use a letter/number grid system to determine location
compare and contrast the categories of natural, cultural, and political features found on maps
use inch-to-inch map scale to determine distance on a map
use map key/legend to acquire information from historical, physical, political, resource, product, and economic maps
use a map to explain impact of geography on historical and current events
draw conclusions and make generalizations based on information from maps
use latitude and longitude to determine location
use graphic scales to determine distances on a map
compare maps of the same place at different points in time and from different perspectives to determine changes, identify trends, and generalize about activities
compare maps with data sets (e.g., charts, tables, graphs) and/or readings to draw conclusions and make generalizations
B - Information Processing Skills
compare similarities and differences
organize items chronologically
identify issues and/or problems and alternative solutions
distinguish between fact and opinion
identify main idea, detail, sequence of events, and cause and effect in a social studies context
identify and use primary and secondary sources
interpret timelines
identify social studies reference resources to use for a specific purpose
construct charts and tables
analyze artifacts
draw conclusions and make generalizations
analyze graphs and diagrams
translate dates into centuries, eras, or ages
formulate appropriate research questions
determine adequacy and/or relevancy of information
check for consistency of information
interpret political cartoons
C - Turn of the Century
describe how life changed in America at the turn of the century
locate important places in U.S. History since the turn of the century on a map
explain the reasons for the spatial patterns of economic activities
explain how a citizen's rights are protected under the U.S. Constitution
explain the process by which amendments to the U.S. Constitution are made
explain how amendments to the U.S. Constitution have maintained a representative democracy/republic as the form of government for the United States
D - World War I
describe U.S. involvement in World War I and discuss post-World War I America
E - The Great Depression
explain how the Great Depression and New Deal affected the lives of millions of Americans
F - World War II
explain America's involvement in World War II
G - The Cold War
discuss the origins and consequences of the Cold War
describe the importance of key people, events, and developments between 1950 and 1975
H - America Since 1975
trace important developments in America from 1975 to 2001
I - Economics and Personal Finance
use the basic economic concepts of trade, opportunity cost, specialization, productivity, and price incentives to illustrate historical events
describe the functions of the four major sectors in the U.S. economy
describe how consumers and producers interact in the U.S. economy
identify the elements of a personal budget (i.e., income, expenditures, and saving) and explain why personal spending and saving decisions are important