   
8. Can understand that different people may view the same event in different ways
   
9. Are open to learning about difficult or emotional parts of history, like racism and war, in age-appropriate ways
   
10. Are able to find key facts in a reading passage and take brief notes to summarize them.

8th Grade U.S. History Worksheets – PDF Download

Each video lesson has an accompanying PDF with fun social studies activities to extend learning beyond the screen with a hands-on approach!

Click here to download a free sample PDF of our U.S. History 2 study guide:

What are the 8th grade social studies standards?

Social studies for eighth graders focuses on key events in U.S history from the Declaration of Independence to the period after WWII. Miacademy breaks U.S. History into two courses over seventh and eighth grade, so students can get a comprehensive overview of everything from discovery up to the 1960s. 

By the end of the year, students should be able to:

• Understand the purpose and key ideas of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights
• Provide the reasons for the Revolution and how independence was achieved
• Describe how the federal system works, including the roles of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches
• Explain westward expansion, Native American displacement, and key reform movements like abolition and women’s suffrage
• Describe the economic, political, and social divisions between the North and South that led to the Civil War
• Understand the major causes, events, and consequences of the Civil War and the efforts to rebuild the South afterward
• Discuss the rights and duties of citizenship, including voting and public service
• Describe how the early U.S. economy developed and how trade, labor, and industry evolved over time
• Discuss key leaders and changemakers, like Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, Abraham Lincoln, and Susan B. Anthony.
• Describe how the U.S. interacted with other nations, including the War of 1812 and territorial acquisitions
• Use primary and secondary sources, timelines, and critical thinking skills to further understand how history is written and interpreted

Standards can vary by state, so be sure to check what’s required where you live.

Scope and Sequence

U.S. History 2: Reconstruction — 1960s

Together, U.S. History 1 and 2 prepare students for high school courses in geography, world history, and U.S. history. 

In eighth-grade U.S. History 2, students will explore the period following the American Civil War through to post-World War II. 

This course focuses on analyzing Reconstruction policies, westward expansion, the causes and effects of both world wars, the economic and social changes of the Progressive era and Great Depression, and postwar American society in the 1950s with the onset of the Cold War.

Choosing the Best Middle School Social Studies Curriculum

By the end of our U.S. History courses, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of American history from early exploration through the 1960s. Through interactive lessons, practice with analyzing primary sources, and creative projects, students can learn at their own pace, solidifying their knowledge and making connections of their own.

Plus, one of the best things about our homeschool social studies curriculum is its flexibility! You get full customization over your lesson plans and assignments to fit your child’s unique learning needs. Students can skip what they already know and dive right into new challenges!

Miacademy offers a comprehensive, accredited curriculum for K-12, providing the right level of challenge for your child at every stage. From learning the days of the week to learning about government and citizenship, our curriculum grows with your child to continually meet their unique learning needs.

Whether you homeschool full time or are looking to supplement a public school education, we’re here to support you! Wondering if Miacademy can be a good fit for your student? Start a chat with one of our friendly customer service agents below! They’ll be happy to help you with any questions you may have.