Mr. Frye: 7th/8th Social Studies

8th Grade Social Studies: American History from Colonization to Reconstruction

Hey future TFA 8th-graders—want to roll into U.S. History class like pros?

Here’s a summer starter pack that hits the Tennessee Social Studies Standards and keeps things fun.

Pick what fits your vibe—aim for ~1-2 hours a week total.

1. Build Your Timeline Muscles

Problem: Dates blur together.
Do this:

🗓️ “Sticky-Note Century”

Write one key event from 1492-1877 on a sticky note each day (e.g., 1776 – Declaration adopted).
Slap it on your bedroom wall in order; watch the story grow.

🎲 Timeline Tumble (weekend challenge)

Toss your notes in a box, pull five at random, and race to reorder them.

2. Read Like a Detective

Problem: Textbooks = zzz.
Do this:

📚 Choice book (pick one):

Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson (Revolutionary Era)
A Young People’s History of the United States (Zinn, abridged)
Graphic novel Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales (any title)

🔍 After each chapter, jot 3-2-1 in a notebook:

3 facts, 2 questions, 1 “So-what?” Why does it matter today?

3. Map Mastery Mini-Quests

Problem: Geography gets ignored.
Do this:

🗺️ States & Rivers Speed-Run (10 min, twice a week)

Online quiz or blank map printout—label five states + one major river each session.

🚗 Road-Trip Reporter

Family vacation? Snap a pic of any historical marker. Drop location into Google Earth and add a one-sentence summary.

4. Civics IRL

Problem: Government feels abstract.
Do this:

🏛️ City Council Bingo

Watch one local meeting (stream or replay). Mark off squares like “budget,” “education,” “public comment.” Five in a row = treat yourself.

💌 Postcard to a Rep

Write a short note about an issue you care about. (Bonus: hand-draw the stamp area—art credit!)

5. Creative Build & Share

Problem: History can seem distant.
Do this:

🧱 LEGO Diorama or Gundam Diorama

Recreate any scene—from the Boston Tea Party to the Siege of Vicksburg.
Post a photo + 100-word caption explaining the moment and its impact.

🎙️ Podcast Minute

Record a 60-second audio explaining a primary-source quote (find one on Library of Congress). Keep it clear and punchy.

6. Level-Up Tech & AI (future classroom superpower)

Problem: Research can overwhelm.
Do this:

🤖 “Ask-AI, Check-AI” Routine

Once a week, ask ChatGPT a history question.
Verify the answer with a trusted site (e.g., National Archives) and note any differences.

📑 Citation Shortcut

Practice copying a correct MLA citation for one source you used each week.

How to Track Your Progress

Use a single-page tracker (journal, Google Doc, or index card).
Columns: Date • Task • 1-Sentence Win • Question for Mr. Frye.
Bring it on the first day; we’ll trade high-fives (or dad jokes) for completed trackers.

Bottom line: Do a little, keep it varied, and come back ready to flex those historical thinking skills. Your future self—and your quiz grades—will thank you.

Mr. Frye's Daily Schedule

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Tutorials for Additional Online Resources

7:15-7:40	Homeroom
7:45-8:25	Elective 1
8:30-9:10	Elective 2
9:15-10:15	Social Studies
10:20-11:20	Social Studies
11:25-12:15	Recess + Lunch
12:20-1:20	Social Studies
1:25-2:25	Social Studies
2:30-2:45	Dismissal

Mr. Frye: 8th grade Social Studies