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What is our goal in social studies?
What is our goal in social studies?
For students:
To be aware of various issues facing the world, currently and historically
To examine varying perspectives within global issues
To compare ample primary and secondary resources, noting strengths and limitations
To understand and to make connections among concepts introduced in class
To be ready to enter AP History courses at the high school level
Curriculum Materials
Curriculum Materials
The Phoenix team uses the Illinois State Social Studies Standards to guide our scope and sequence. We also use materials from the now retired Choices Program, which was developed by Brown University. Rather than a large textbook, the organization has created concise, targeted units. We love that their materials explain complex historical events, connect past issues to current topics, and focus on primary source documents. We have been using the Choices curriculum for at at least a decade with great success.
Another text option is called Geography Alive from TCI. This is a wonderful, inquiry, and hands-on approach to global issues. While the reading level does not always offer the challenge our students seek, it provides a great starting place for understanding complex content. It also has thoughtful review materials, fun games, as well as a different types of interactive activities our Phoenix students will be introduced to over time. You can learn more here: https://www.teachtci.com/social-studies/middle-school/.
Scope and Sequence
Scope and Sequence
As a student in global studies, your child will be immersed in an inquiry curriculum. Our inquiry based questions are as follows:
Introductory Unit: What are the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals?
Students will understand sustainability and the 3 pillars of sustainability: economy, society, and environment. They will understand the purpose of the Sustainable Development Goals (“Global Goals”) and how they will be applied throughout each inquiry.
Unit 1: Culture
Compelling Question: Does culture limit us or liberate us?
Supporting Questions: How is culture defined and expressed? How does the physical environment affect culture? How do stereotypes limit our understanding of other cultures and create opportunity for empathy?
Unit 2: Globalization
Compelling Question: Is globalization beneficial for people and the environment?
Supporting Questions: What are the differences between developed and developing countries? What is globalization, and what are the positive and negative consequences of this process? What is the environmental impact of globalization?
Unit 3: Human Rights
Compelling Question: Whose responsibility is it to uphold human rights?
Supporting Questions: Why do we have governments, and what responsibilities do they have to their citizens? How are human rights observed by varying government and organizational systems? How can or should people take action on issues related to human rights?
Unit 4: Population
Compelling Question: Is population growth a cause for concern?
Supporting Questions: What are the causes and effects of population growth? What statistics are used to analyze population? How are countries adapting to meet the needs of changing populations?
Unit 5: Migration
Compelling Question: Why do people move?
Supporting Questions: What are push and pull factors and how do they explain the movement of people? Why are urban areas growing and what is the impact of that population shift? How do refugee experiences differ from other migrants?
Journals
Journals
Most days, students will be writing hand-written entries in a notebook designated just for social studies. Prompts will be provided on the daily side deck, and answers should show understanding of the concepts. This will also be the place where notes are taken and should be kept organized. This will be a great resource when reviewing for tests or quizzes and will often be collected as a formative, or homework, grade.
Online Resources
Online Resources
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