Seventh Grade Social Studies focuses on the impact of the human/ environmental interaction in ancient civilizations, the rise of the European nations, and the Age of Imperialism. Students will learn about geographic regions through geography skills development. Economic knowledge will build to include the growth of mercantilism and the rise of the middle class. Students will classify and compare various forms of government and the relationship of nationalism and patriotism to those governments.

SS.7.1

Classify and compare various forms of government through the Age of Imperialism (e.g., democracy, republic, absolute monarchy, constitutional monarchy, oligarchy, dictatorship, theocracy and parliamentary system).

SS.7.2

Recognize and examine patriotism and nationalism.

SS.7.3

Compare and contrast the roles, rights and responsibilities of free men, women, children, slaves and foreigners across time in various civilizations. (e.g., ancient civilizations, medieval times, and nation states).

SS.7.4

Examine current world events to evaluate how the global landscape has changed over time.

SS.7.5

Summarize and give examples of basic economic terms (e.g., barter, supply, demand, trade, interdependence, currency and scarcity).

SS.7.6

Differentiate between goods and services.

SS.7.7

Compare the incentives of various countries to explore and settle new lands.

SS.7.8

Trace how the emergence of traditional economies led to the development of mercantilism and the rise of the middle class.

SS.7.9

Examine and draw conclusions about how the effects of natural and human events influence an economy (e.g., environmental disasters, diseases and war).

SS.7.10

Research and investigate how natural resources impact the economy.

SS.7.11

Use correct geographic terminology (e.g., absolute and relative location, latitude, longitude, equator, prime meridian, time zones and physical features of the earth) to draw conclusions about information on a variety of maps, graphs and charts.

SS.7.12

Identify, locate, and draw conclusions about information on a variety of maps (e.g., seven continents, bodies of water, countries, cities, climate regions, transportation routes and natural resources).

SS.7.13

Analyze the impact of cultural diffusion on a variety of regions.

SS.7.14

Examine and summarize the effects of human/environmental interaction.

SS.7.15

Evaluate the effects of physical geography and the changing nature of the earth’s surface on transportation, culture, economic activities and urban areas.

SS.7.16

Compare and contrast the geographic factors that contributed to the rise of early civilizations and native cultures.

SS.7.17

Demonstrate an understanding of the ancient civilizations.

  • Identify the leaders and distinguish the basic principles and philosophies of the major religions in the world as they emerged and expanded.
  • Identify the contributions and influences of ancient civilizations and categorize the factors that led to their fall (e.g., philosophy, architecture, civics, literature, the arts, science and mathematics).

SS.7.18

Demonstrate an understanding of the Middle Ages.

  • Analyze the rise of the European nation states and monarchies (e.g., feudalism, peasants, serfs, manorial system and centralized power).
  • Trace the course of the Crusades and the introduction of Asian and African ideas to Europe.
  • Discuss the preservation of ancient Greek and Roman learning and traditions, architecture and government.

SS.7.19

Demonstrate an understanding of the impact the Renaissance and Reformation had on the world.

  • Summarize the origins and contributions of the Italian Renaissance and its spread throughout Europe (e.g., art, architecture, literature and music).
  • Identify key figures, causes and events of the Reformation and the Counter Reformation.

SS.7.20

Demonstrate an understanding of imperialism throughout the world.

  • Summarize the establishment of colonies in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Oceania.
  • Examine the development of triangular trade and illustrate its impact on the world.