1960s
8th Grade
Moderate Rigor
Eighth Grade Geography (1960)
World regional geography with Cold War context. Emphasis on comparative study of world regions and emerging nations.
3
Hours/Week
8
Skills Expected
Space Age
Era
Historical Context
Cold War shaped geographic study. Decolonization brought attention to developing nations. Geography declined as separate subject in many schools.
Space Age (1960-1969)
Academic rigor after Sputnik shock. "New Math" and science curriculum reforms. Focus on gifted students.
Skills Expected
What students were expected to master by the end of 8th grade
- Regional analysis and comparison
- Understanding of developing nations
- Cold War geographic context
- Map and data interpretation
- Economic and political geography
- Cultural geography awareness
- Research skills
- Global perspective development
Sample Topics & Assignments
Typical problems, readings, or assignments from this era
Typical Resources of the Era
Common textbooks and materials used in 1960s classrooms
- The World and Its People
- High School Geography Project materials
- National Geographic resources
Get Started: Curriculum Resources
Actual textbooks and curricula you can use to implement 1960s geography standards