MS American History I Theme 1- Tools of Social Science Inquiry- In order to investigate and draw conclusions about the past, students need to think critically about information as well as evaluate multiple sources of evidence. The following steps of inquiry outline ways of thinking that apply to the study of social studies rather than content to be learned. As part of this process, instruction should apply disciplinary tools as well as use these processes to answer questions and solve problems. Ask questions (Why? Why there? Why then? What’s the impact of? What’s the real story of? What’s the significance of?) Develop compelling questions and research the past. Anticipate and utilize the most useful sources to address their questions. Develop and test claims and counter-claims to address their questions. Take informed action on their learning Strand 1. History: Continuity and Change 2. Government Systems and Principles 3. Geographical Study 4. Economic Concepts 5. People, Groups, and Cultures Disciplinary Tools Create and use tools to analyze a chronological sequence of related events that happen at the same time. Explain connections among historical context and peoples’ perspectives at the time. C. With assistance, develop a research plan, identify appropriate resources for investigating social studies’ topics and create a research product which applies an aspect of American history prior to c. 1870 to a contemporary issue. A. Analyze laws, policies, and processes to determine how governmental systems affect individuals and groups in society prior to c. 1870. A. Create and use maps and other graphic representations in order to explain relationships and reveal patterns or trends in American history prior to c. 1870. B. Explain how the physical and human characteristics of regions in the Americas prior to c. 1870 are connected to changing identity and culture. A. an American history lens, examine the opportunity costs and benefits of economic decisions on society as a whole as well as on individuals, prior to c. 1870. Using an American history lens, describe how peoples’ perspectives shaped the sources/artifacts they created. Using an American history lens, examine the origins and impact of social structures and stratification on societies and relationships between peoples.
Theme 3- Founding-con’t Strand 1. History: Continuity and Change 2. Government Systems and Principles 3. Geographical Study 4. Economic Concepts 5. People, Groups, and Cultures Key Concepts and Understandings Evaluate the responses of early American leaders to the social, political, economic and religious. challenges facing the new nation. F. Infer how events of this period led to the development of philosophies, interest groups and political parties. E. the principles of rule of law, representation, separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism to explain the purposes and functions of the Constitution. F.Describe the origins and purposes of the Bill of Rights and evaluate the enduring significance of these concepts to the preservation of individual rights and liberties. G. Examine elections, issues, laws, and events of this time period to explain how the concepts of judicial review, elastic clause, and an amendment process were established or used to meet challenges. D.Evaluate laws, events, and perspectives to determine the extent to which individuals and groups could participate in, and realize, the promise of American ideals. E. Analyze the artistic and intellectual achievements of Americans to provide evidence of an emerging American identity.