U.S. History Curriculum Sets Up Eighth Graders for High School Success

Following their return from Israel, eighth graders embarked on their last unit in social studies and their study of American history and government: the 1930s to early 1970s, “my favorite period in American history,” says teacher Neal Biskar. Students were introduced to the historical concept that the United States has endured three transformative periods in history—periods that fundamentally changed the relationship between the government and the people, and/or between the U.S. and the world—and it is with this third period that our students will conclude their exploration here at Brandeis. To close out the unit and the school year, eighth graders have worked in small groups to prepare presentations ranging from the Cold War, Watergate, Bob Dylan, the Space Race, Richard Nixon, and many more topics from the 1950s to 1970s. 

 

In addition to learning about these periods in American history, “not a week goes by without several discussions of current events, and there’s no shortage of material,” Mr. Biskar adds. "With a strong background in and understanding of U.S. history, we know our students will thrive as they continue their education at high schools around San Francisco.” We can rest assured our eighth graders are prepared for high school when it comes to knowing their U.S. history. MORE PHOTOS