8th Grade Social Studies & History Research

Start an engaging year in 6th grade Social Studies:

This bundle contains a variety of activities to engage students in the foundations needed to be successful in 6th grade and the study of World History. I find student retain more information when they engage in activities focused on history rather than just read about history.

Topics include:

• mapping
• social sciences
• prehistoric humans
• Mesopotamia
• Phoenicians
• Ancient Egyptians

Products include:

• informational texts
• activities
• puzzles
• projects
• escape room
• worksheets

Aligns with Indiana 6th Grade Social Studies Standards: 6.H.1, 6.H.2, 6.H.4, 6.E.1, 6.G.1, 6.G.4.

What's included:

• Teacher instructions.
• Student instructions.
• Project templates.
• Activity templates.
• Worksheets.
• Answer Keys.
• Rubrics.
• Follow Up Questions.
• Links to some digital versions of resources.
• Links to research sites.

How is this bundle useful:

• Low prep for teachers.
• Engaging for students.
• Options for group work.
• Follow up questions increase rigor and help students make connections.
• Tap into student creativity.

Looking for an engaging, interdisciplinary unit that fosters respect for diverse cultures and enhances research and presentation skills? This 7-day World Religions Research & Presentation Unit is perfect for grades 6-8 humanities teachers. Students explore 9 major world religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Confucianism, Daoism, and Shinto) while learning to appreciate different beliefs and traditions.

Through guided research and creating Google Slides presentations, students gain a deeper understanding of the world's belief systems while developing critical thinking and public speaking skills. This unit encourages respect for others and promotes an inclusive classroom environment. It’s ideal for integrating history, geography, and ELA, making it a comprehensive solution for middle school humanities teachers.

What’s Included:

• Research worksheets for 9 religions + blank template
• Detailed lesson plans (5 days of research + 2 days for presentations)
• Answer key and reference sheet
• Jeopardy review game
• Instructions for creating Google Slides presentations
• Google Slides Template

Perfect for enhancing research skills while fostering empathy and respect for others. Whether you're looking to teach world religions or integrate interdisciplinary learning, this unit is ready to support your classroom goals.

Key Features:

• Interdisciplinary unit combining history, geography, and ELA
• Builds research and presentation skills
• Fosters respect and understanding of diverse worldviews
• Includes a Jeopardy game for review
• Fully customizable Google Slides presentations
• Ideal for grades 6-8 humanities classes

Bundle for Brittany G.

Please note as stated in the Build Bundle guidelines, other bundles cannot be included within a bundle.

OR BUILD YOUR OWN BUNDLE HERE

Make Valentine’s Day Educational with This Fun History Research Activity!

Engage your students with this exciting, Valentine’s Day-themed research activity that blends history and fun! Perfect for middle and high school social studies or world history classes, students research a historical figure and learn more about others as they hear from potential Mystery History Dates! Each student will choose a historical figure, complete a Mystery Date profile of them, and meet other Mystery Dates in this stations-based activity. After they read about all Mystery Dates, students will identify who each figure is, and determine who would be least and most compatible with their own chosen figure. Out of all these Mystery History Dates, will they find a match? Or a dud?

Activity includes:

- Overview and instructions

- Mystery History Date Profile Sheet

- Mystery History Date Guess List

- Mystery History Date Compatibility Sheet

- Variations for small-groups and a Game Show edition!

The project is divided into fourteen sections, including the front pages. Sections include Language/Population, Habitat/Geography, Family Structure, Government, and several others. Each section has a list of criteria and questions that must be answered to complete the section.

I would expect a single student to take about ten weeks, with a weekly goal (perhaps a little faster) of completing one section.

There is a score for each section and teacher info on ways to make it work.

The project contains a cover sheet, a teacher's page, two student pages and a sheet to help students select an appropriate civilization.

There is also a list of civilizations that have an abundance of information available on line.

This is a nonfiction biographical reading passage about Malala Yousafazi as a Female Changemaker and a Human Rights Leader. Students can use this as a jumping off point for a research project or for Women's History Month.

DIFFERENTIATED LEVELS FOR ALL LEARNERS

- Early elementary (1-3)

- Upper elementary (4-6)

- Complex Readers (7-12)

*Each newsletter is 2 pages.

Information on...

➡️ Early Life

➡️ Career

➡️ Interesting Facts

➡️ Influence

INCLUDED- Reading Comprehension Questions! Differentiated and can be used with any reading passage about an influential female leader. Perfect for close reading!

• Colored and black-line version
• Reading comprehension questions for early elementary (1-3) and separate worksheet for upper elementary (4-6)

This unit connects learning with technology to Social Studies. This is perfect for technology class or for use in a Social Studies or History classroom that wants to incorporate technology with a lesson.

In this lesson, students create a presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint (or Google Slides) from their choice of a topic from a provided list related to the Great Depression after researching that topic. They use the research information along with graphics, pictures and backgrounds from the Internet to create a finished presentation that explains their topic, and add their own opinions and insights to the project.

This is an excellent creative project to add to a unit on the Great Depression. The project was created for grades 7-8 but could easily be used with upper elementary or high school students.

This lesson is great for distance learning/remote learning. You can upload it to your school's learning management system (Google Classroom, Edmodo, Canvas, etc.) or share with students via Google Drive.

Files Included with this Lesson

• Teacher & Student Notes and Resources

• Research and Presentation Project (Microsoft PowerPoint) – Student Project Expectations and Grading Rubric

Related Products
⭐ Current Events: Digital Interactive Notebook
⭐ Immigration: Then and Now
⭐ The Culture of the Roaring 20's - Research & Presentation Project in eMaze
⭐ The Events of the Cold War - Research & Presentation Project
⭐ Westward Expansion of the United States - Research & Presentation Project

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Alaska Research Project

Scrappy Patchwork Quilts

A scrappy quilt uses a variety of different fabrics that may or may not use a consistent theme. In this new version of cut and paste, students will make a scrappy quilt using a variety of pattern blocks included in the activity. The students must complete a set of questions or activities to know what numbered pattern to use and where it should be placed on their quilt. Each quilt has its own color scheme (color chart) and those are the colors students will need to create a one-of-a-kind scrappy quilt. Each quilt comes with a header, and some have additional activities students must complete to finish their quilts. Each quilt once assembled with header is 11x14 inches (does not include the size if a quilt has an additional activity).

Alaska State Scrappy Patchwork Quilt: Research Project

The Alaska State Scrappy Patchwork Quilt Research Project - a unique way to explore all that Alaska has to offer! This project is designed to engage students in a fun and interactive learning experience, allowing them to dive deep into the history, geography, and culture of the Last Frontier.

This activity is a great way to connect art and social studies together.

Engage your students with this immersive, no-prep Castle Research Task, activity worksheet for middle and high school students is designed to bring the grandeur and complexity of medieval castles to life! This research-based activity prompts students to explore the architecture, purpose, and historical significance of medieval castles. By diving deep into the design and features of castles, students will develop a richer understanding of how these structures played a central role in medieval life. Perfect for lessons on medieval Europe, this task encourages independent research, critical thinking, and effective communication as students present their findings.

What’s Included:

• 7 page introductory editable slide deck
• Castle research Worksheet and extended question
• Lesson plan

Skills Developed Through This Activity:

• Research Skills: Students will gather information from various sources, developing key research competencies.
• Critical Thinking: By analysing castle features and their importance in medieval society, students will deepen their historical understanding.
• Historical Knowledge: Gaining insight into medieval architecture and the strategic role castles played in governance and defence.
• Communication Skills: Students will practice presenting their findings clearly and confidently, fostering both written and verbal communication.

How to Use the Castle Research Task:

1. Introduce Medieval Castles: Begin with a brief discussion or video clip to engage students in the importance of castles in medieval Europe.
2. Research Assignment: Distribute the research task worksheet, where students will choose a castle or castle feature to explore.
3. Research and Visuals: Allow students time to research, using the worksheet prompts to guide them through key aspects of castle life, architecture, and history. Encourage them to include a diagram or visual representation of their chosen castle or feature.
4. Presentation Extension: Once students have completed their research, have them present their findings to the class, fostering public speaking skills.
5. Reflection: Conclude with a class discussion about the variety of castles and how their design influenced medieval society.

This engaging and research-driven resource offers a comprehensive exploration of medieval castles while promoting independent learning, critical thinking, and historical analysis. Your students will love diving into the world of lords, knights, and fortresses!

Common Core Outcomes

• Reading: Integration of knowledge and ideas (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.7, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6-8.7, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.7, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.7).
• Social Studies: Analyzing historical events and their connection to the present (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.7, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.7, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.7).

Australian Curriculum Links and Codes:

• The way of life in Medieval Europe (social, cultural, economic and political features) and the roles and relationships of different groups in society (ACDSEH008)
• Continuity and change in society in ONE of the following areas: crime and punishment; military and defence systems; towns, cities and commerce (ACDSEH051)

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and

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There are so many amazing people we can learn from during Black History Month (and the rest of the year). This board includes several influential Black Americans and phrases that are simple and short enough for younger grade levels!

What You will Get

• 13 PAGES
• PDF + PNG + PPTX Format
• HIGH QUALITY

NOTE

• This is a digital item.

• No physical product or printed material will be shipped.

• No refunds as this is a digital product.

JUST DOWNLOAD, PRINT AND GET STARTED

Do you want to engage and motivate your students to learn about Hispanic Heritage? Do you want to celebrate diversity? Then download this Hispanic Heritage Month Activity Biography Choice Board!

Students will deepen their understanding of the achievements of Hispanic people in this biography research activity. Students select from various topics including athletes, poets, politics, activists, and more. Then, students select from one of three short research projects. Activities include writing paragraphs, creating a poster, or sharing why they would like to spend a day with one of the individuals.

Use this choice board when celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, in the Spanish classroom, or for biographies and research.

➟Great for Hispanic Heritage Month, research projects, biographies, Spanish class

➟Included in this product:

• One choice board with 9 options - fully digital
• Instructions with details on 3 different projects
• Grading rubric
• Website Evaluation Form

✈️ Click here to follow A World to Explore Store and be the first to know about brand-new games and activities!

❤ Other Resources You'll LOVE:

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Use this any person report page to develop early research skills with your child/student.Research using the internet or print material

of your choice.

This lesson will have students critically explore what has been described as “one of the worst human rights crisis in the world”— referring to the camps located in the northwestern province of China, which are currently holding a million or more Uighur Muslims. The Chinese government disagrees with this portrayal, and has claimed that the camps are merely “re-education centers.” This lesson will have students analyze the validity of the two portrayals through the study of multiple sources.

The central investigative question is:

Are the camps in China “re-education centers” or are they “concentration camps”?

Time Frame: 2-3 class periods (60 min)

Materials:

• Lesson Plan

• 14 Slide Presentation

• Student Handout

Are you looking for a way to incorporate literacy skills into your social studies curriculum? Look no further! This no prep scaffolded compare and contrast essay will do the job!

Included is a brainstorming section that students can complete using ...

1. Their notes taken in class

2. YouTube videos on the Palaeolithic and Neolithic Stone Age (shown to the class)

3. Independent research on a computer

When the brainstorming section is completed, students will transfer their ideas into the essay outline.

Have students type their final copy. Editing and peer review can take place at this point.

The result will be a well constructed compare and contrast essay on the Stone Age that students can be proud of.

Font credit to My Creative Land "Dreaming Outloud Regular PRO"

Research and Debate Egyptian Mummies:

As students learn about ancient civilizations it is a good time to tie in a debate activity. A big topic of debate in museums is the displaying of human remains. Students will take a side in this debate and research their side. They will then participate in a debate with the information they have learned.

This is an engaging activity and easy way to practice debate skills with a topic which doesn't generally cause high emotions in early teens. Students can learn to debate without emotions.

Easy prep for teachers as research sites are linked. The product also includes rubrics and follow up questions. Follow up questions increases rigor and helps students make connections.

Aligns with Indiana Social Studies Standard: 6.H.1.

What's included:

• Teacher instructions.
• Student instructions.
• Research links.
• Research guide.
• Rubric.
• Follow up questions.

How is this product useful:

• Low prep for teachers.
• Engaging for students.
• "Low stakes" topic, students will generally not get emotionally charged.
• Build research skills.
• Build debate skills.

Unlock the Power of Student Voices with Our Human Rights Research Project!

Are you looking to engage your middle school students in meaningful learning while empowering them to explore critical global issues? Our Human Rights Research Project is designed to do just that! Perfect for cross-curricular activities, social justice units, or as an extension of your writing or research lessons, this comprehensive resource provides everything you need to guide your students through an in-depth exploration of human rights.

What's Inside?

• 5 Detailed Lesson Plans – Tailored for middle school students, these plans come with built-in scaffolds and IEP accommodations to ensure every student can participate meaningfully.
• Essay Graphic Organizer – Simplify the writing process with an easy-to-use organizer that helps students structure their ideas and evidence.
• Engaging Videos – Incorporate multimedia learning with carefully selected videos that complement each lesson and keep students engaged.
• Teacher Slides – Save time with ready-to-use slides that guide you through each lesson, complete with discussion prompts and visuals to enhance learning.
• Human Rights Research Guide – Equip students with the tools they need to conduct effective research on relevant human rights issues.

Checklist for Teachers:

• Ready-to-use, standards-aligned lesson plans.
• Built-in supports for diverse learners, including IEP and 504 accommodations.
• Engaging multimedia resources (videos and slides).
• Graphic organizers to scaffold the writing process.
• Opportunities for cross-curricular integration.

Benefits for You and Your Students:

• Empower Student Voice: Encourage your students to dive deep into human rights issues that matter to them, fostering a sense of global citizenship and advocacy.
• Time-Saving Resources: With everything prepared for you, from lesson plans to slides, you can focus on what you do best – teaching!
• Differentiated Instruction: Our materials include IEP accommodations and multiple entry points, making it easy to reach every student.
• Critical Thinking and Research Skills: Guide students in developing their research, analysis, and writing skills through a topic that’s both relevant and impactful.

Make your next unit unforgettable with our Human Rights Research Project! Your students will not only learn about the world around them, but they’ll also be inspired to make a difference. Download now and bring this powerful learning experience to your classroom!

Why do maps change? How do boundaries change?

There are may political, economic, and social factors that reshape our world and our maps. Students will participate in the introductory PowerPoint presentation and will visit historical events that have shaped our world and today's maps. This is a great lesson to incorporate into your maps unit. It goes beyond the basics and broadens the students' scope of understanding.

Will Need a Zip File Reader to Open Zip File

OBJECTIVE:

• The learner will understand factors which shaped our maps, such as colonization, decolonization, war, and regions claiming and gaining independence, etc.
• The learner will explore historical events that shaped today’s map.
• The learner will identify social, historical, and economic factors that reshape maps.

MATERIALS:

• Make multiple copies of each “Events that Shaped Our World” activity sheets.
• Access to the Internet for research purposes.
• Powerpoint Identifying social, historical and economic factors that shaped our maps
  This & That Introductory Game
• Maps or atlases for student to use a references. If you don’t have these, find a map with political boundaries for each country and state of United States or each team.
• Colored pencils for student can draw the before and after maps on their activity sheet.
• Numbers to display on the wall for the Gallery Walk.
• Pad of sticky notes for each group.

INCLUDES:

• Detailed Teacher Guide
• Introductory PowerPoint with This & That Game
• Events that Shaped Our Maps Activity Sheets
• Printable Numbers for Gallery Walk
• Exit Tickets

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Students will use their research and context clues skills as they explore in depth 20 key figures of World War II through this online (or print) activity, as they work to find the missing pieces of information in the chart!

Key Figures include:

Adolf Hitler
Anne Frank
Benito Mussolini
Benjamin O. Davis, Jr
Bernard Montgomery
Charles de Gaulle
Chiang Kai-shek
Douglas MacArthur
Dwight Eisenhower
Erwin Rommel
Franklin D. Roosevelt
George S. Patton

...and more!

Google Compatible - just copy and assign to students. Print version also available! Answer keys included!

This is a nonfiction biographical reading passage about Malala Yousafazi as a Female Changemaker and a Human Rights Leader. Students can use this as a jumping off point for a research project or for Women's History Month.

DIFFERENTIATED LEVELS FOR ALL LEARNERS

- Early elementary (1-3)

- Upper elementary (4-6)

- Complex Readers (7-12)

*Each newsletter is 2 pages.

Information on...

➡️ Early Life

➡️ Career

➡️ Interesting Facts

➡️ Influence

INCLUDED- Reading Comprehension Questions! Differentiated and can be used with any reading passage about an influential female leader. Perfect for close reading!

• Colored and black-line version
• Reading comprehension questions for early elementary (1-3) and separate worksheet for upper elementary (4-6)

In this lesson, students use critical thinking and research skills to determine how a specific form of technology evolved. Working with a partner or small group, students start with where their chosen technology was prior to 1900 and then take it through 5 more steps of evolution to the present day. Students use the Internet for research to determine what had to happen between each step to move their technology to the next iteration. Worksheets are provided for six high interest topics, with an editable blank form (PowerPoint) if the teacher chooses to add another topic (or let students choose a different topic). The worksheets are two pages (print front and back). Resources for the teacher and students include a short list of Internet sites as a starting point for each research topic. A sample completed worksheet is also included for one topic. Topics included are:

• How We Listen to Music

• How We Watch a Movie

• How We Take Photographs

• How We Communicate on the Telephone

• How We Research Information

• How We Tell Time

This lesson was designed for middle school (grades 6-8) but could be used in upper elementary as well.

Files included:

• Teacher & Student Resources

• Technology Then & Now Student Expectations, Instructions and Grading Rubric

• Technology Then & Now Student Worksheets (6 topics, plus an editable blank – both color and black and white versions of each)

• Sample Project

Remember to leave feedback for credits on future purchases!

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