West Virginia

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Skills available for West Virginia eighth-grade social studies standards

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West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards (adopted in 2024): 8th grade West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards (adopted in 2024): 8th grade
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C Civics

SS.8.1 Demonstrate patriotism through the planning, participation, and observance of important anniversaries and remembrances (e.g., Pearl Harbor, Veterans' Day, Constitution Day, and Patriots Day).
SS.8.2 Evaluate how citizens can influence and participate in government at the local, state, and national levels and assume the role of an active citizen participating in the democratic process (e.g., lobbying, voting, community service, letter writing, and school elections).
- State and local government (8-A.6)
- Rights and responsibilities of active citizenship (8-D.2)
SS.8.3 Identify, analyze, and evaluate the responsibilities, privileges, and rights of citizens of the State of West Virginia found in the state and national constitutions.
SS.8.4 Differentiate between the division of powers and responsibilities for each of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the United States and West Virginia governments, describe the system of checks and balances, and explore local forms of government.
- Analyze the functions and jurisdictions of the federal, state, local and special courts (e.g., United States Supreme Court, state supreme court, circuit courts, magistrate courts, and family courts).
- Identify the elected officials at the national, state, and local levels, the constitutional requirements for election and responsibilities of each office.
- Explain the amendment process of the West Virginia Constitution, give examples of amendments, and explain their purpose.
- Explain the process of how a bill becomes a law in West Virginia.
- Identify and explain the various types of elections in West Virginia (e.g., primary/general, state/local, and partisan/non-partisan).
- Compare and contrast the relationship and function of local, county, state, and national governments.
  - State and local government (8-A.6)
SS.8.5 Predict the outcome of selected proposed bills in a current legislative session and assume the role of a lawmaker in a mock legislature to pass a bill into law.

E Economics

SS.8.6 Evaluate West Virginia's role in the global economy as it relates to natural resources and national/international business and trade.
SS.8.7 Correlate West Virginia economic conditions with the effects on its citizens (e.g., employment, population, migration, and health).
SS.8.8 Analyze the impact of absentee ownership, renewable and nonrenewable natural resources, labor unionization and the development of infrastructure on the economic growth of West Virginia (e.g., railroad, major highways, internet, and cellular service).
SS.8.9 Research and cite industries and products that are vital to the economy of the four regions of West Virginia both past and present, and categorize the related occupations (e.g., tourism, coal, glass, timber, chemical, oil, natural gas, agriculture industries, and activities under the West Virginia Lottery).
SS.8.10 Identify major sources of revenue and their use by West Virginia state and local governments (e.g., property tax, income tax, licenses, excise tax, severance tax, levies/bonds, and activities under the West Virginia Lottery).
SS.8.11 Compare and contrast the effects of technological/industrial advances as they relate to economy vs. environment and their effects on the demographic profile of West Virginia (e.g., entrepreneurial businesses, agriculture, tourism, education, interstate commuters, mining, and natural gas).
SS.8.12 Provide opportunities for students to explore careers, SMART529, West Virginia's Education Savings Solution, College Foundation of West Virginia, and postsecondary options.

G Geography

SS.8.13 Label the four major physical geographic regions, major rivers, landforms, natural/manmade borders, points of interest, and bordering states on selected maps.
SS.8.14 Identify the 55 counties and major cities of West Virginia on a map and explain the reason for the development of the major cities in their respective locations.
SS.8.15 Investigate climate, landforms, natural resources, and population density in West Virginia's geographical regions using special purpose maps and evaluate the impact of people's lives and settlement pattern.
SS.8.16 Illustrate how technological advances have affected the cultural isolation of West Virginia (e.g., internet, cellphone communications, electronic devices, and social media).
SS.8.17 Analyze the geographic factors that affected the development of agricultural, coal, glass, chemical, metallurgic, and tourism industries in West Virginia.
SS.8.18 Identify West Virginia's exact and relative location on a variety of maps and globes by using correct geographic vocabulary and graphic displays.
SS.8.19 Identify the nine distinct tourist regions in the State of West Virginia and analyze which geographic factors influence each region.

H History

SS.8.20 Demonstrate an understanding of the settlement of western Virginia and the United States by Native Americans and Europeans.
- Differentiate between the cultures and daily life of the Native Americans.
  - Pre-contact Native peoples: introduction (8-H.1)
  - Native peoples of the Southwest (8-H.2)
- Summarize the history of European exploration and settlement in western Virginia from initial explorers to early settlers.
  - Southern Colonies: founding and government (8-K.9)
  - Southern Colonies: economy and slavery (8-K.10)
- Explain the role of western Virginia in the French and Indian War.
  - Causes of the American Revolution: the French and Indian War (8-L.1)
SS.8.21 Demonstrate an understanding of the American Revolution, including western Virginia's part in the development of the nation.
- Compare and contrast the perspectives and roles of various western Virginians during the American Revolution including those of political leaders, soldiers, patriots, Tories/Loyalists, women, and Native Americans.
- Identify the key conflicts, battles, and participants of the American Revolution in western Virginia and their effects on the area.
- Summarize events related to the adoption of Virginia's constitutional conventions, the role of western Virginia and its leaders in the Continental Congress, and the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
  - The Constitutional Convention (8-M.2)
- Explain the economic and political tensions between the people of western and eastern Virginia including the economic struggles of both groups following the American Revolution and their disagreement over representation.
SS.8.22 Demonstrate an understanding of the American Civil War including its causes, effects, and the major events that led to West Virginia statehood.
- Explain the effect of key events leading to western Virginia's separation from Virginia after secession (e.g., First and Second Wheeling Conventions and John Brown's Raid).
- Describe the moral, ethical, and legal tensions that led to the creation of the new State of West Virginia and how these tensions were resolved (e.g., Virginia vs. West Virginia 1871).
- Compare and contrast the military strategies of the North and South with regard to specific events and geographic locations in West Virginia (e.g., the Battles of Philippi, Rich Mountain, Droop Mountain, Scary Creek, and Carnifex Ferry).
- Identify significant contributions of men and women of West Virginia during the Civil War and identify the roles of ethnic and racial minorities.
  - The Civil War: Bull Run to the Emancipation Proclamation (8-P.2)
SS.8.23 Demonstrate an understanding of major social, political, and economic developments that took place in West Virginia during the second half of the 19th century.
- Identify the types of transportation that facilitated the growth of West Virginia.
- Compare and contrast the West Virginia Constitutions of 1862 and 1872.
- Summarize societal changes that occurred in various regions of West Virginia in the late 19th century due to the growth of industry.
- Explain the significance of increased immigration into the United States in the late 19th century to West Virginia, including cultural and economic contributions of immigrants, opportunities, and struggles experienced by immigrants, increased racial hostility, and the effect of racial and ethnic diversity on national identity.
SS.8.24 Demonstrate an understanding of West Virginia's development during the early 20th century.
- Analyze the evolution of the labor movement in West Virginia.
- Summarize the progressive reform movement in West Virginia (e.g., child labor laws, Prohibition, improvements to roads, hospitals, libraries, tax reforms, changes to local government systems, and the roles of significant individuals and groups).
- Summarize the political, social and economic situation in West Virginia following World War I, including progress in suffrage for women, improvements in daily life in urban/rural areas, Roaring 20's, and developments in industry.
- Explain the effects of the Great Depression and the lasting impact of New Deal programs on West Virginia, including the Homestead Projects.
SS.8.25 Demonstrate an understanding of West Virginia's development during the mid-20th century.
- Summarize the significant aspects of the economic and industrial growth experienced by West Virginia during World War II (e.g., chemical industry, steel industry, and coal industry).
- Identify the labor/management strategies that have affected West Virginia's economy (e.g., strikes, boycotts, yellow-dog contracts, injunctions, and lock-outs).
- Explain the economic, social, and political impact of 20th century events on West Virginia (e.g., school integration, Civil Rights Movement, Cold War, and Vietnam War).
SS.8.26 Demonstrate an understanding of West Virginia in the modern era.
- Compile lists of fairs and festivals in West Virginia that can be attributed to the influence of various cultural groups who have settled in the state, explaining the heritage of the fair or festival and its significance to the preservation of West Virginia history.
- Analyze the economic, social and political impact of the late 20th century and 21st century events on West Virginia (e.g., terrorism, Gulf War, Iraq War, and War in Afghanistan).

West Virginia

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C Civics

SS.8.1 Demonstrate patriotism through the planning, participation, and observance of important anniversaries and remembrances (e.g., Pearl Harbor, Veterans' Day, Constitution Day, and Patriots Day).

SS.8.2 Evaluate how citizens can influence and participate in government at the local, state, and national levels and assume the role of an active citizen participating in the democratic process (e.g., lobbying, voting, community service, letter writing, and school elections).

SS.8.3 Identify, analyze, and evaluate the responsibilities, privileges, and rights of citizens of the State of West Virginia found in the state and national constitutions.

SS.8.4 Differentiate between the division of powers and responsibilities for each of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the United States and West Virginia governments, describe the system of checks and balances, and explore local forms of government.

Analyze the functions and jurisdictions of the federal, state, local and special courts (e.g., United States Supreme Court, state supreme court, circuit courts, magistrate courts, and family courts).

Identify the elected officials at the national, state, and local levels, the constitutional requirements for election and responsibilities of each office.

Explain the amendment process of the West Virginia Constitution, give examples of amendments, and explain their purpose.

Explain the process of how a bill becomes a law in West Virginia.

Identify and explain the various types of elections in West Virginia (e.g., primary/general, state/local, and partisan/non-partisan).

Compare and contrast the relationship and function of local, county, state, and national governments.

SS.8.5 Predict the outcome of selected proposed bills in a current legislative session and assume the role of a lawmaker in a mock legislature to pass a bill into law.

E Economics

SS.8.6 Evaluate West Virginia's role in the global economy as it relates to natural resources and national/international business and trade.

SS.8.7 Correlate West Virginia economic conditions with the effects on its citizens (e.g., employment, population, migration, and health).

SS.8.8 Analyze the impact of absentee ownership, renewable and nonrenewable natural resources, labor unionization and the development of infrastructure on the economic growth of West Virginia (e.g., railroad, major highways, internet, and cellular service).

SS.8.10 Identify major sources of revenue and their use by West Virginia state and local governments (e.g., property tax, income tax, licenses, excise tax, severance tax, levies/bonds, and activities under the West Virginia Lottery).

SS.8.11 Compare and contrast the effects of technological/industrial advances as they relate to economy vs. environment and their effects on the demographic profile of West Virginia (e.g., entrepreneurial businesses, agriculture, tourism, education, interstate commuters, mining, and natural gas).

SS.8.12 Provide opportunities for students to explore careers, SMART529, West Virginia's Education Savings Solution, College Foundation of West Virginia, and postsecondary options.

G Geography

SS.8.13 Label the four major physical geographic regions, major rivers, landforms, natural/manmade borders, points of interest, and bordering states on selected maps.

SS.8.14 Identify the 55 counties and major cities of West Virginia on a map and explain the reason for the development of the major cities in their respective locations.

SS.8.15 Investigate climate, landforms, natural resources, and population density in West Virginia's geographical regions using special purpose maps and evaluate the impact of people's lives and settlement pattern.

SS.8.16 Illustrate how technological advances have affected the cultural isolation of West Virginia (e.g., internet, cellphone communications, electronic devices, and social media).

SS.8.17 Analyze the geographic factors that affected the development of agricultural, coal, glass, chemical, metallurgic, and tourism industries in West Virginia.

SS.8.18 Identify West Virginia's exact and relative location on a variety of maps and globes by using correct geographic vocabulary and graphic displays.

SS.8.19 Identify the nine distinct tourist regions in the State of West Virginia and analyze which geographic factors influence each region.

H History

SS.8.20 Demonstrate an understanding of the settlement of western Virginia and the United States by Native Americans and Europeans.

Differentiate between the cultures and daily life of the Native Americans.

Summarize the history of European exploration and settlement in western Virginia from initial explorers to early settlers.

Explain the role of western Virginia in the French and Indian War.

SS.8.21 Demonstrate an understanding of the American Revolution, including western Virginia's part in the development of the nation.

Compare and contrast the perspectives and roles of various western Virginians during the American Revolution including those of political leaders, soldiers, patriots, Tories/Loyalists, women, and Native Americans.

Identify the key conflicts, battles, and participants of the American Revolution in western Virginia and their effects on the area.

Summarize events related to the adoption of Virginia's constitutional conventions, the role of western Virginia and its leaders in the Continental Congress, and the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

Explain the economic and political tensions between the people of western and eastern Virginia including the economic struggles of both groups following the American Revolution and their disagreement over representation.

SS.8.22 Demonstrate an understanding of the American Civil War including its causes, effects, and the major events that led to West Virginia statehood.

Explain the effect of key events leading to western Virginia's separation from Virginia after secession (e.g., First and Second Wheeling Conventions and John Brown's Raid).

Describe the moral, ethical, and legal tensions that led to the creation of the new State of West Virginia and how these tensions were resolved (e.g., Virginia vs. West Virginia 1871).

Compare and contrast the military strategies of the North and South with regard to specific events and geographic locations in West Virginia (e.g., the Battles of Philippi, Rich Mountain, Droop Mountain, Scary Creek, and Carnifex Ferry).

Identify significant contributions of men and women of West Virginia during the Civil War and identify the roles of ethnic and racial minorities.

SS.8.23 Demonstrate an understanding of major social, political, and economic developments that took place in West Virginia during the second half of the 19th century.

Identify the types of transportation that facilitated the growth of West Virginia.

Compare and contrast the West Virginia Constitutions of 1862 and 1872.

Summarize societal changes that occurred in various regions of West Virginia in the late 19th century due to the growth of industry.

SS.8.24 Demonstrate an understanding of West Virginia's development during the early 20th century.

Analyze the evolution of the labor movement in West Virginia.

Summarize the progressive reform movement in West Virginia (e.g., child labor laws, Prohibition, improvements to roads, hospitals, libraries, tax reforms, changes to local government systems, and the roles of significant individuals and groups).

Summarize the political, social and economic situation in West Virginia following World War I, including progress in suffrage for women, improvements in daily life in urban/rural areas, Roaring 20's, and developments in industry.

Explain the effects of the Great Depression and the lasting impact of New Deal programs on West Virginia, including the Homestead Projects.

SS.8.25 Demonstrate an understanding of West Virginia's development during the mid-20th century.

Summarize the significant aspects of the economic and industrial growth experienced by West Virginia during World War II (e.g., chemical industry, steel industry, and coal industry).

Identify the labor/management strategies that have affected West Virginia's economy (e.g., strikes, boycotts, yellow-dog contracts, injunctions, and lock-outs).

Explain the economic, social, and political impact of 20th century events on West Virginia (e.g., school integration, Civil Rights Movement, Cold War, and Vietnam War).

SS.8.26 Demonstrate an understanding of West Virginia in the modern era.

Compile lists of fairs and festivals in West Virginia that can be attributed to the influence of various cultural groups who have settled in the state, explaining the heritage of the fair or festival and its significance to the preservation of West Virginia history.

Analyze the economic, social and political impact of the late 20th century and 21st century events on West Virginia (e.g., terrorism, Gulf War, Iraq War, and War in Afghanistan).