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Department Vision

The SHS Sentinel Social Studies Team recognizes its role in preparing learners for college, careers and civic life. Through the study of each of the four social studies disciplines—civics and government, economics, geography, and history—students are provided with opportunities to acquire and apply knowledge and skills in a variety of authentic contexts. Social studies teaches students not what to think, but how to think. The knowledge, skills and dispositions gained through social studies allow students to make informed decisions, learning what they should be willing to stand for or against. Engagement in social studies provides students with the opportunity to learn about their world and become active and involved members of their local and global communities.

~Adapted from The College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards

How We Teach

“Incorporating RI Social Studies GSEs, C3 Framework and Common Core Standards”

1. Developing questions & planning inquiries 

2. Applying disciplinary concepts and tools 

3. Evaluating sources and using evidence 

4. Communicating conclusions & taking informed action

Developing questions & planning inquiries

With the entire scope of human experience as its backdrop, the content of social studies consists of a rich array of facts, concepts, and generalizations. The way to tie all of this content together is through the use of compelling and support.ing questions.

Applying disciplinary concepts and tools

The four CORE Disciplines within social studies provide the intellectual context for studying how humans have interacted with each other and with the environment over time. Each of these disciplines—civics, economics, geography, and history—offers a unique way of thinking and organizing knowledge as well as systems for verifying knowledge. .

Evaluating sources and using evidence

The skills students need to analyze information and come to conclusions in an inquiry. These skills focus on gathering and evaluating sources, and then developing claims and using evidence to support those claims

Communicating conclusions and taking informed action

Develop claims and use evidence to support those claims