Firefly Curriculum: 8th Grade Social Studies: Christ-Centered American History, Civics, and Stewardship

Course Description

This 8th grade social studies course leads students through the story of early America, from the Age of Exploration through Reconstruction. Students will study exploration, colonization, colonial life, the American Revolution, the founding documents, constitutional government, early presidents, westward expansion, slavery, the Civil War, and Reconstruction.

The course is designed through Firefly Education Network’s Christ-centered philosophy:

Christ → Creation → Order → Stewardship → Wisdom → Dominion

Students will examine history as the unfolding story of human beings made in the image of God, living in God’s ordered world, making moral choices, building societies, using power, stewarding resources, and facing the consequences of obedience, rebellion, justice, injustice, courage, greed, sacrifice, and reform.

Students will learn to think historically, evaluate primary and secondary sources, compare perspectives, trace cause and effect, interpret maps and documents, understand government and economics, and reflect on how knowledge should lead to wisdom, faithful service, and responsible citizenship.