Eighth Grade Social Studies
South Carolina Science Academy
2015 Marion St, Columbia SC 29201
2015-2016
Instructor: Mr. James R. Thomas II
Room: B133
Email: __j.thomas@SCScienceAcademy.org
Phone:
Welcome to Mr. Thomas’s class!
The focus for social studies in grade eight is the history of South Carolina and the role
that the state and its people have played in the development of the United States as a nation.
Students learn about the state’s development during colonial times; the growth of the American
ideal, which led to the break with England; and the rising controversy about slavery, which led to
the Civil War. The continued study of South Carolina from Reconstruction to the present,
including the struggle for social and economic justice waged by the people of South Carolina,
further allows students to see the progress that the state has made and also to visualize the future
challenges yet to be met and overcome.
Lessons will be designed to help maximize student success and achievement.
Understanding the material taught is key to student success and achievement. The following
themes will be used to create meaningful and exciting lessons and the standards the students will
be assessed by is also provided:
 The human mosaic of the South Carolina colony was composed of indigenous,
immigrant, and enslaved populations.
 The events surrounding the American Revolution transformed British colonists into
American citizens.
 Independence from Great Britain made the creation of a new national government and
individual state governments imperative.
 The outbreak of the Civil War was the culminating event in a decades-long series of
regional issues that threatened American unity and South Carolina’s identity as one of the
United States.
 During the periods of Reconstruction, industrial expansion, and the Progressive
movement, South Carolina searched for ways to revitalize its economy while maintaining
its traditional society.
 South Carolina’s response to national crises during the first half of the twentieth century
brought it back into full participation in the national experience.
 Changes that took place in the United States during the late twentieth and early twentyfirst centuries revitalized the economy and challenged traditional society and politics in
South Carolina.
Eighth Grade Social Studies Standards
Standard 8-1: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the settlement of South
Carolina and the United States by Native Americans, Europeans, and Africans.
Standard 8-2: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the causes of the American
Revolution and the beginnings of the new nation, with an emphasis on South Carolina’s role in
the development of that nation.
Standard 8-3: The student will demonstrate an understanding of South Carolina’s role in the
development of the new national government.
Standard 8-4: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the multiple events that led to
the Civil War.
Standard 8-5: The student will understand the impact of Reconstruction, industrialization, and
Progressivism on society and politics in South Carolina in the late nineteenth and early twentieth
centuries.
Standard 8-6: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the role of South Carolina in
the nation in the early twentieth century.
Standard 8-7: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the impact on South Carolina
of significant events of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries.
Class Materials:
We will be using the following textbook(s):
 The South Carolina Journey Textbook
 The South Carolina Journey Student Guide
 The South Carolina Journey ELL/Modified Chapter Guide (for ELL Students)
Students will be responsible for bringing the following materials to class each day:
● Pencils with good erasers
● Notebook
● Chromebooks (once assigned for home use)
● TBA
Grading Policy:
A = 100 - 93
B = 92 - 85
C = 84 - 78
D = 77 - 70
F = 69 and below
Strategies for Success:
● Ask questions as often as possible
● Strive for excellence
● Always helps those who are in need of assistance
● Please come to tutoring if you need extra assistance
● Find a way to stay organized
Class Procedures:
 Show respect for yourself.
 Show respect for each other.
 Show respect for school property.
 Show respect for school personnel
Consequences:
 Warning (Verbal and/or Written)-On second warning, a student/teacher conference
will take place.
 Parent Contact (Email, Phone Call, or Letter Mailed)
 Guidance Referral
 Office Referral