JUNIOR HIGH HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY – SEVENTH AND EIGHTH GRADES In the primary and intermediate grades, this model history curriculum is divided into distinct world and American strands. By the junior high years, these strands have merged. Generally speaking, studies in seventh and eighth grades cover the twentieth century, beginning around the time America became a world power and moving through post-Cold War challenges. Central themes include growth and change in American democracy, and interactions with world forces, particularly nationalism and totalitarianism. In grade eight, students get a unit on civics. They review what they’ve learned about the principles of American democracy, then take a closer look at the Constitution and at how government functions in this country. As children study events that have taken place beyond our borders, they become familiar with America’s role in the unfolding of world affairs.  They also study the history, geography, and achievements of other nations and cultures. One overarching goal of studying world history should be to come to know the grand story of mankind’s age-old endeavors: the struggle of people to survive, to dominate others or gain freedom, to build or tear down, to better themselves, to find spiritual meaning. History should help...