Social Studies
Social Studies
The Social Studies curriculum is designed to develop a vertically aligned understanding of history, geography, civics, and economics, helping students grow into informed, thoughtful, and engaged citizens. Guided by the Diocese of Knoxville Social Studies Standards, instruction builds from students’ early understanding of self, family, and community to a broader comprehension of national and global systems.
Instruction is organized around key strands that emphasize inquiry, critical thinking, and the responsible use of sources. Vertical alignment ensures that students progressively develop the skills to analyze historical events, understand civic responsibility, interpret geographic information, and evaluate economic decisions, preparing them to participate thoughtfully in society and the world around them.
K - Inquiry: Uses simple sources to answer questions about self and others
1 - Inquiry: Asks and answers questions using stories and visuals
2 - Inquiry: Uses sources to identify past and present
3 - Inquiry: Uses evidence from texts and maps
4 - Inquiry: Explains events using evidence
5 - Inquiry: Develops historical questions using sources
6 - Inquiry: Frames questions using primary and secondary sources
7 - Inquiry: Analyzes evidence for bias and perspective
8 - Inquiry: Evaluates evidence and constructs arguments
K - Personal History: Describes changes over time
1 - Family and Community History: Retells events in sequence
2 - Local History: Compares past and present communities
3 - Regional History: Explains cause and effect in history
4 - State History: Analyzes historical events in Tennessee
5 - Western Hemisphere: Explains civilizations and change over time
6 - Eastern Hemisphere: Analyzes historical developments globally
7 - U.S. History: Analyzes causes and consequences in U.S. history
8 - U.S. History: Evaluates continuity and change in U.S. history
K - Maps and Globes: Uses maps and location words
1 - Human Environment: Describes how people use places
2 - Spatial Thinking: Uses maps to identify regions
3 - Geographic Patterns: Explains how geography affects people
4 - State Geography: Analyzes physical and human geography
5 - World Geography: Explains interactions between people and environment
6 - World Regions: Analyzes geographic influences globally
7 - U.S. Geography: Analyzes regional characteristics
8 - Global Geography: Evaluates human environment interaction
K - Needs and Wants: Distinguishes needs from wants
1 - Work and Jobs: Explains why people work
2 - Money: Explains how money is used
3 - Markets: Explains producers and consumers
4 - Economic Decision Making: Analyzes costs and benefits
5 - Resources: Explains scarcity and trade
6 - Economic Systems: Compares economic systems
7 - U.S. Economy: Analyzes institutions and markets
8 - Economic Policy: Evaluates economic decisions
K - Citizenship: Identifies rights and responsibilities
1 - Community Roles: Explains roles of leaders
2 - Government Basics: Explains purpose of laws
3 - Local Government: Explains civic participation
4 - State Government: Explains branches and functions
5 - Citizenship: Applies civic responsibility
6 - Global Citizenship: Explains participation globally
7 - U.S. Government: Analyzes Constitution and rights
8 - Civic Action: Engages in informed civic participation