Course Description
In this integrated course, students will explore a range of historical topics spanning from the Revolutionary War to World War II. They’ll delve into key events such as the Constitutional Convention, the Civil War, and the Great Depression, as well as themes like industrialization and westward migration. Through discussions, quizzes, exams, projects, and a history research paper, students will demonstrate their understanding of these topics.
Simultaneously, students will develop geography skills, including terminology and map reading fluency. They’ll study political and physical maps of the Twenty First Century world, North America, South America, Twentieth Century Europe, and Asia. Using map studies, worksheets, class activities, and a combined history/geography research paper, students will gain proficiency. Additionally, they’ll engage in geography competitions and an Ancestor Report, enhancing their understanding of global landscapes and cultures.
Course Details
Eighth Grade History & Geography
Unit 1: Founding of the Nation
- Revolutionary War: Causes, key battles, and impact on American society.
- Constitutional Convention: Drafting of the Constitution and establishment of the new government.
Unit 2: Early Years of the Republic
- Growth and challenges in the early United States.
- Expansion westward and exploration of new territories.
Unit 3: Pre-Civil War Period
- Social, economic, and political tensions leading to the Civil War.
- Abolitionist movement and conflicts over slavery.
Unit 4: Civil War and Reconstruction
- Major battles and turning points of the Civil War.
- Reconstruction era and efforts to rebuild the nation after the war.
Unit 5: Westward Migration and Industrialization
- Impact of westward expansion on Native American populations.
- Rise of industry, technological innovations, and urbanization.
Unit 6: World Wars and Great Depression
- Causes and consequences of World War I.
- Economic challenges and social changes during the Great Depression.
Unit 7: World War II
- Causes and course of World War II, including major battles and key events.
- Impact of the war on global politics, economies, and societies.
Unit 8: Geography Studies
- Introduction to geography terminology and map reading skills.
- Analysis of political and physical maps of the Twenty First Century world, North America, South America, Twentieth Century Europe, and Asia.
Coming soon.
No texts are required for this course.
Ms. Esther Fisher
Esther Fisher is a disciple of Jesus Christ, a dedicated mentor, and a published writer. She loves her students and finds joy in teaching, learning, and watching students grow.
Esther Fisher grew up in Sandy, Utah, where she learned to love the gospel of Jesus Christ, the beauty of God’s creations, music, outdoor exploration, good literature, and the adventure of learning. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University in family studies with an emphasis in human development and her master’s degree from National University in Education.
As an educator and mentor—most recently at Brigham Young University – Idaho—Esther has mentored students in English composition, English as a second language, literature, life skills, voice, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. As a professional writer, she has also had experience in technical writing, policy communication, creative non-fiction, and project management, and she strives to bring these experiences regularly into her teaching practice.
In 2022, Esther Fisher stepped away from a career at Brigham Young University – Idaho to serve a full-time mission at the age of 30 for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served English and Arabic speaking in the Michigan Detroit Mission and loved every moment. This experience added tremendously to her testimony of the atonement of Jesus Christ and afforded high quality opportunities for skill development as she served in leadership positions, trained missionaries, learned from other missionaries, and worked under the Mission President to start, develop, and lead the mission’s Arabic-speaking program.
Following her mission, Esther Fisher moved to Salt Lake City, where she was later offered a position at American Heritage School. She is honored and delighted to bring her skills, talents, and experience to the school and looks forward to meeting each of her students in the coming school year.