The BEST Social Studies & US History Worksheets for 8th Grade

The 8th grade is an important year in the study of American history because it covers a wide range of topics, from colonial America to the Civil War and the Reconstruction period! 

On top of that, the 8th grade U.S. history curriculum dedicates an extended period of time to the study of these important historical time periods in American history—much more so than students have received in a prior grade level!

A simple and effective way to help prepare your eighth grade social studies students for their continued study of US history and world history as high school students is through the use of well-curated American history worksheets. Engaging and informative lesson plans that incorporate the use of well-thought-out worksheets are absolutely essential! Every lesson you provide as an 8th grade history teacher should include a colorful and immersive PowerPoint presentation (or Google Slides) that accompanies the worksheets you assign. One great way to do this is through the use of printable worksheets (often via PDF files), which may come in a variety of forms, everything from a written exercise worksheet to blank printable maps, to a word search and everything else in between. By using an array of informative lessons and history worksheets resources such as those I previously mentioned, you'll be enhancing your students' social studies skills.

One popular resource for 8th grade social studies teachers is a collection of worksheets that focus on the American Revolution. These worksheets provide students with a detailed look at the causes and events of the revolutionary war, as well as information about key figures and battles. They also include reading passages and comprehension questions to help students understand the material. Here are some examples!

If you haven't already, download a FREE week of lesson plans HERE!

Another important aspect of 8th grade social studies is the study of the Civil War. Worksheets about the Civil War can provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the many complex long-term causes of the Civil War, as well as information about the numerous key figures and battles of the Civil War. The Civil War is also a GREAT time period to make use of primary sources, such as letters and diary entries, to give students a firsthand look at what it was like to live during this time period! For 8th grade social studies teachers, there are also worksheets and resources available that focus on the reconstruction period after the civil war. These worksheets help students understand the challenges and opportunities that arose during that divisive and transformational time period, as well as the impact it had on American society then and for many generations to come. They also include primary sources and other materials to help students understand the material.

In addition to worksheets that focus on specific historical events, there are also resources available that cover broader social studies topics, such as American government (ie., legislative branch, executive branch, and judicial branch), and the Bill of Rights. These worksheets can help students understand the structure of the government, the role of each branch of government, the system of checks and balances, separation of powers, levels of government, and the rights and responsibilities of US citizens.

Another one of those "broad" areas of study covered in 8th grade U.S. history is Westward Expansion. The Louisiana Purchase and the spirit of Manifest Destiny that swept across the nation shortly after the War of 1812, is yet another incredible opportunity to help provide your students with a detailed look at the exploration and settlement of the American West with high-quality worksheets that challenge students' critical thinking skills. Such worksheets (like the one pictured below!) provide an easy way for you as an 8th grade social studies teacher to conduct individual student assessment and comprehension of the subject matter.

In addition to these worksheets, there are also a variety of other social studies activities available for 8th grade social studies teachers. For example, there are video clips and readings that can be used to supplement the worksheets and provide students with a deeper understanding of the material. There are also teacher guides that provide detailed lesson plans and ideas for incorporating the worksheets into the classroom. Furthermore, one of the great things about 8th grade social studies worksheets is that they can be easily adapted to different grade levels and curriculum standards. For example, the worksheets and resources can be used in high school courses to supplement the study of American history. They can also be used in conjunction with other resources, such as primary sources, a reading passage, and PowerPoint presentations, to provide students with a well-rounded understanding of the material. Another great way to use 8th grade social studies worksheets is in the classroom with Google Classroom. This digital platform allows teachers to assign, collect, and grade worksheets easily. It also allows teachers to provide feedback, share resources, and communicate with students.

Overall, 8th grade social studies worksheets are a valuable resource for both teachers and students. With a wide array of lessons, worksheets, and other resources available, teachers can easily tailor their instruction to the specific needs and interests of their students.

In addition to the worksheets, many resources also include teacher guides, which provide lesson plans and ideas for incorporating the worksheets into the classroom.

These guides often include discussion questions, activities, and assessments that align with the content area strands and big ideas of the 8th grade social studies curriculum. This can be a great help for teachers, as it allows them to easily align their instruction with the curriculum standards and state guidelines.

Moreover, 8th grade social studies worksheets are a great way for students to learn about historical events, social studies topics, and early American history in a fun and interactive way. The worksheets also provide students with a variety of primary and secondary sources, as well as readings and comprehension questions, which can help students improve their reading comprehension skills. Additionally, by using printable worksheets, students can have a tangible record of the material they learn and can refer back to it at any time, which can help reinforce their understanding of the material.

To summarize, 8th grade social studies worksheets can provide a wealth of information and activities that can help students understand and retain the material. Teachers can also use these worksheets to easily assess students' understanding and progress throughout the school year. With a wide array of lessons, worksheets, and other resources available, teachers can easily tailor their instruction to the specific needs and interests of their students. These worksheets are a valuable resource for both teachers and students, and they can be used to supplement the study of American history in high school courses and beyond!   

If you're thinking there's no way I have time to create all of those worksheets and resources or scour sites like Teachers pay Teachers every week just to patch together a bunch of different resources from a bunch of different teacher authors - I HEAR YOU!!

I've been in your shoes and that's why I've built this website and created curriculum bundles exclusively for teachers like YOU! I've put my years of experience in the classroom and in various administrative roles, as well as my LOVE for ALL things history-related, so that I could proudly offer high-quality, easy-to-use, affordable and PROVEN history curriculum bundles.

Imagine...

Spending more time on teaching and less time on lesson plans. Having more time on nights and weekends to share with friends and loved ones, NOT lesson planning

Have a look at my curriculum bundles HERE!

Thank you so much for reading!

-Jillian (a.k.a. the "Lesson Plan Guru")