5 Powerful Elements of Social Studies

There are 5 powerful elements of Social Studies! I feel that these elements need to be used in order for the lesson to be successful. Keep these in mind the next time you plan a social studies lesson!

1. Meaningful: The lesson must be engaging and connect the students with real-world situations



2. Integrative: The lesson you are teaching should draw on more than one skill set, discipline, or subject.



3. Value-based: The lesson should be able to strengthen the students' sense of democratic values and social responsibility


4. Challenging: The lesson needs to incorporate different perspectives and should draw on students' critical-thinking skills


5. Active: Students need to be able to participate. The lesson should make use of manipulatives or the physical environment