Grade 7 Social Studies B.E.S.T. Standards

Demonstrate an understanding of the principles, functions, and organization of government.

Demonstrate an understanding of the origins and purposes of government, law, and the American political system.

Evaluate the roles, rights, and responsibilities of U.S. citizens, and determine methods of active participation in society, government, and the political system.

Demonstrate an understanding of contemporary issues in world affairs, and evaluate the role and impact of U.S. foreign policy.

Analyze the influences of ancient Greece, ancient Rome and the Judeo-Christian tradition on America’s constitutional republic.

Compare the viewpoints of the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists regarding ratification of the U.S. Constitution and including a bill of rights.

Define the rule of law and recognize its influence on the development of legal, political, and governmental systems in the United States.

Trace the principles underlying America’s founding ideas on law and government.

Trace the impact that the Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, English Bill of Rights and Thomas Paine’s Common Sense had on colonists’ views of government.

Analyze how Enlightenment ideas, including Montesquieu’s view of separation of powers and John Locke’s theories related to natural law and Locke’s social contract, influenced the Founding.

Describe how British policies and responses to colonial concerns led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence.

Analyze the ideas and grievances set forth in the Declaration of Independence.

Explain how the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation led to the writing of the U.S. Constitution.

Explain the purpose of the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution.

Describe how the U.S. Constitution limits the powers of government through separation of powers, checks and balances, individual rights, rule of law and due process of law.

Define the term “citizen,” and explain the constitutional means of becoming a U.S. citizen.

Explain the process for citizens to address a state or local problem by researching public policy alternatives, identifying appropriate government agencies to address the issue, and determining a course of action.

Differentiate between obligations and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship, and evaluate their impact on society.

Identify and apply the rights contained in the Bill of Rights and other amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Explain how the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights safeguard individual rights.

Describe the trial process and the role of juries in the administration of justice at the state and federal levels.

Examine the election and voting process at the local, state, and national levels.

Identify the constitutional qualifications required to hold local, state, and national office.

Examine the impact of media, individuals, and interest groups on monitoring and influencing government.

Analyze media and political communications and identify examples of bias, symbolism, and propaganda.

Analyze the advantages of the United States’ constitutional republic over other forms of government in safeguarding liberty, freedom, and a representative government.

Identify sources and types of law.

Analyze the effects of landmark Supreme Court decisions on law, liberty, and the interpretation of the U.S. Constitution.

Compare the U.S. and Florida constitutions.

Explain government obligations to its citizens and the services provided at the local, state, and national levels.

Explain the purpose and function of the Electoral College in electing the President of the United States.

Analyze the advantages of capitalism and the free market in the United States over government-controlled economic systems (e.g., socialism and communism) in regard to economic freedom and raising the standard of living for citizens.

Explain the advantages of a federal system of government over other systems in balancing local sovereignty with national unity and protecting against authoritarianism.

Describe the structure and function of the three branches of government established in the U.S. Constitution.

Explain the relationship between state and national governments as written in Article IV of the U.S. Constitution and the 10th Amendment.

Explain the amendment process outlined in Article V of the U.S. Constitution.

Analyze how the 13th, 14th, 15th, 19th, 24th and 26th Amendments broadened participation in the political process.

Explain the structure, functions, and processes of the legislative branch of government.

Explain the structure, functions, and processes of the executive branch of government.

Explain the structure, functions, and processes of the judicial branch of government.

Explain the relationship between U.S. foreign and domestic policy.

Describe the United States’ and citizen participation in international organizations.

Describe examples of the United States’ actions and reactions in international conflicts.

Explain the significance of September 11, 2001.

Students will describe the basic beliefs of Judaism and trace the origins and history of Jews in Europe.

African American History

Instruction includes the comparative treatment of indentured servants of European and African extraction.

Instruction includes writings by Africans living in the United States and their effect on the abolitionist movement (e.g., Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, William Wells Brown, David Walker, Martin Delaney).

Instruction includes the use of maps to identify trade routes.

Instruction includes the transition from an indentured to a slave-based economy.

Instruction includes the use of “spirituals” and symbols as a form of communication, coordination, coding, and expression.

Instruction includes how collaboration of free blacks, whites, churches, and organizations assisted in the Underground Railroad (e.g., Harriet Tubman, William Lambert, Levi Coffin, William Still).

Instruction includes judicial and legislative actions concerning slavery.

Instruction includes the Society of Friends (Quakers) and their efforts to end slavery throughout the United States.

Holocaust Education

Instruction includes how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.

Students will analyze how antisemitism led to and contributed to the Holocaust.

Instruction includes the similarities and differences between serfdom and slavery.

Instruction includes the use of a map to show westward expansion.

Instruction includes how slavery was utilized in Asian, European, and African cultures.

Students will identify examples of antisemitism (e.g., making mendacious, dehumanizing, demonizing or stereotypical allegations about Jews; demonizing Israel by using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism to characterize Israel or Israelis).

Understand the causes, courses, and consequences of the slave trade in the colonies.

Identify Afro-Eurasian trade routes and methods prior to the development of the Atlantic slave trade.

Describe the contact of European explorers with systematic slave trading in Africa.

Examine the evolution of the labor force in the use of indentured servitude contracts.

Describe the history and evolution of slave codes.

Analyze slave revolts that happened in early colonial America and how political leaders reacted (e.g., 1712 revolt in New York City, Stono Rebellion [1739]).

Examine the service and sacrifice of African patriots during the Revolutionary Era (e.g., Crispus Attucks, Peter Salem, James Armistead Lafayette, 1st Rhode Island Regiment).

Analyze events that involved or affected Africans from the founding of the nation through Reconstruction.

Explain early congressional actions regarding the institution of slavery (i.e., Northwest Ordinance of 1787, Three-Fifths Compromise, Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves of 1808).

Explain the effect of the cotton industry on the expansion of slavery due to Eli Whitney’s Cotton Gin.

Examine the various duties and trades performed by slaves (e.g., agricultural work, painting, carpentry, tailoring, domestic service, blacksmithing, transportation).

Examine the Underground Railroad and its importance to those seeking freedom.

Identify political figures who strove to abolish the institution of slavery (e.g., Thaddeus Stevens, Abraham Lincoln, Zachariah Chandler).

Evaluate various abolitionist movements that continuously pushed to end slavery.

Examine how the status of slaves, those who had escaped slavery and free blacks, affected their contributions to the Civil War effort.

Describe significant contributions made by key figures during Reconstruction (e.g., President Ulysses S. Grant, Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, Frederick Douglass, Lyman Trumbull).

Foundations of Holocaust Education.

Examine the Holocaust as the planned and systematic state-sponsored persecution and murder of European Jews by Nazi Germany and its collaborators between 1933 and 1945.

Students will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of U.S. membership in international organizations.

Students will identify the different methods used by the United States to deal with international conflict (e.g., diplomacy, espionage, humanitarian efforts, peacekeeping operations, sanctions, war).

Students will distinguish between the structure, functions, and powers of courts at the state and federal levels.

Students will explain how the heroic actions of passengers on United Airlines Flight 93 reflect the principles of liberty and the responsibilities of citizenship.

Students will explain how free and fair elections promote trust in democratic institutions and preserve the republic.

Students will identify and describe the Enlightenment ideas of separation of powers, natural law, and social contract.

Students will evaluate the impact of the rule of law on governmental officials and institutions (e.g., accountability to the law, consistent application and enforcement of the law, decisions based on the law, fair procedures, transparency of institutions).

Students will examine the role of the judicial branch of government in protecting individual rights and freedoms.

Students will explain the concept of limited government in the U.S. Constitution.

Students will compare the amendment process of the U.S. and Florida Constitutions.

Students will recognize landmark Supreme Court cases (e.g., Marbury v. Madison; Dred Scott v. Sandford; Plessy v. Ferguson; Brown v. Board of Education; Gideon v. Wainwright; Miranda v. Arizona; In re Gault; United States v. Nixon; Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier).

Students will recognize constitutional principles and individual rights in relevant U.S. Supreme Court decisions.

Students will examine the processes of the executive branch (e.g., executive order, veto, appointments).

Instruction includes a comparison of political violence between communist and democratic states.

Students will recognize the Anti-Federalists’ reasons for the inclusion of a bill of rights in the U.S. Constitution.

Students will recognize the ways in which humanitarian, charitable and volunteer aid following the events of September 11, 2001, reflect the principles of civic responsibility, civic virtue and the common good.

Students will identify the correct sequence of each amendment process.

Economics

Students will explain how elections and voting impact citizens at the local, state, and national levels.

Students will examine the significance of juries in the American legal system.

Students will identify the unalienable rights specifically expressed in the Preamble of the Declaration of Independence (e.g., life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness).

Students will recognize the basic outline of the U.S. and Florida Constitutions (e.g., both have preambles, articles, and amendments).

Students will recognize the connection between specific grievances in the Declaration of Independence and natural rights violations.

Students will explain the ways in which first responders (including, but not limited to, police officers, firefighters, and paramedics) and civilians were involved in the rescue and recovery of victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks.

Students will compare local, state, and national lawmakers (e.g., city/county commissioners/council members; state legislators [representatives and senators]; and U.S. Congressmen/Congresswomen [representatives and senators]).

Students will recognize that the Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Students will evaluate the impact these amendments have had on American society.

Students will analyze public policy alternatives to resolve local and state problems.

Students will describe the system of federalism as established by the U.S. Constitution.

Students will identify the general powers described in Articles I, II and III of the U.S. Constitution.

Students will explain how the Judeo-Christian ethical ideas of justice, individual worth, personal responsibility, and the rule of law influenced America’s constitutional republic.

Students will distinguish between an obligation or duty and a responsibility as it relates to citizenship. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, voting, attending civic meetings, petitioning government, and running for office.

Students will analyze the meaning and importance of due process in the United States legal system.

Students will identify major international organizations in which government plays a role (e.g., North Atlantic Treaty Organization, United Nations, International Court of Justice, World Trade Organization).

Students will compare the roles and responsibilities of the three branches of the national government.

Students will analyze scenarios describing various forms of government.

Students will explain the function of administrative agencies (e.g., advise, make regulations, enforce law and regulations).

Students will identify the appropriate level of government to resolve specific problems.

Students will recognize the difference between domestic and foreign policy.

Students will analyze scenarios describing various systems of government.

Civics and Government

Students will explain the influence of ancient Greece on America’s constitutional republic (e.g., civic participation, legislative bodies, polis, voting rights, written constitution).

Students will identify the important ideas contained in the Magna Carta (e.g., due process of law, limitation of government power, right to justice, right to fair trial), Mayflower Compact (e.g., consent of the governed, self-government), English Bill of Rights (e.g., right to life, liberty and property; no taxation without representation; right to a speedy and fair jury trial; no excessive punishments) and Common Sense (representative self-government).

Students will describe and classify specific services provided by local, state, and national governments.

Students will evaluate the obligations and responsibilities of citizens as they relate to active participation in society and government.

Students will examine rationales for and results of government-imposed limitations on individual rights (e.g., forced internment in wartime, limitations on speech, rationing during wartime, suspension of habeas corpus).

Students will recognize natural rights, social contract, limited government, and the right of resistance to tyrannical government.

History of Communism

Students will examine the processes of the judicial branch (e.g., judicial review, court order, writ of certiorari, summary judgment).

Students will analyze the relationship between natural rights and the role of government: 1. People are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; 2. Governments are instituted among men to secure these rights; 3. Governments derive their just powers from the consent of governed; and 4. Whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it and to institute new government.

Students will compare the organizational structures of systems of government.

Students will analyze primary source documents pertaining to international incidents to determine the course of action taken by the United States.

Students will explain the origin of the Electoral College and the changes made to it by the 12th Amendment.

Students will recognize the importance of respecting civil liberties while ensuring safety and security.

Students will apply their understanding of various forms of government (e.g., republic, democracy, monarchy, oligarchy, theocracy, autocracy).

Students will explain how the application of checks and balances, consent of the governed, democracy, due process of law, federalism, individual rights, limited government, representative government, republicanism, rule of law and separation of powers distinguishes the United States’ constitutional republic from authoritarian and totalitarian nations.

Students will evaluate the influence of Montesquieu’s and Locke’s ideas on the Founding Fathers.

Students will recognize the structure of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Students will trace the causal relationships between British policies, British responses to colonial grievances and the writing of the Declaration of Independence (e.g., Stamp Act, Quartering Act, Declaratory Act, Townshend Acts, Tea Act, Intolerable Acts).

Students will compare and contrast the lawmaking process at the local, state, and national levels.

Students will use primary sources to assess the significance of each U.S. Supreme Court case.

Students will evaluate how bias, symbolism and propaganda can impact public opinion.

Students will analyze how federalism limits government power.

Students will define “national interest” and identify the means available to the national government to pursue the United States’ national interest.

Students will compare the powers and obligations of local, state, and national governments.

Students will compare the trial and appellate processes.

Students will identify the purposes of a constitution (e.g., provides a framework for government, limits government authority, protects individual rights of the people).

Students will recognize colonial grievances identified in the Declaration of Independence (e.g., imposing taxes without the consent of the people, suspending trial by jury, limiting judicial powers, quartering soldiers, and dissolving legislatures).

Students will recognize the qualifications to seek election to local, state, and national political offices.

Students will define citizenship as stated in the 14th Amendment.

Students will explain types of jury trials, how juries are selected and why jury trials are important.

Students will recognize natural, constitutional, statutory, case, and common law as sources of law.

Students will evaluate how the Bill of Rights and other amendments (e.g., 13th, 14th, 15th, 19th, 24th, 26th) influence individual actions and social interactions.

Students will compare the economic prosperity and opportunity of current nations

Instruction includes the failures of central economic planning (e.g., the Soviet Union’s Five-year Plans, China’s Great Leap Forward).

Students will recognize that the powers and jurisdiction of the state and federal courts are derived from their respective constitutions.

Students will identify methods used by individuals to monitor, hold accountable and influence the government (e.g., attending civic meetings, peacefully protesting, petitioning government, running for office, voting).

Students will assess the importance of the rule of law in protecting citizens from arbitrary and abusive uses of government power.

Students will describe the global response to terrorism following the events of September 11, 2001.

Students will identify the goals and purposes of the national government as set forth in the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution (i.e., form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity).

Students will compare civil, criminal, constitutional and/or military types of law.

Students will examine the processes of the legislative branch (e.g., how a bill becomes a law, appointment confirmation, committee selection).

Students will identify the importance of a formal amendment process.

Students will examine the impact of the naturalization process on society, government, and the political process.

Students will recognize the concept of the common good as a reason for fulfilling the obligations and responsibilities of citizenship.

Students will identify specific examples of and the reasons for United States’ involvement in international conflicts.

Students will use scenarios to examine the impact of limiting individual rights.

Students will examine how these amendments increased participation in the political process.

Students will identify different forms of government based on their political philosophy or organizational structure.

Students will identify the weaknesses of the government under the Articles of Confederation (i.e., Congress had no power to tax, to regulate trade or to enforce its laws; the national government lacked a national court system [judicial branch] and central leadership [executive branch]; no national armed forces; and changes to the Articles required unanimous consent of the 13 states).

Students will recognize that the intention of the phrase “We the People” means that government depends on the people for its power and exists to serve them.

Students will evaluate the impact of each case on society.

Students will recognize the methods used to propose and ratify amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Students will explain why religious liberty is a protected right.

Students will describe and distinguish between separation of powers and checks and balances.

Students will explain how the Preamble serves as an introduction to the U.S. Constitution (e.g., establishes the goals and purposes of government).

Instruction includes the usage of censorship to restrict free speech, the press, political dissent, and religious expression.

Students will define permanent residency and explain its role in obtaining citizenship.

Students will compare and contrast the democratic principles of ancient Greece and ancient Rome with those of the United States.

Students will identify the viewpoints of the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists about the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

Students will identify the consequences or predict the outcome for society if citizens do not fulfill their obligations and responsibilities.

Students will use scenarios to identify bias, symbolism, and propaganda.

Students will examine how Enlightenment ideas influenced the Founders’ beliefs about individual liberties and government.

Students will analyze how government power is limited by separation of powers and/or checks and balances.

Students will recognize that rights are protected but some rights are limited (e.g., property rights, civil disobedience).

Students will explain the influence of ancient Rome on America’s constitutional republic (e.g., civic participation, republicanism, representative government, rule of law, separation of powers).

Students will use scenarios to identify rights protected by the Bill of Rights.

Students will compare and contrast executive authority at the local, state, and national levels.

Students will recall the timeline of events on September 11, 2001, including the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and United Airlines Flight 93.

Students will explain how historical codes of law influenced the United States.

Students will recognize examples of separation of powers and checks and balances.

Students will identify issues that relate to U.S. domestic and foreign policy.

Students will identify methods used by the media to monitor and hold government accountable (e.g., acting as a watchdog, freedom of the press as contained in the 1st Amendment).

Students will recognize how these amendments expanded civil rights to African Americans, women, and young people.

Students will recognize the U.S. Constitution as the supreme law of the land.

Students will recognize the five freedoms protected by the First Amendment.

Students will identify methods used by interest groups to monitor and influence government.

Students will recognize the significance of the difficulty of amending the U.S. Constitution.

Students will recognize the historical context of global terrorism over time.

Students will explain the concept of natural rights as expressed in the Declaration of Independence.

Students will recognize the underlying themes of British colonial policies concerning taxation, representation and individual rights that formed the basis of the American colonists’ desire for independence.

Students will explain the process of becoming a naturalized citizen.

Students will explain the origins of the Republican and Democratic political parties and evaluate their roles in shaping public policy.

Students will recognize examples of these systems of government.

Students will recognize the influence of the U.S. Constitution on the development of other governments.

Students will apply their understanding of federal, confederal, and unitary systems of government.

Students will recognize principles contained in the founding documents (e.g., due process of law, equality of mankind, limited government, natural rights, the rule of law).

Students will use scenarios to assess specific obligations of citizens.

Geography

Students will compare and contrast the characteristics of a society that operates under the rule of law and one that does not.

Students will evaluate various economic systems (e.g., free market, socialism).

Students will use scenarios to recognize violations of the Bill of Rights or other constitutional amendments.

Students will compare concurrent powers, enumerated powers, reserved powers, and delegated powers as they relate to state and national governments.

Students will identify appropriate government agencies to address local or state problems.

Analyze the influences of ancient Greece, ancient Rome and the JudeoChristian tradition on America’s constitutional republic.

Compare the viewpoints of the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists regarding ratification of the U.S. Constitution and including a bill of rights.

Define the rule of law and recognize its influence on the development of legal, political, and governmental systems in the United States.

Trace the principles underlying America’s founding ideas on law and government.

Trace the impact that the Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, English Bill of Rights and Thomas Paine’s Common Sense had on colonists’ views of government.

Analyze how Enlightenment ideas, including Montesquieu’s view of separation of powers and John Locke’s theories related to natural law and Locke’s social contract, influenced the Founding.

Describe how British policies and responses to colonial concerns led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence.

Analyze the ideas and grievances set forth in the Declaration of Independence.

Explain how the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation led to the writing of the U.S. Constitution.

Explain the purpose of the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution.

Describe how the U.S. Constitution limits the powers of government through separation of powers, checks and balances, individual rights, rule of law and due process of law.

Demonstrate an understanding of the origins and purposes of government, law, and the American political system.

Evaluate the roles, rights, and responsibilities of United States citizens, and determine methods of active participation in society, government, and the political system.

Define the term “citizen,” and explain the constitutional means of becoming a U.S. citizen.

Explain the process for citizens to address a state or local problem by researching public policy alternatives, identifying appropriate government agencies to address the issue, and determining a course of action.

Differentiate between obligations and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship and evaluate their impact on society.

Identify and apply the rights contained in the Bill of Rights and other amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Explain how the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights safeguard individual rights.

Describe the trial process and the role of juries in the administration of justice at the state and federal levels.

Examine the election and voting process at the local, state, and national levels.

Identify the constitutional qualifications required to hold local, state, and national offices.

Examine the impact of media, individuals and interest groups on monitoring and influencing government.

Analyze media and political communications and identify examples of bias, symbolism, and propaganda.

Demonstrate an understanding of the principles, functions, and organization of government.

Analyze the advantages of the United States’ constitutional republic over other forms of government in safeguarding liberty, freedom, and a representative government.

Identify sources and types of law.

Analyze the effects of landmark Supreme Court decisions on law, liberty, and the interpretation of the U.S. Constitution.

Compare the U.S. and Florida constitutions.

Explain government obligations to its citizens and the services provided at the local, state, and national levels.

Explain the purpose and function of the Electoral College in electing the President of the United States.

Analyze the advantages of capitalism and the free market in the United States over government-controlled economic systems (e.g., socialism and communism) in regard to economic freedom and raising the standard of living for citizens.

Explain the advantages of a federal system of government over other systems in balancing local sovereignty with national unity and protecting against authoritarianism.

Describe the structure and function of the three branches of government established in the U.S. Constitution.

Explain the relationship between state and national governments as written in Article IV of the U.S. Constitution and the 10th Amendment.

Explain the amendment process outlined in Article V of the U.S. Constitution.

Analyze how the 13th, 14th, 15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th Amendments broadened participation in the political process.

Explain the structure, functions, and processes of the legislative branch of government.

Explain the structure, functions, and processes of the executive branch of government.

Explain the structure, functions, and processes of the judicial branch of government.

Demonstrate an understanding of contemporary issues in world affairs, and evaluate the role and impact of United States foreign policy.

Explain the relationship between U.S. foreign and domestic policy.

Describe the United States’ and citizen participation in international organizations.

Describe examples of the United States’ actions and reactions in international conflicts.

Explain the significance of September 11, 2001.

Understand the fundamental concepts relevant to the development of a market economy.

Explain how the principles of a market and mixed economy helped to develop the United States into a democratic nation.

Discuss the importance of borrowing and lending in the United States, the government's role in controlling financial institutions and list the advantages and disadvantages of using credit.

Review the concepts of supply and demand, choice, scarcity, and opportunity cost as they relate to the development of the mixed market economy in the United States.

Discuss the function of financial institutions in the development of a market economy.

Assess how profits, incentives and competition motivate individuals, households, and businesses in a free market economy.

Compare the national budget process to the personal budget process.

Understand the fundamental concepts relevant to the institutions, structure, and functions of a national economy.

Explain how federal, state, and local taxes support the economy as a function of the United States government.

Describe the banking system in the United States and its impact on the money supply.

Identify and describe United States laws and regulations adopted to promote economic competition.

Identify entrepreneurs from various gender, social, and ethnic backgrounds who started a business seeking to make a profit.

Explain how economic institutions impact the national economy.

Understand the fundamental concepts and interrelationships of the United States economy in the international marketplace.

Explain how international trade requires a system for exchanging currency between and among nations.

Assess how the changing value of currency affects trade of goods and services between nations.

Compare and contrast a single resource economy with a diversified economy.

Compare and contrast the standard of living in various countries today to that of the United States using gross domestic product (GDP) per capita as an indicator.

Understand how to use maps and other geographic representations, tools and technology to report information.

Locate the fifty states and their capital cities in addition to the nation's capital on a map.

Locate on a world map the territories and protectorates of the United States of America.

Interpret maps to identify geopolitical divisions and boundaries of places in North America.

Understand physical and cultural characteristics of places.

Locate major cultural landmarks that are emblematic of the United States.

Locate major physical landmarks that are emblematic of the United States.

Explain how major physical characteristics, natural resources, climate, and absolute and relative location have influenced settlement, economies, and inter-governmental relations in North America

Describe current major cultural regions of North America.

Understand the relationships between the Earth's ecosystems and the populations that dwell within them.

Use maps to describe the location, abundance, and variety of natural resources in North America.

Understand the characteristics, distribution and migration of human populations.

Use geographic terms and tools to explain cultural diffusion throughout North America.

Use maps and other geographic tools to examine the importance of demographics within political divisions of the United States.

Understand how human actions can impact the environment.

Use a choropleth or other map to geographically represent current information about issues of conservation or ecology in the local community.

Understand how to apply geography to interpret the past and present and plan for the future.

Use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or other technology to view maps of current information about the United States.

Assess the effects of communist governments.

Assess the effects of communist governments on individual freedoms, political participation, and the economy.