Social Studies
This document, signed in 1787, established the framework for the United States federal government and is still the supreme law of the land.
The Constitution
This streaming platform (starts with "S") became one of the largest for listening to songs and creating playlists in the 2010s. (Accept a commonly known name.)
Spotify
This character, a genius inventor who becomes a superhero after building a powered suit, is also one of the founding members of the Avengers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Name him.
Iron Man
This global sporting event is held every four years and features teams from many nations competing mostly in soccer (known internationally as football). Name the event.
The World Cup
Most students transition from elementary to middle school between what two grades in the U.S.?
5 and 6
Name the three branches of the U.S. federal government and give one main function of each.
Judicial, Executive, Legislative
Name one widely popular music genre that rose from Southern U.S. roots and became dominant in mainstream charts during the 2010s.
Hip hop / rap (or pop-country depending on answers — accept justified genre)
The Marvel Cinematic Universe released a film in 2019 where the Avengers attempt to undo the effects of a villain's snap. Name that film.
Avengers Endgame
Name a young adult book or film series that was widely popular in the 2010s and is appropriate for middle school readers.
Examples: The Hunger Games series, Divergent, Percy Jackson (age-appropriate options).
Name two study strategies that help students remember information for tests.
Study strategies: spaced practice, flashcards, summarizing notes, teaching someone else.
The term "Industrial Revolution" describes major changes in manufacturing during the 18th and 19th centuries. Identify one major effect this had on cities or working life.
Examples: rapid urbanization, crowded tenement housing, rise of factory jobs and child labor, growth of transportation networks.
Identify one major artist or band from the 2010s–2020s and name one hit song they released. (Pick an artist appropriate for school settings.)
Example: Taylor Swift — "Shake It Off" (or another school-appropriate hit); or Ed Sheeran — "Shape of You".
Name the fictional metal central to Wakanda and to the Black Panther story.
Vibranium
Define the term "viral" in internet culture and give an example of something that can go viral.
"Viral" = rapidly shared widely online (example: short dance video, challenge, or catchy clip).
What is a GPA and how is it generally used by schools? Give a short explanation appropriate for 8th graders.
GPA = grade point average; a number averaging course grades used to track academic performance.
Explain what a primary source is and give two examples that an 8th grader might find in a local history unit.
Primary source: original, first-hand evidence (examples: diary from a local resident, newspaper article from the time).
Explain what a "collab" (collaboration) is in modern music and give an example of how it can help artists.
A "collab" is when two or more artists create a song together; helps artists reach new fans and combine styles.
Explain what a "post-credits scene" is and why Marvel movies often include them.
A short scene after the credits showing extra footage or hints about future stories; used to reward fans and set up sequels.
Name one social media platform that became especially popular among teens in the late 2010s and describe one way teens use it for creativity.
Example: TikTok — teens create short dances, comedy skits, or creative edits.
Describe one effective way to manage time when you have homework in multiple subjects. Include a simple step students can try.
Time management: make a prioritized to-do list, estimate time per task, use 25–40 minute focused blocks with short breaks.
The Treaty of Versailles ended World War I. Name one major provision of the treaty and one consequence it had for Europe in the 1920s–1930s.
Example provision: Germany took responsibility and owed reparations; consequence: economic hardship and political instability that helped extremist movements rise.
Describe how social media platforms (like TikTok or Instagram) can influence which songs become popular. Give one specific mechanism.
Social media can boost clips that users share or create trends/challenges that feature specific songs, dramatically increasing streams.
Identify one Marvel hero whose origin involves being bitten or exposed to something that gives them powers, and briefly describe the origin.
Example: Spider-Man — bitten by a radioactive/ genetically altered spider giving him powers.
Explain what a meme is and describe one example of a family-friendly meme format (no offensive content).
A meme is a widely-shared idea or image with variations — family-friendly example: the "Distracted Boyfriend" template used to show shifting attention between harmless options.
Explain academic integrity (cheating vs. honest work) and give two examples of actions that follow academic integrity.
Academic integrity = doing your own work and citing sources; examples: studying and taking your own test, quoting and citing a source when using someone else's words.