7th Grade Social Studies. Washington DC Academic Standards Washington DC Academic Standards

Washington DC Academic Standards for Seventh Grade Social Studies

The AztecsThe Aztecs lived in the area that is now Mexico, and were one of the largest Mesoamerican societies. The Aztecs were a complex society with a governmental structure advanced for their time. The Aztecs were also known for their religious ceremonies and great temples that were built to honor their gods. The Aztecs believed in human sacrifice and were quite brutal in the sacrificial rites. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Study Guides: 1

The IncasThe Incas were a civilization that lived in South America, the largest civilization to have existed in that region up to the time of their rule. The Incan people conquered much of South America using force and warfare, but treated those they conquered quite well. The Incas lacked the use of wheeled vehicles. They lacked animals to ride and draft animals that could pull wagons. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Study Guides: 1

The MayaIn the 1st century, a group of people called the Maya rose to civilization in Central and South America. Their society was very interactive and organized around individual city states, each with their own governmental system. They created a system of writing which consisted of individual symbols to represent sounds and words. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Study Guides: 1

European Exploration and SettlementEuropean exploration in North America began with Christopher Columbus’ discovery of what he thought was Asia. Since that time, there have many attempts by Europeans to settle in America, some successful, others not. There are many reasons why Europeans settled outside of Europe. Political, social, and economic forces encouraged the exploration of the New World, and money was almost always a motivating factor in the settlement of new colonies. Read more...iWorksheets: 4Study Guides: 1

The Protestant ReformationAfter the Renaissance, there was a change in thought throughout Europe. The Catholic Church was having financial problems and its role with several Kings and governments had changed; it was claimed that the Church had too much influence, and that clergy members were receiving indulgences or gifts in exchange for important Church Sacraments, such as forgiveness of sins. One man, Martin Luther, challenged the Church and their actions. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Study Guides: 1

The Scientific RevolutionFreeThe Scientific Revolution changed the way that many people saw the world. The work of scientists and philosophers revolutionized the beliefs that had been accepted for hundreds, sometimes thousands, of years. Some notable leaders of the Scientific Revolution are Isaac Newton, Galileo, Nicholas Copernicus, and Andreas Vesalius among others. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Study Guides: 1

Geographic Map TermsThere are many geographical settings that make up the earth’s surface. Many of these characteristics can be seen on maps as well as from satellites because of their size. Many land formations are a result of weather and time, and often they can co-exist with one another. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Study Guides: 1

Geographic ToolsThroughout history, many different tools have been used to transfer graphical information. Graphs, charts, and maps are a few ways that we can represent ideas and places. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Study Guides: 1

The Erie CanalDuring the 18th and 19th century, there was a need for more advanced ways of trade and travel in the United States. One method of travel, by waterway, had proved successful in other parts of the world. The Erie Canal was America’s answer to the need for transportation across New York. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Study Guides: 1

Causes of the Civil WarFreeIn the 1800's, America was expanding and gaining new territories. The issue of slavery was everywhere and there was much conflict over whether or not the new territories should be slave states or not. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Study Guides: 1

Colonial LifeLife in the new colonies was often challenging. While the settlers were free from the restrictions of life in European society, they also did not have the amenities of European life in the 1600s. Many families in the colonies worked on a small farm. The roles of society in colonial America were clearly defined. Men were the decision-makers, and women were in a supporting role. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Study Guides: 1

Colonial SettlementEurope was a leader in the settlement of colonies in America. Although their attempts were not always successful, by the turn of the 17th century they had a pretty firm start in the New World. Jamestown, the first successful settlement, was founded in 1607 by a stock company searching for gold. Read more...iWorksheets: 4Study Guides: 1

Moving Southward and WestwardManifest Destiny was the idea that the United States was destined to expand from the Atlantic to the Pacific. This motivated the government to acquire lands in the Oregon Territory as well as in areas that became Texas, Florida, and California. Many people started to move west in hope of a better life. The California Gold Rush triggered a large movement of people to California. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Study Guides: 1

The Abolitionist MovementThe Abolitionist Movement started with the denunciation of slavery by the Quakers of Pennsylvania, a religion community of believers in equality and peace. After their public resistance to slavery, many other groups of people joined their fight for the abolition of slavery. Read more...iWorksheets: 4Study Guides: 1

The AlamoThe Alamo was a fort in Texas that became the defining point of a conflict between Texan-Americans and the Republic of Mexico. The Texans were part of Mexico but wanted to be part of the United States. A major battle in this conflict happened at the Alamo on March 6, 1836. Today it is a museum in the Alamo Plaza Historic District. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Study Guides: 1

The American RevolutionIn the second half of the 18th century, the colonies began to seek independence from Great Britain. One of the main causes of the Revolutionary War was the colonist’s reaction to the taxes being placed on the necessary goods and activities of the colonies. The Revolutionary War began in 1775, when colonial militias began to fight against the British army. Read more...iWorksheets: 4Study Guides: 1

The Articles of ConfederationThe Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union was an agreement among the 13 original states of the United States of America that served as its first constitution. The Articles of Confederation made the laws regarding how the newly united colonies handles and shared money, reacted to war, and settled disputes. Once the Articles were in use, it became clear that some additions needed to be made for effective governance. Read more...iWorksheets: 4Study Guides: 1

The Civil WarAfter Lincoln was elected in 1860, southern states seceded from the Union in an effort to uphold their stance on slavery. During the war, the Confederacy continued to own slaves and support slavery. After many devastating battles and thousands of casualties, the Civil War ended but many problems that existed before the commencement of battle still existed. However, slaves were officially free and the economies of the North and South were in a new era of growth. Read more...iWorksheets: 4Study Guides: 1

The Jackson AgeAndrew Jackson was an influential leader in the 19th century, known for many reforms to the American government and society during his presidency. President Jackson is credited for the founding of the Democratic Party. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Study Guides: 1

The Nation Grows and ExpandsAround the turn of the 19th century, many changes were occurring in the United States. The industrialization of what had previously been rural and agricultural land led to a different lifestyle for many people. Read more...iWorksheets: 4Study Guides: 1

The New Government in OperationAfter the signing of the Constitution, the leaders and citizens of the United States had many goals and aspirations for the growth of the nation. One type of growth was the interest in expanding the existing boundaries of the new country. The first of these initiatives was the Louisiana Purchase, under President Thomas Jefferson. Read more...iWorksheets: 3Study Guides: 1

The United States ConstitutionThe United States Constitution is a document created by a group of delegates to the Constitutional Convention after the United States declared its independence from Great Britain. The need for a governing document other than the Articles of Confederation was growing clear to the Constitutional Congress, and so they came together to devise a new document. The Constitution is the absolute law in the United States and has been that way since 1789. Read more...iWorksheets: 4Study Guides: 1

Women's RightsIn 1848, leaders of what became the Women’s Rights Movement invited Americans to attend the Seneca Falls Convention to discuss the need for women to have the rights of suffrage (voting), education, and others. They devised a document, modeled after the Declaration of Independence, of resolutions promoting women’s civil rights. The “Declaration of Sentiments” was written by Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Read more...iWorksheets: 4Study Guides: 1

DC.7. World History and Geography: Ancient World

ERA II: EARLY RIVER CIVILIZATIONS TO 1000 B.C./B.C.E.

7.3. Students analyze the geographic, political, religious, social, and economic structures of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Kush.

7.3.1. Locate and describe the major river systems and the physical settings that supported permanent settlement and early civilizations. (G)

ArchaeologyMany people study the past to see what life was like before our time. Certain people, called archaeologists, study the past through looking at the remains of people and societies before us. There remains can be material goods, bodies, or even entire cities that were preserved in time. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1

Ancient EgyptFreeAncient Egypt was located on the fertile area surrounding the Nile River. The people of ancient Egypt used the land and river to set up villages. Ancient Egypt was ruled by many different Kings, or Pharaohs, who passed down their throne to members of their families. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1

Ancient Trade RoutesTrade routes created a system where merchants could safely trade with other people. Merchants created stopping points along the way where people could rest and get supplies. Trade routes were mapped so travelers knew where they were going and did not risk getting lost. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

MesopotamiaThe area that is called Mesopotamia is an ancient region of land located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers that saw the rise of many civilizations. Because of the relationship to the two rivers, these civilizations, like many modern-day cities, thrived culturally. The Sumerians are credited with the creation of the first system of writing, irrigation, an advanced knowledge of mathematics, and the twelve month calendar. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

EgyptAncient Egypt refers to the people and area surrounding the Nile River in Africa. This period of history called Ancient Egypt extends beyond the 3000 BC-1200 BC era. During this time period, Ancient Egypt saw the rise of the Early Dynastic Period to the fall of the New Kingdom. Many things happened during those times, such as the creation of the pyramids, the creation of paper, and the growth of a writing system called hieroglyphics. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

Ancient IsraelThe history of Ancient Israel is documented in one of the world’s most widely read books: the Bible. This history is told through the lives of famous biblical characters as well as remains and inscriptions found in the Middle East. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the three founding patriarchs of Israel, settled in Canaan almost four thousand years ago. The people of Canaan were divided into tribes and were ruled by judges. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

7.3.4. Understand the significance of Hammurabi’s Code and the basic principle of justice contained within the code. (P)

7.3.5. Describe the relationship between religion (polytheism) and the social and political order in Mesopotamia and Egypt. (P, R, S)

7.3.6. Understand the significance of Egyptian rulers Amenemhat, Queen Hatshepsut, and Ramses the Great. (P)

7.3.7. Understand the contribution of Egyptian intellectual thought, including the moral teachings of Ptahotep (the Wisdom Texts), contributions in mathematics (Rhind Mathematical Papyrus), and religion (Pyramid texts). (I, R)

7.3.8. Explain the relationship of pharaohs to peasants as a primary form of labor in Egypt. (S, E)

7.3.9. Describe the main features of Egyptian art and monumental architecture, particularly sculptures, such as the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza. (S,I)

7.3.10. Trace the evolution of language, its written forms (for record keeping, tax collection, and more permanent preservation of ideas), and the invention of papyrus in the early river civilizations. (S, E, I)

PhoeniciaPhoenicia (1000-300 BC) was an ancient civilization in Asia that was made up of a number of city-states. The most prominent city-state in Phoenicia was Carthage, a city that is still a part of Asia. The Phoenicians were a polytheistic culture and celebrated many gods and goddesses. Phoenicia was well known for the extensive trading network they established during their rise as a civilization. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

7.3.11. Describe the role of Egyptian trade in the eastern Mediterranean and Nile Valley. (E)

7.4. Students analyze the geographic, political, religious, social, and economic structures of the Indus Valley Civilization.

7.4.1. Locate the early civilization of the Indus Valley. (G)

7.4.2. Identify the origins of Indus or Harappan civilization in the Indus Valley, and describe how the major river system and the physical setting supported the rise of the civilization. (G)

7.5. Students analyze the geographic, political, religious, social, and economic structures in Northern China.

7.5.1. Identify the location of the early Chinese agrarian societies that emerged. (G)

Ancient ChinaFreeThe history of Ancient China spans thousands of years and a number of different dynasties. Certain Chinese dynasties lasted hundreds of years, while others were overthrown and replaced quickly by new leaders. Despite this, much of Chinese culture and religion was steadfast. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

7.5.2. Describe the importance of the fertile valleys of the Huang He River to the location of early Chinese agricultural societies. (G)

7.5.3. Identify the uses and significance of bronze-making technology. (I, E)

7.5.4. Describe the government in the Shang Dynasty, the development of social hierarchy and religious institutions, and Zhou political expansion. (P, S, R)

7.5.5. Describe the development of a writing system based on ideographs of characters that symbolize conceptual ideas. (I)

7.6. Discuss the origins and characteristics of the Olmecs, the Mother Culture of Mesoamerica.

7.6.1. Describe the Olmecs’ highly developed agricultural system. (G, E)

MexicoMexico is a country located in North America; it neighbors the United States to the South and shares a border that spans from California to Texas. While parts of Mexico are home to snow covered mountains, the country is also known for its beautiful beaches and lush rainforests. After the Spanish exploration of the Americas, Mexico was under Spanish rule until they declared independence in the 19th century. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1

7.6.2. Explain its complex society that is governed by kings and priests with impressive ceremonial centers and artworks. (P, I)

7.6.3. Describe the creation of syllabic and hieroglyphic writing systems and an accurate calendar. (I)

7.6.4. Explain the religious traditions, including the worship of gods, goddesses, and Shamanistic rituals. (R)

7.6.5. Describe characteristics of the Olmec architecture, sculpture, and stone carvings, such as the colossal heads. (I)

ERA III: ANCIENT AND CLASSICAL CIVILIZATIONS TO 700 C.E.

7.7. Students analyze the geographic, political, religious, social, and economic structures of the Ancient Hebrews.

7.7.1. Identify the location of ancient Israel. (G)

7.7.2. Describe the settlements and movements of Hebrew peoples, including the exodus and their movement to and from Egypt, and the significance of the exodus to the Jewish and other peoples. (G)

7.7.4. Describe how the ideas of the Hebrew traditions are reflected in the moral and ethical traditions of Western civilization. (P, S)

7.7.5. Describe the origins and significance of Judaism as the first monotheistic religion based on the concept of one God who sets down moral laws for humanity. (R)

7.7.6. Explain how Judaism survived and developed despite the continuing dispersion of much of the Jewish population from Jerusalem and the rest of Israel after the destruction of the second temple in A.D. 70. (G, R)

7.8. Students analyze the geographic, political, religious, social, and economic structures of the early civilization of Ancient Greece.

7.8.1. Identify the location of Ancient Greece. (G)

Ancient GreeceAbout 4,000 years ago, in the land that we know today as Greece, people from different cultures began to settle down and create villages. These villages made up the area called ancient Greece. Ancient Greece was the trading center of the Mediterranean. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1

Ancient GreeceTo define Ancient Greece (800-200 BC) is to define an area that surrounds the modern-day country of Greece and the culture that it represents. In ancient times, the city-states of Greece expanded their culture and influence to many other places. Ancient Greece is also well known for its contributions to literature, art, science and mathematics. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

7.8.2. Describe the connections between geography and the development of city-states in the region of the Aegean Sea, including patterns of trade and commerce among Greek city-states and within the wider Mediterranean region. (G, E)

7.8.3. Trace the transition from tyranny and oligarchy to early democratic forms of government and back to dictatorship in ancient Greece, including the significance of the invention of the idea of citizenship (e.g., from Pericles’ Funeral Oration). (P)

7.8.4. Explain the democratic political concepts developed in ancient Greece (i.e., the polis, or city-state; civic participation and voting rights; legislative bodies; constitution writing; and rule of law). (P)

7.8.5. State the key differences between Athenian, or direct democracy, and representative democracy. (P)

7.8.6. Outline the founding, expansion, and political organization of the Persian Empire. (G, P)

7.8.8. Compare and contrast life in Athens to Sparta, with emphasis on the daily life of women and children, the games and sports of the Olympiad, the education of youths, the trial of Socrates, and their roles in the Persian and Peloponnesian wars. (S, M)

7.8.9. Trace the rise of Alexander the Great and the spread of Greek culture eastward and into Egypt. (P, S)

7.8.10. Identify key Greek figures in the arts and sciences (e.g., Hypatia, Hippocrates, Homer, Socrates, Sophocles, Plato, Pythagoras, Aristotle, Euclid, Euripedes, and Thucydides). (I)

The Renaissance in EuropeWhat do you know about the Renaissance in Europe? The European Renaissance was a time of social, scientific, artistic, and religious rebirth. From 1463 to 1650, inventors, artists, philosophers, and scientists created and brought to light new ideas and perspectives that changed the shape of society and daily life. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1

7.9. Students analyze the geographic, political, religious, social, and economic structures during the development of Rome.

7.9.1. Locate and describe the major river system and the physical setting that supported the rise of this civilization and the expansion of its political power in the Mediterranean region and beyond through the use of currency and trade routes. (G, E)

Ancient RomeFreeAncient Rome was a civilization that began as a small village in Italy. They eventually were in control of the Mediterranean after the rule of ancient Greece. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1

Ancient RomeAncient Rome (500 BC-500 AD) is characterized by many different leaders, governments and events. The history of ancient Rome spans a number of centuries, and is divided into three main categories: the Roman Kingdom, the Roman Republic, and the Roman Empire. Ancient Rome is also known for many famous leaders. Caesar, Augustus, Constantine and Nero are just a few of the historic figures that led to the expansion of Rome. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

7.9.2. Describe the rise of the Roman Republic, including the importance of such mythical and historical figures as Aeneas, Romulus and Remus, Cincinnatus, Julius Caesar, and Cicero. (P)

7.9.3. Explain the government of the Roman Republic and its significance (e.g., written constitution, separation of powers, rule of law, representative government, the notion of civic duty, and checks and balances) and why it was inadequate to administer Roman affairs by the end of the second century B.C. (B.C.E.). (P)

7.9.4. Describe the influence of Julius Caesar and Augustus in Rome’s transition from republic to empire. (P)

7.9.5. Trace the migration of Jews around the Mediterranean region and the effects of their conflict with the Romans, including the Romans’ restrictions on their right to live in Jerusalem. (G, P)

7.9.7. Describe the circumstances that led to the spread of Christianity in Europe and other Roman territories. (G, R)

7.9.8. Describe the legacies of Roman art and architecture, technology and science (e.g., roads, bridges, arenas, baths, aqueducts, central heating, plumbing, and sanitation), literature and poetry, language, and law. (I)

7.9.9. Explain the spread and influence of the Roman alphabet and the Latin language, the use of Latin as the language of education for more than 1,000 years, and the role of Latin and Greek in scientific and academic vocabulary. (I)

7.9.10. Describe how inner forces (including the rise of autonomous military powers, political corruption, unemployment, and economic and political instability) and external forces (shrinking trade, external attacks, and barbarian invasions) led to the disintegration of the Roman Empire. (P, E)

Medieval EuropeThe document entitled “The Articles of Confederation” was the first governing document of the United States. The Articles of Confederation made the laws regarding how the newly united colonies handled and shared money, reacted to war, and settled disputes. Once the Articles were in use, it became clear that some additions needed to be made for effective governance. Some new Acts were added to the Articles of Confederation. The Land Ordinance of 1785 was an example of this. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1

7.11. Summarize the development of Chinese cultural, economic, political, and social institutions and China’s influence on other developing civilizations.

7.11.1. Explain China’s reunification under the Qin Dynasty after the disunification of the warring states period. (P, M)

7.11.2. Detail the political contributions of the Han Dynasty to the development of the imperial bureaucratic state, internal political stability, and its influence outside of China. (P)

7.11.3. Understand the life of Confucius; the fundamental teachings of Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism; and how Confucius sought to solve the political and cultural problems prevalent in the time. (R, S, I)

7.11.4. Explain the adoption of Buddhism and its diffusion northward to China during the Han Dynasty. (G, R)

7.11.5. Describe the foreign trade through the Silk Roads and the sea. (G, E)

Standards

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Washington DC Academic Standards 7th Grade Social Studies Activities