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Breadcrumb

Grade 8

Civic Engagement in Our Democracy

The Cambridge Public Schools uses the Democratic Knowledge Project’s Civic Engagement in Our Democracy curriculum as the foundation of the 8th grade civics course. Throughout the year, 8th graders develop critical thinking skills and a thorough understanding of the foundations and workings of our government in the United States. They study the past to better understand the present, so that they are equipped to engage in civic action and to create change.

Students begin the course by creating a story of self, in which they reflect on their values and their identities. Students then encounter a series of unit projects that encourage and help them develop and demonstrate their growing civic knowledge and skills, while exploring stories about individuals who demonstrate civic engagement that is informed by who they are and what they value. Students finish the course with a student-led civics project, in which they apply their civic knowledge, skills, and understanding of what matters to them and take action on an issue in their community. Finally, they create a Story of Civic Self as an end-of-year reflection.

Units of Study Essential Questions

Unit 1: Introduction

  • Identity and Values
  • Media Literacy
  • Sovereignty, Genocide, and Surivance in Native North America
  • What is a story I can tell about who I am and what matters to me, and how can I share it?
  • How and why do genocides happen, and how can we act against them?
Unit 2: The Rights of the People
  • What are our rights, why do they matter, and how can we teach others about them?
Unit 3: The Powers of Government
  • Does the presidency have too much power?
  • How can constitutional democracy secure the rights of the people?
Unit 4: Loyalty, Voice, or Exit
  • What can I do when my values and my community’s actions are not aligned, and how can understanding foundational ideas help me?
Unit 5: Levers of Change
  • Why do levers of change matter and what can stories about them teach us about making change?
Unit 6: Student-led Civics Project
  • How can I use my civic skills, knowledge, and values to take action on an issue that matters to me?
Unit 7: Conclusion: Story of Civic Self
  • How can I use my civic skills, knowledge, and values to take action on an issue that matters to me?

All 8th grade students write a legal brief and several shorter writing assignments. They work in small groups or independently to create a civic action project which requires students to:

  • analyze complex issues
  • engage in research, using multiple sources
  • consider differing points of view
  • reason, make logical arguments and support claims using valid evidence
  • engage in civil discourse with those who hold opposing positions
  • demonstrate an understanding of the connections between federal, state and local
  • policies, including issues that may impact the student’s school or community
  • reflect on their learning