In this California state curriculum model for grade 8, "United States History and Geography: A More Perfect Union," students study the life, work, and philosophy of Cesar E. Chavez. They learn about historical events and developments in the United States that Chavez encountered. They examine how Chavez worked to bring the promises expressed in many writings, such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, to all people. Students trace the history of Chavez's ancestors who settled in the United States from Mexico and the traditions, language, and culture Chavez inherited and sustained throughout his life. The curriculum presents a history/social science framework; addresses history/social science state standards; sets a context; poses a focus question; cites expected learning outcomes; discusses assessment; lists key concepts; suggests an essential vocabulary, primary sources, and visuals; and provides a detailed step-by-step procedure for implementing each of the 12 lessons. Lessons are: (1) "Documents of Natural Rights: The Declaration of Independence and the Plan of Delano"; (2) "'La Causa' as a Social Contract"; (3) "The UFW vs. a Traditional Union"; (4) "Whose Rights Are They?"; (5) "Remember the Ladies Abigail Adams and Dolores Huerta"; (6) "Domestic Movements: Comparing Daniel Shays to Cesar E. Chavez"; (7) "The Economy and Martin Luther King, Jr. and Cesar E. Chavez"; (8) "The Need for Ecumenism From the Great Awakening to Delano"; (9) "Horace Mann and the Purpose of Public Education"; (10) "Our Common Ground"; (11)"Time Travel with Cesar E. Chavez"; and (12) "Service for Citizenship." A biography and photographs of Cesar Chavez are included. (BT)