Grade 8- Social Studies Book

SARASAS AFFILIATED SCHOOLS
SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8

All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Foreword:
By Dr Chamrat Nongmak

When talking about bilingual education in private elementary and
secondary schools in Thailand, discussion invariably tends to focus on
Sarasas Affiliated Schools, a large group of private schools that was formerly
owned and administered by the late Mr. Peboon Yongkamol. Mr. Peboon, a
well-known and respected educator, was a leading pioneer of the bilingual
education concept here in Thailand. These schools provide a benchmark
and a showcase for bilingual education in Thailand. Many school proprietors,
directors, and managers make it a point to visit Sarasas Affiliated Schools
seeking advice and guidance from a successful leader in the field of bilingual
education.
Sarasas programs for teaching students both in English and in Thai
have been carefully planned and developed step by step. One of the toughest
challenges Sarasas has had to face has been finding the necessary texts and
materials for teaching Thai subjects in English. This is because a bilingual
school, like any other Thai school, needs government approval to operate
and must teach the curriculum mandated by the Ministry of Education.
Unfortunately, the materials needed for teaching Thai subjects in English are
not readily available. Publishers do little to support this need because the
concept is still fairly new and the demand is small. This has forced Sarasas to
create its own texts and materials.
Sarasas has been more fortunate though, than most other schools
struggling to develop their own bilingual program. It already has bilingual
education experience, a qualified staff and the resources necessary to
produce its own high-quality textbooks and materials. The staff, of course, is
the most important ingredient. Sarasas’ large, well-seasoned staff of highly
competent, well qualified and dedicated teaching professionals, both Thai and
native speakers of English, gives it a unique advantage over others
attempting to produce these much-needed materials.
Even so, it has not been an easy task. The materials have been
produced through the careful process of research and development. Revision
or total change is done when those materials are proven to be inadequate.
The people involved in developing these textbooks or workbooks are
classroom teachers. They are the ones who will have to teach with the same
materials they have helped to create. Knowing this gives them a greater
incentive to do it right.

The teams of classroom teachers responsible for classroom material
development operate under the close supervision of the Sarasas Board of
Executives.

One of the roles of the board is to assure proper quality control by
collecting and carefully evaluating the actual work done by students using the
new materials. They make certain that the students are able to understand
the material and use them effectively. One of the things they check for, is
whether the level of English used in the books is appropriate for the students’
level of English. The board also makes certain that the content of the material
is in accordance with the approved syllabus. The Social Studies books have
been developed through this process.
This book is not only useful for teachers but also for parents and
guardians. Its purpose is to encourage and support students in their quest for
knowledge and understanding of Social Studies, as well as stimulate their
interest and improve their skills. Each unit provides an introduction to the
material, a list of new words the student will encounter, problem solving
examples to help the student better understand how to do the work, oral
exercises, and a review of what was learned.
This new Social Studies material will provide students with a greater
international perspective and understanding of Social Studies and social
studies terminology, which will benefit them greatly in later life. This said, I
would like to take this opportunity to thank those responsible for developing
this material and offer my sincere congratulations for a job well done.

Chamrat Nongmak, PhD.
Former Deputy Permanent Secretary
The Ministry of Education

PREFACE

This Social Studies textbook has been developed for bilingual learners based
on the B.E. 2560 (A.D. 2017) revised version of Thailand’s Basic Education
Core Curriculum B.E. 2551 (A.D.2008). The content of this book follows the
Basic Social Studies for Grade 8 written by the Institute of Academic
Development.

This textbook aims to enhance students’ abilities needed in the 21st
century. These include analytical skills, creativity, and collaborative skills.

At the beginning of each unit of this textbook, a useful vocabulary list is
provided to learners. Examples demonstrate to students how to apply the
information they have learnt to solve related problems. Exercises and
activities follow that allow for immediate practice. At the end of each unit,
a summary of the key learning concepts along with a revision exercise is
provided to help students consolidate what they have learned.

Author,
Sarasas Affiliated Schools

March 2022



CONTENTS Semester 1

CIVICS, CULTURE AND LIVING Page WEEK 1 - 10

CHAPTER 1 Who runs our society ? 1
CHAPTER 2 Being a valuable member 22

ECONOMICS Page WEEK 11 - 18

CHAPTER 3 Money management 41
CHAPTER 4 Something about economy 58

CONTENTS Semester 2

GEOGRAPHY Page WEEK 1 - 10

CHAPTER 1 Mor about maps. 00
CHAPTER 2 How do you like Europe 00
CHAPTER 3 How do you think about Africa ?

HISTORY Page WEEK 11 - 18

CHAPTER 4 Ayutthaya Kingdom 00
00
00



Chapter 1WHO RUNS OUR SOCIETY ?

What are social institutions ?

Diagram of Learning contents

Religion

Education Economy

Family Social Government
Institutions
in Thailand

SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8 1

Chapter 1

Words to learn Date: …./.…/….....

Picture Word Meaning

Institution A large important organization
(n.) that has a particular purpose.

Goal The object of a person’s
(n.) ambition or effort.

Harmony When things seem right or
(n.) suitable together.

Grown-up An adult
(n.)

Knowledge Skills acquired by a person
(n.) through experience or
education.

2 SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8

Chapter 1

Introduction

A society is composed of different
people from all walks of life. Ones with similar
or related work, common goals, interest and
behaviors tend to form groups called social
institutions. These institutions can be primary
groups (small, personal) or secondary groups
(large, impersonal). People work together in
a particular field to meet their social needs
and make society a better place to live. Each
social institution organizes the community to
grow and develop.

Social Institutions in Thailand

There are five main social institutions play important roles in Thai Society.

1. Family

Family is the first, the smallest primary group and
the most important social institution. It continually
produces new members, and teaches them the
basic knowledge of how to adapt in society. Family
members have a strong bond, support, love and
concern for each other which is enduring.

They educate their children to become good,
well behaved members of society. In a family
both grown-ups and children help each other
work, learn, develop and enjoy together by
supporting each other in harmony.

SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8 3

Chapter 1

Hands On Activity Date: …./.…/….....

Instructions : Put a tick ( √ ) in front of the jobs you do at home or write
something new.

Most children have jobs to do at home. What are yours ?

…...... 1. Take out the garbage.
…...... 2. Do the laundry.
…...... 3. Put away the laundry
…...... 4. Take care of younger brothers / sisters.
…...... 5. Cook food.
…...... 6. Set the table.
…...... 7. Wash the dishes.
…...... 8. Make my bed.
…...... 9. Clean my house.
…...... 10. Water the plants.

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4 SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8

2. Education Chapter 1

Words to learn Date: …./.…/….....

Picture Word Meaning

Acquisition The learning or developing of
(n.) a skill, habit, or quality.

Discussion The act of talking about
(n.) something with another person
or a group of people.

Research To study a subject in detail
(v.) in order to get information
or achieve a new understanding
of it.

Generation The people born and living at
(n.) about the same time.

Workforce All the people who work for
(n.) a company or organization

SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8 5

Chapter 1

2. Education

Education is the process of
facilitating learning, or the
acquisition of knowledge,
skill, values, beliefs and habits.
Educational methods include
teaching, training, storytelling,
discussion and direct research.

Each society consists of unique Children are required to
culture and local wisdom that is learn necessary skills to
passed on to the next generation. become members of the
Children are taught norms, rules workforce.
and roles in order to adapt to a
community.

6 SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8

Chapter 1

Hands on Activity Date: …./.…/….....

Answer the following questions.

1) Beside knowledge from all the subjects, what else do you
learn from school ?

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2) Where can children learn things they need to know beside in school ?
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3) What subject do you like most? How will you apply it in your future ?
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SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8 7

Chapter 1 Date: …./.…/….....

2. Religion

Words to learn

Picture Word Meaning

Supreme Having the highest rank,
(adj.) level, or importance.

Guidance Help and advice about how to
(n.) do something or about how to
deal with problems.

Ceremonies A set of acts, often traditional
(n.) or religious, performed at a
formal occasion.

Culture The way of life, of a particular
(n.) group of people at a particular
time.

Conserved To protect important place
(v.) or thing from harm.

8 SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8

3. Religion Chapter 1

Religion is a belief in a supreme
being/Gods. When people face
problems and have no idea how
to sort them out, they can turn to
religions to seek guidance.

Religions help remind people of
doing good deeds and being kind
to one another. This helps make
a more peaceful society.

Besides, religious places are
where ceremonies, cultures and
the arts are well conserved and
passed on to the next generation.

SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8 9

Chapter 1

Hands on Activity Date: …./.…/….....

Answer the following questions.

1) Name 3 different religions you know.
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2) Name 3 ceremonies done at a Buddhist temple.
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3) Give an example of how religious help make a peaceful society.
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4) Have you ever been at Buddhist Temple? What did you do there ?
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10 SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8

4. Economy Chapter 1

Words to learn Date: …./.…/….....

Picture Word Meaning

Product Something that is made to be
(n.) sold.

Distributing Sending goods to shops/
(n.) stores and businesses so that
they can be sold.

Manufacturing The making of articles on a
( n.) large scale using machinery
industrial production.

Currency The system of money that
(n.) a country uses.

Standardization Making something conform to
(n.) a standard.

SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8 11

Chapter 1

4. Economy

Economy refers the resources It involves manufacturing,
that a country possesses. In an distributing, selling and consuming.
economy people exchange A lot of people in society work
products, services, land, labor, to agree about currency, taxes
capital to meet their needs and and product standardization to
wants. uphold the system.

Economy provides different kinds
of work which require different
types of skills. It is where and
how grown-ups make use of their
knowledge and experiences to
earn money for themselves and
their family.

12 SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8

Chapter 1

Hands on Activity Date: …./.…/….....

Answer the following questions.

Question Answer

1. What would happen if a ................................................................
particular society has a bad ................................................................
economy ? ................................................................
Explain

2. Have you ever heard ................................................................
about “Sufficiency ................................................................
Economy” ? Can you ................................................................
explain it shorty ?

SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8 13

Chapter 1 Date: …./.…/….....

2. Goverment

Words to learn

Picture Word Meaning

Enforce Make people obey a law.
(v.)

Conflict Serious disagreement
(n.) or discord.

Violence The use of physical force so
(n.) as to injure, abuse, damage,
or destroy.

Infrastructures The basic systems and
(n.) services, that a country or
organization uses in order to
work effectively.

Laws Rules that are made to help
(n.) people live together in peace.

14 SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8

5. Government Chapter 1

A Government is a group of persons
that establishes, implements and
enforces laws for order in society.
Society needs its government to sort
out conflicts or public problems in
order for safety and peace.

The government has to protect
people from threats and violence.
It provides facilities including
infrastructures so that everyone can
work well and have a good quality
of life.

There are many types of government
like democracy, communism and
socialism. A democracy is a
government of the people, by the
people and for the people. It means
people elect their own government.
This means that in a democracy
everyone takes part in making the
laws that everyone has to obey.

SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8 15

Chapter 1

Hands on Activity Date: …./.…/….....

Answer the following questions.

Question Answer

1.What type of government ................................................................
does Thailand currently ................................................................
have ? ................................................................

2.Explain this statement, “A ................................................................
democracy is a government ................................................................
of the people, by the people ................................................................
and for the people.”

16 SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8

Chapter 1

Review

Exercise Date: …./.…/….....

Answer the following questions.

1) How important are social institutions ?
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2) Who is taught norms, rules, and roles in order to adapt to a community ?
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3) What is a democracy ?
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4) Name 3 different religions and their religious places.
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5) Give an example of how religions help make a peaceful society.
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SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8 17

Chapter 1 Date: …./.…/….....

Hands On Activity

Part I : Thinking and Writing Activity

Instructions : There are five main social institutions play important roles
in Thai Society. Please recording data as the diagram below.

Thinking Diagram

Five main social institutions

The most important social institution.

The process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of
knowledge, skill, values, beliefs and habits.

A belief in a supreme being/Gods.

The resources that a country possesses.

A group of persons that establishes, implements
and enforces laws for order in society.

18 SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8

Chapter 1

Hands On Activity Date: …./.…/….....

Part II : Presenting and Promoting Activity

Instructions : Choose 1 topic to create the presentation of
social institutions that each presentation is around
5 minutes long. (Individually or in group)

1. Family

2. Education

5. Government 3. Religion

2. Economy

SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8 19

Chapter 1

Brain Teasers
1. Do you think whether you are a part of each social

institutions ?
2. As a part of each social institution what you can do as a

valuable member of the society ?

Note

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20 SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8

Chapter 1

Grading Myself

How to become good
member of the society.
I need to learn many things in
order to develop myself and my

community.
Religions help remind
people of doing good deeds and
being kind to one another.

SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8 21

22 SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8

Chapter 2BEING A VALUABLE MEMBER

How should a valued member behave?

Diagram of Learning contents

BEING A VALUABLE MEMBER

We are a member What are a group
of a group. member’s duties ?

What are a What are your
Thai’s Duties? duties ?

SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8 23

Chapter 2

Words to learn Date: …./.…/….....

Picture Word Meaning

Valuable Very useful or important,
(adj.) precious.

Member A person or thing that is part
(n.) of a group.

Family A group of people who are
(n.) related to each other.

Community A group of people living in the
(n.) same place.

Country A land lived in by a group
(n.) of people with a common
government.
Thailand

24 SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8

Chapter 2

1. We are a member of a group.

1.1 We are a member of a family.

1.2 We are a member of a community.

1.3 We are students. We are members
of a school.

1.4 We are a citizen of our country.

1.5 We are a member of the world.

SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8 25

Chapter 2

Hands on Activity Date: …./.…/….....

Look at the pictures then fill in the blanks with the right words below.

They are ______________________ She is a ______________________
They are member of _____________ She is a member of _____________

He is a _______________________ (Draw or stick a picture of yourself.)
He is a member of ______________ He is a _______________________
He is a member of ______________

Nurse Buddhism football player
Buddhist monks football team hospital

26 SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8

Chapter 2

Words to learn Date: …./.…/….....

Picture Word Meaning

Friendship A relationship between friends.
(n.)

Duty A task or action that someone
(n.) is required to perform.

School band A group of student musicians
(n.) who rehearse and perform
instrumental music together.

Gardener A person who works in or
(n.) takes care of a garden as an
occupation or pastime.

Waiter A man whose job is to serve
(n.) customers at their tables in a
restaurant.

SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8 27

Chapter 2

2. What are a group member’s duties ?

A member of a group has certain duties. It is not only
friendship between you and other members but also

success and goodwill to the group.

These students are members of a school
band. Some of their duties
consist of are.
…practicing the instruments regularly.
..performing their best on behalf of the school.

This gardener is a member of a school.
Her duties consist of.
..watering the plants.
..keep the school area clean and tidy.

This waiter is a member of a restaurant.
His duties are__________________________
and__________________________________

I am a member of ______________________
I am expected to _______________________
and _________________________________

28 SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8

Chapter 2

Hands On Activity Date: …./.…/….....

Write down what your duties are as a member of the class.

1. .......................................................................................................................
2. .......................................................................................................................
3. .......................................................................................................................
4. .......................................................................................................................
5. .......................................................................................................................

SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8 29

Chapter 2

Words to learn Date: …./.…/….....

Picture Word Meaning

Respect To feel or show honor or
(v.) esteem for, hold in high regard.

Improve To make or become better.
(v.)

Soldier A person who serves in an army.
(n.)

Natural resource A supply of something That a
(n.) country has and can use,
especially to increase its wealth.

Taxes An amount paid to the
(n.) government based on a
person’s income, a company’s
profits.

30 SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8

Chapter 2

3. What are a Thai’s duties?

3.1 Thai people respect the nation, religion, the King and the
Thai national flag. They are bound to express respect and protect
these bodies.

3.2 Thai Children have to study. They need
to be educated in order to know how to
improve themselves and to develop the
country.

3.3 Thai people who are employed have to
pay taxes so that the money will be spent
for the good of the country.

SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8 31

Chapter 2

3.4 They also go to vote to choose 3.5 All Thai men must serve the
their government. nation as soldiers.

3.6 Thais are expected to conserve 3.7 They have to save the natural
Thai culture. resources.

32 SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8

Chapter 2

Hands On Activity Date: …./.…/….....

What are your duties as a Thai ? List in the space below.

A Thai’s duties

SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8 33

Chapter 2

Words to learn Date: …./.…/….....

Picture Word Meaning

Various Several and different.
(adj.)

Bear in mind To remember.
(v.)

Unquestionably That cannot be doubted.
(adv.)

Manage To succeed in doing something
(v.) difficult.

Responsibility A duty to be in charge of
(n.) someone or something.

34 SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8

Chapter 2

What are your duties?

You may not know that you are bound to do a lot of things. This is because
you are members of various groups. Bear in mind that you are unquestionably
part of your family, friends and neighbors; they help you grow and learn about
life. By saying so, quite a number of duties are waiting for you to manage
every day. Ask yourself now how many groups you are in and what your
responsibilities are.

Using the words from the box match and write the type of group.
Then write a duty for each of the groups.
Family Buddhism Friends School

1. 2.

Group:_______________________ Group:_______________________
Duty:________________________ Duty:________________________

3. 4.

Group:_______________________ Group:_______________________
Duty:________________________ Duty:________________________

SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8 35

Chapter 2

Review

Exercise Date: …./.…/….....

Answer the following questions.

1) What are the three institutions that Thai people respect and protect ?
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2) What do Thai people pay for the country ?
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3) Who must serve the nation as soldiers ?
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4) Why do Thai children need to be educated ?
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5) Give 2 examples of duties that a member of a group should do ?
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36 SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8

Chapter 2

Hands On Activity Date: …./.…/….....

Part I : Thinking and Writing Activity

Instructions : There are the Thais’ duties that play important roles in
Thai Society. Please recording data as the diagram below.

Thinking Diagram

The Thais’ duties

They respect the nation, religion, the King and the Thai national flag.
They need to be educated in order to know how to improve themselves.
They have to pay taxes.
They also go to vote to choose their government.
They must serve the nation as soldiers.
Thais are expected to conserve Thai culture.
They have to save the natural resources.

SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8 37

Chapter 2

Hands On Activity Date: …./.…/….....

Part II : Presenting and Promoting Activity

Instructions : Choose 1 topic to create a presentation about the
students’ duties as Thai people. Each presentation
is around 5 minutes long. (Individually or in a group).

1. As a member of religious people.
2. As a member of the school.
3. As a friend.
4. As a family member.

38 SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8

Chapter 2

Brain Teasers

1. Are you a good member of your society ?
2. How many groups do you belong to ?

What are they ?

Note

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SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8 39

Chapter 2

Grading Myself

We are a member of a group
What are a group member’s

duties?
What are your duties?

40 SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8