AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUBJECT/COURSE: American History
IPG: Sixth Six Weeks
GRADE LEVEL: 8
MAJOR CONCEPT #1: Conflict
Overarching Historical events, movements and significant people cause conflict.
Idea
Guiding
Questions
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To what degree do political leaders influence the onset of conflicts?
How does the interpretation of events and situations affect conflict?
What economic, political and social difficulties arise after a conflict?
What is the impact of losing or winning a conflict for the different groups in a society?
MAJOR CONCEPT #2: Order
Overarching People create governments with rules and laws to promote justice and provide order.
Idea
Guiding
Questions
 How does providing order in a society lead to change in its government?
 How does a society structure order once conflicts are resolved?
© Austin Independent School District, 2009-2010
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AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUBJECT/COURSE: American History
IPG: Sixth Six Weeks
GRADE LEVEL: 8
MAJOR CONCEPT #3: Interdependence
Overarching Members of a community are both self-reliant and interdependent with each other.
Idea
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Guiding
Questions
In what ways are community members interdependent?
In what ways are community members self-reliant?
Why is it important for community members to appreciate the unique qualities of self and others?
MAJOR CONCEPT #4: Leadership
Overarching
Charismatic leaders inspire, lead, and coalesce factions involved in change.
Idea
Guiding
Questions
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In what ways does leadership help guide a country during times of change?
What leadership qualities do heads of state possess?
How do leadership styles transform during times of conflict or change?
What role does leadership style play in promoting policies that will benefit society?
MAJOR CONCEPT #5: Environment
Overarching The environment provides resources for human needs and activities.
Idea
Guiding
Questions
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How do economic, historical, and technological forces impact the environment?
How does the environment provide resources for human needs and activities?
© Austin Independent School District, 2009-2010
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