7th Grade Social Studies

Unit Names

Unit Overview

Unit 1: Native Americans Early Encounters and Colonial Development

This introductory unit to American history digs into North America before European exploration and examines the factors that led to the exploration and development of the New World. 

Unit 2: American Revolution

This unit offers a multitude of perspectives on the causes and outcomes of the Revolutionary War, and other historical phenomena relating to the American struggle for freedom. Topics in this unit include: colonial responses to British taxation; how the sharing of culture, identity, and political and economic ideas shaped the foundations of American government, and how military strategies and geography affected the outcome of battles. Lessons also emphasize the actions of ordinary people, specifically the experiences of continental soldiers, women, African Americans, and Native peoples, who were all central to the revolutionary process. 

Unit 3: A New Nation: The United States Constitution

This unit offers a multitude of perspectives on the development of the new American nation (1783–1803), and the challenges founding fathers faced in unifying a people and creating a form of government. Concepts and topics of representative lessons in this unit include: identify the limitations of the Articles of Confederation; study Shays’ Rebellion; analyze the Great Compromise and the differences of opinion on how to establish a legislative branch; discuss slavery in the Constitution; understand Federalism, Checks and Balances and the power of each branch of government; interpret The Bill of Rights, discuss Washington’s Legacy and Hamilton’s Economic Plan. 

Unit 4: A Nation Grows

This unit offers a multitude of perspectives on the growth of the United States in the first half of the 19th century. Concepts and topics of representative lessons in this unit include: The Lewis and Clark Expedition, The Monroe Doctrine, U.S. Acquisition of Territory, Erie Canal, New York’s Trail of Tears, Immigration: Irish Potato Famine, and the Declaration of Sentiments.  

Unit 5: A Nation Divided

This unit offers a multitude of perspectives on the United States Civil War. Concepts and topics of representative lessons in this unit include: The Growth of Slavery, Resistance to Slavery, Causes of the Civil War, Key Leaders, The Emancipation Proclamation, the New York City Draft Riots and the Effects of the War.