AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUBJECT/COURSE: American History
IPG: First Six Weeks
GRADE LEVEL: 8
MAJOR CONCEPT #1: Environment
Overarching Idea
Environment determines what adaptations people make.
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Guiding Questions 
How does the environment impact people’s lives?
How do physical characteristics define where people locate and what they do within their
environment?
MAJOR CONCEPT #2: Conflict, Cooperation and Change
Overarching Idea
When people migrate to another area, conflict, cooperation and change occur.
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Guiding Questions 
How are conflict, cooperation and change reflected between immigrant and native groups?
How do conflict, cooperation and change among groups contribute to the evolution of the
environmental structure of a country?
MAJOR CONCEPT #3: Location
Overarching Idea
Geographic factors influence the location of settlement in an area.
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Guiding Questions 
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How do people utilize the land and natural resources in their location to earn a living?
How do people in a location procure resources needed for everyday living?
What criteria do people use for settlement in certain locations?
© Austin Independent School District, 2009-2010
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