zSS+Wordle



I think a better question would be "What isn't Social Studies?". I included more than ten words/phrases, simply because it is such a //diverse// //all-encompassing// subject; however I will try to keep my explanation short and to the point. //Integration is key// due to the time-restraints teachers are faced with; integration is the best way to teach the important subject of Social Studies. //Family, community, state, nation, and world// are all a part of this subject in the early elementary grades, one learns not only about their families and communities, but about different families and communities around the world as well. In the upper elementary grades students learn about their state, nation, and the world. Social Studies is about //History//, but not history alone. //History// is important because it impacts the present and future, it's who we are today, and we can learn from our past. //Citizenship// is a necessary aspect of Social Studies because it is important to learn from people who have made a difference. This motivates students to practice good citizenship, and strive to make a difference. //Geography// is a major component of Social Studies because studying places and the impact location has on people allows for spatial reasoning. Economics is an essential part of Social Studies for many reasons but mainly because it promotes problem-solving, for example when wants/needs outweigh resources. I also included all of the topics from our "What ELSE is Social Studies" Wiki, because I think they are all pieces in the Social Studies puzzle. Finally Social Studies should be //engaging// for the learner, students and teachers should //collaborate// and //communicate// through Social Studies projects, and Social Studies should promote //Critical Thinking//.