AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUBJECT/COURSE: American History
IPG: Fifth Six Weeks
GRADE LEVEL: 8
MAJOR CONCEPT #1: Conflict
Overarching
Conflict promotes a nation’s physical expansion.
Idea
Guiding
Questions
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How do disagreements over territorial boundaries lead to conflicts?
How does a government respond to the need to protect their citizens in a time of conflict?
How do conflicts arise among diverse groups who claim the same territory?
How do diverse groups work to solve conflicts?
MAJOR CONCEPT #2: Systems
Overarching
People create systems of governments with rules and laws to promote justice and provide order.
Idea
Guiding
Questions
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How do fairness and equality relate to the fundamental values of American democratic system?
What are the responsibilities of individual citizens in the American democratic system?
How do issues of bias, equity, and justice impact the American democratic system?
© Austin Independent School District, 2009-2010
1
AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUBJECT/COURSE: American History
IPG: Fifth Six Weeks
GRADE LEVEL: 8
MAJOR CONCEPT #3: Common Good
Overarching Society is responsible for providing for the common good.
Idea
Guiding
Questions
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How do social, economic, and political systems impact how a society provides for the common
good of its citizens?
How can a society use its resources to promote and protect the common good of those in need?
MAJOR CONCEPT #4: Change
Overarching
Societal and environmental forces cause change.
Idea
Guiding
Questions
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How do economic, historical, and social forces cause change?
How do individuals cope with change?
© Austin Independent School District, 2009-2010
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