Welcome to Social Studies Grades 7 and 8 Ms. Sears Social Studies Department Philosophy The purpose of social studies education is to prepare students to understand and accept the role that responsible citizens play in a democratic society. ~Students must be armed with the necessary skills, knowledge, values, and motivation to define their role and be able to act on it in a constructive manner. ~Achieving this purpose requires that students understand the diversity and changing nature of society and the many national and international issues presently confronting all global citizens. Please click on the following links to view the individual site for each class: 8th Grade: Western Civilizations 7th Grade: World Geography