Eighth graders study maps and landforms. Review landforms from the previous day's lesson by distributing blank maps of the area the class is studying. Write names of several different landforms on the board or overhead projector. Display a copy of the map with these landforms filled in. Allow students about 10 minutes to complete the map. This warmup promotes understanding of material previously covered and prepares students for the day's lesson.
Many eighth graders study United States history up to 1877. This enormous amount of material covers topics from slavery to political parties and their significance throughout history. After studying about slavery and its implications in the country, check for understanding with a warm-up about the events leading up to the Civil War. Group students into pairs to discuss the cause of the war. Distribute two sheets for each group. Label one sheet "slavery" and the other sheet "political reasons." This warmup reviews the previous day's lesson and introduces the new topic for the day.
Civics and government play an integral role in eighth grade social studies. Students become aware of the importance of good citizenship. They study the Constitution and learn about the duties of each branch of government. Prepare for a quiz on the three branches of government with a daily warm-up using a game format. Students play a simple quiz game where they answer questions given orally by the teacher. Each student earns points with a correct answer. The points accrue and are redeemable for extra credit on assignments.
Eighth grade social studies teachers briefly introduce some of the concepts associated with economics. They study about the effects of supply and demand, taxation, review graphs of business transactions and learn the difference between credit and debit. After studying about the nation's natural resources, students complete a warmup to check for understanding of the concept. They make a list of as many natural resources as they can and explain the significance of each one. This warmup precedes a lesson on the effect of natural resources on the environment.