Social Studies Curriculum

Social Studies

Program: Into Social Studies: The United States—U.S. History, Civics, Geography, and Economics.
Instructional Approach: Direct instruction, whole-class and small-group discussion, and project-based assessments.

Assessments

• Two graded project-based assessments per unit
  
  

• Professional rubrics used; point values vary by project rigor
  
  

• Multiple units may occur within one nine-week period (so more than two SS grades per marking period)
  
  

Scope & Sequence (Overview)

I. Early American Cultures & Foundations

• Indigenous cultures of North America; regional diversity and contributions
  
  

• European exploration & colonization
  
  

• Impacts of colonization, including the development and consequences of slavery
  
  

II. Formation of the United States Government

• Causes & events of the American Revolution
  
  

• Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights—principles of individual rights, equality, rule of law
  
  

• Three branches & checks and balances
  
  

III. Additional Areas

• Geography: regions, landforms, resources; how geography shaped settlement & events
  
  

• Civics: rights & responsibilities; how the Constitution evolved
  
  

• Economics: consumers/producers, markets, and basic economic decision-making
  
  

• Inquiry & Critical Thinking: research, sourcing, timelines, cause/effect, and historical argument