Grade 10 – U.S. History (Standard)
Course Overview
U.S. History Standard for Grade 10 is a comprehensive, yearlong course that traces major developments in American history from 1877 to the early 21st century. Students examine themes such as democracy, economic development, social reform, war and diplomacy, and the evolving role of the United States in the world. This course builds civic literacy and critical thinking, preparing students to engage as informed citizens.
Emphasis is placed on analyzing historical documents, identifying cause and effect, constructing timelines, and understanding diverse perspectives. Students use primary and secondary sources to evaluate major turning points in U.S. history and connect them to present-day issues and policies.
Learning Outcomes by Quarter
- Quarter 1: Explore post-Reconstruction developments, the Gilded Age, immigration, urbanization, and the Progressive Era.
- Quarter 2: Analyze U.S. expansionism, World War I, the Roaring Twenties, and the Great Depression.
- Quarter 3: Investigate World War II, the Cold War, McCarthyism, and the Civil Rights Movement.
- Quarter 4: Examine Vietnam, Watergate, modern conservatism, globalization, and contemporary social change.
Instructional Methods
Instruction includes direct teaching, primary source analysis, multimedia case studies, group discussion, simulations, and historical debates. Students develop skills in note-taking, cause-effect mapping, timeline construction, and interpreting political cartoons, charts, and historical photographs.
Assessment and Grading
| Category | Weight |
|---|---|
| Unit Exams & Projects | 40% |
| Quizzes & Source Analysis | 25% |
| Homework & Practice | 20% |
| Participation & Class Discussion | 10% |
| Reflections & Presentations | 5% |
Anchor Themes Justification
- Democracy & Citizenship: Students learn about constitutional principles, civil rights, and the expansion of suffrage.
- Economic Growth & Inequality: From industrialization to modern capitalism, students analyze opportunity and access.
- Global Leadership & War: Students examine how the U.S. shaped and was shaped by world conflict and diplomacy.
- Social Movements & Reform: Understanding civil rights, labor rights, and activism informs civic responsibility.
Florida Standards Alignment
| Topic | Florida Benchmark | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Industrialization | SS.912.A.3.2 | Analyze growth of big business and labor response |
| Progressivism & Reform | SS.912.A.3.6 | Evaluate antitrust acts and social reforms |
| World War II | SS.912.A.5.10 | Assess U.S. strategy and impact on global power |
| Civil Rights | SS.912.A.7.5 | Trace key leaders, legislation, and protest methods |
Academic Vocabulary Matrix
| Category | Key Terms | Contextual Application |
|---|---|---|
| Political Systems | Federalism, Suffrage, Segregation | Used in context of civil rights and government powers |
| Economic History | Trusts, Depression, New Deal | Explored through case studies of economic cycles |
| Foreign Policy | Isolationism, Containment, Détente | Applied to understanding diplomacy and war |
| Social Change | NAACP, Feminism, Immigration Act | Used in understanding 20th-century reform |