Help your students become global citizens with this lesson that teaches the about culture. Students will explore their culture and the cultures of their classmates in this engaging, hands-on activity.
An interesting lesson about our very special community helpers. Teach your students how important each job is for our safety and health. Encourage them to think about what they would like to be when they grow up.
Little explorers take a mini-tour of the United States on this third grade geography and social studies worksheet. Kids use a map to answer geography questions.
If you ask your students if they need ice cream, the answer may surprise you! In this lesson, your students will be able differentiate between wants and needs.
Through creative and engaging activities, your students will explore and learn about landforms. In this lesson, they will make their own mini dictionary of landforms.
Help your child learn the basics of reading a map with this simplified county map. He'll color and circle the different items that appear in the map key.
In this fascinating worksheet, children learn about the history of chocolate, from its ancient ceremonial use to the invention of the chocolate candy bar.
Social studies is the study of the social sciences, humanities and history, and has the primary purpose of helping young people make informed decisions as citizens of a democratic society. It teaches young kids how our society functions by studying its history and applying those lessons to current events. With our resources and tools, make history come alive for students and spark their interest in civic issues.
Social Studies 101
Social Studies covers a broad area of study, drawing upon such disciplines as anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, history, philosophy, political science, psychology, religion and sociology. It is defined by the American National Council for Social Studies as "the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence."
The goal is to give students knowledge about the world, nation and society around them so they can make informed decisions about civic issues that affect them and their families, especially as they grow older. Ultimately, Social Studies is the study of people, from members of our family to people who live on the other side of world. It includes people living now, those who lived in the past and those who will live in the future.
Since people are a complex subject, an integrated study is necessary to give children as full a picture of humanity as possible. History and geography serve as the anchor, supported by other social sciences (psychology, philosophy, sociology, etc.) and the humanities (literature, the performing arts, and the visual arts).
There are approximately 10 fields of study that students learn in elementary and high school.
Time, Continuity and Change
People, Places and Environments
Individual Development and Identity
Individuals, Groups, and Institutions
Power, Authority, and Governance
Production, Distribution, and Consumption
Science, Technology and Society
Global Connections
Civic Ideals and Practices
Children are naturally attracted to Social Studies because they are curious about themselves and others. Give them a head start with our tools and resources and they’ll be on their way to becoming informed citizens.