Women, Eighth Graders, and Test Reviews--oh my!

So as I was transitioning into my second teaching placement I realized my new students were learning about Women's Suffrage. This is interesting because compared to my high school students, my new eighth graders were really glancing over the topic. They skimmed over the topic as if 80+ years could be discussed in a total of ten years.

I wonder how I can expand lessons to meet my students needs, yet at the same time not bog them down with information that is too in depth? And that begs the next question, what is too much information for eighth graders? They need to expand their critical thinking skills so that high school isn't too hard. But how do you transition students into higher levels of thinking when most students are apathetic toward pushing themselves further?

I want to motivate students to challenge themselves, but I am stuck on the how.

I helped my eighth graders review for their Suffrage test, yet most of them got a 5 out of 10. I just want my students to love learning, like my love for teaching!

Any advice would be ok with me fearless readers.

Topics for next time? Maybe, a little sushi and a discussion on standardized tests.