Embedded Files
SOCIAL STUDIES
SOCIAL STUDIES
Preparing students for the 21st century requires a strong emphasis on social studies. The founders of our country emphasized that the vitality and security of a democracy depends upon the education and willingness of its citizens to participate actively in society. This level of participation requires civic competence. In other words, it is imperative that our current and future generations gain an understanding of the core concepts of a high-quality social studies education. Iowa’s Academic Standards in Social Studies are premised upon a rigorous and relevant K- 12 social studies program within each district and school in the state. Engaging students in the pursuit of active, informed citizenship will require a broad range of understanding and skills. It will also require an articulated district curriculum that connects students to the social world through high-quality and rigorous instructional experiences.
Iowa’s Academic Standards in Social Studies:
Set high expectations and provide strong support for learning in social studies by all students;
Represent the social studies knowledge and skills needed to prepare our youngest citizens to make a successful transition to postsecondary education, the workplace and civic life;
Balance knowledge, conceptual understanding and important skills and practices;
Focus on important social studies topics;
Represent rigorous vertical progressions across grade levels; and
Can help guide the development of local social studies curricula and instructional programs.
Adopted January, 2026
Adopted January, 2026
Elementary
Elementary
Middle Level
Middle Level
High School Courses
High School Courses
NEW!
NEW!
Resources to Learn About the New Standards
Resources to Learn About the New Standards
K-12 Social Studies Storylines
SOCIAL STUDIES RESOURCES
SOCIAL STUDIES RESOURCES
Elementary Social Studies Priority Standards and Units
Open Education Resources
Open Education Resources
Kennedy Center - Any Given Child: This site provides tools and resources for Grades K-8.
Political Cartoons:
HarpWeek examines presidential elections, the Civil War, Reconstruction and other events of 19th century America through the articles and cartoons of Harper’s Weekly.
The U.K. National Archives examines the use of political cartoons throughout world history.
Daryl Cagle’s Teachers’ Guide for the Professional Cartoonists Index offers lesson plans for using modern editorial cartoons in the classroom.
Primary Source promotes history and humanities education by connecting educators to people and cultures throughout the world. In partnership with teachers, scholars, and the broader community, Primary Source provides learning opportunities and curriculum resources for K-12 educators. By introducing global content, Primary Source shapes the way teachers and students learn, so that their knowledge is deeper and their thinking is flexible and open to inquiry.
New York Times Learning Network: The New York Times has a wonderful selection of articles and lessons that have a wide range of social studies ideas. You will find categories covering regular social studies, civics, american history, global history, this day in history, geography, current events, and economics. The lessons contain wonderful readings, graphics, and ideas to add to any social study class digital collection.
National Center for History in the Schools: A nationally known organization that has engaged the talents of scores of classroom teachers and provided history educators across the nation with new historical resources and teaching strategies. NCHS’s double mission is (a) to aid the professional development of K-12 history teachers; and (b) to work with teachers to develop curricular materials that will engage students in exciting explorations of United States and World history.
The Library of Congress’ Chronicling America displays images of late 19th and early 20th century American newspaper pages.
Iowa History Online: High quality instructional tools and online access to excellent teaching resources.
Evaluating Online Instructional Materials
Ben's Guide to the US Government
Library of Congress Digital Collections
Inquiry and the Elementary Grades
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