social studies assignments for high school

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Content can be a killer. 

It dominates everything in secondary social studies. But that doesn’t mean it has to be all drill and kill.

While  PBL and thematic units  are my jam, I also know the grind of being held tightly to the standards with a high-stakes test at the end. But having an end-of-course exam doesn’t mean you can’t still spark genuine intrigue and inquiry in your students. I firmly believe (and brain researchers confirm!) that real learning happens in the small daily challenges of an engaging lesson. 

I am sharing my top 12 favorite engaging activities with you. These are easily used across many subject areas, low-prep, and (best of all) re-usable throughout the year. That’s like the holy grail, am I right? They are grouped together into  vocabulary ,  non-verbal ,  kinesthetic , and  comprehension  activities. 

All of these activities, plus a ton more, are available in a  crazy cool and easy-to-use flip deck . I use this ALL THE TIME when I’m penciling in my weekly lessons. If I don’t, things seem to get repetitive and boring really quickly. 

Grow their Vocabulary

We all know  vocabulary is central to learning growth . Everything we ask of students involves some aspect of writing, reading, or speaking the “right” words. Even math tests are part reading tests. If your students don’t have the words, they are bound to fail from the start. So let’s practice the words!

Activity 1: Describe A to Z

This one works perfectly at the start or the end of a unit (or both!), depending on how you use it. Regardless of the unit’s topic, there is some broad concept at its core: slavery, democracy, civil rights, war, etc.  On the first day, assign each student a letter of the alphabet, and have them think of a word that starts with that letter based on what they already know or think they know about the concept. It can be a great discussion starter as well as formative assessment of students’ mindsets. 

Alternatively, at the end of the unit assign (or reassign) all the letters and have students select a word based on what they have learned. If you recorded words at the start of the unit this is a great way to show them their growth. 

Activity 2: What’s the Password?

Display a pool of words on your wall. These could be either unit-specific content vocabulary or from a list of  should-know academic words . Whenever a student needs a pencil or wants a bathroom pass or any other type of request, challenge them to use one of the words properly. If you choose academic words, challenge students to find ways to incorporate the words into their discussions and writings.  Would you say he sounds pugnacious?

Activity 3: Roll the Dice

This could be a formal review game in small groups, or an on-the-fly bell ringer or exit activity with a couple selected student in front of the class. Designate each number of a die to a different task related to the concept you are covering. Then, challenge students to roll the dice. Here’s one option:

1 = define the concept 

2 = describe an example of the concept

3 = provide a synonym of the concept

4 = provide an anonym of the concept

5 = draw a picture of the concept

6 = act out the concept

Have the other students guess the term. This is a super easy and interactive way to get them talking about concepts from all sorts of angles. 

Maximize non-verbal strategies

This one is especially important in the high school setting as listening, talking, reading, and writing dominate the curriculum. If we want students to understand new and often-abstract ideas and concepts, then we need to be cognizant of including spatial, visual, and tactile strategies. 

In a study  where participants were asked to memorize a series of words (dog, bike, lemon), those who were encouraged to visualize the words (a dog riding a bike while eating a lemon) could recall the words at a significantly higher rate. Not only are learning deeper and retrieval easier, but the time to learn a new concept is shortened when visuals are included. Talk about a win-win!

Activity 4: Shape the Learning

Stash a pack of pipe cleaners or  tiny tubs of playdough  in your cupboards. Challenge students in pairs or small groups to create something three-dimensional that represents what they have learned. For example, have students shape the one prized possession an Ellis Island immigrant may have packed in their suitcase. Or, an object that represents a right from the Bill of Rights. Endless possibilities!

A popular example of this shaping technique involves  arranging gummies bears  to learn different forms of governments. 

Activity 5: Color It

Find ways to color code reoccurring things through a whole unit or even the whole course, either through your use of colored paper or through students marking text with certain colors. For example, during your WWII unit, code anything about the Axis Powers in one color, Allied Powers in another. 

Or, have students read an extended passage, color-coding for different things, like statistical evidence and quotes, or push and pull factors. 

Or my favorite, copy the same worksheet in different colors, requiring students to get up and find a new partner with a different color for every step. 

Activity 6: Pick an Object

Stash a basket in your classroom with a random assortment of inanimate objects: a basketball, paper clip, lip gloss, sticky notes pad, measuring cup, whatever! Bring it out every once in a while, and have students connect what they have learned to one of the objects. Or ask students which object most represents their understanding at that moment of the lesson or unit, whether it is a mid-unit check-in, or the day before a big project is due. 

Occasionally change out the objects to keep things interesting.   

Get them moving

We know that different parts of the brain store different parts of our knowledge. And now  brain researchers have confirmed  that the brain reconstructs memories by tapping into those cross-brain connections. The more connections (like pairing physical movements with memorizing facts), the stronger the understanding and the easier it is to retrieve the stored information. Not only that, but movement has been found to increase students’ motivation and morale, too! 

Activity 7: This or That

This is as great bell ringer, exit ticket, or mid-class formative check. Pose a forced choice or a “yes” or “no” question and designate each side of the room as the answers. Students walk to the side of the room to express their answer. Once there, challenge students to collaborate and share out the strongest reason for their answer, ask a question of the other side, offer a rebuttal, etc. 

This is so powerful that I will find myself gesturing to the sides of the rooms for the whole rest of the unit when revisiting the topic.  

Questions can be as specific as asking about a certain primary source:  “Do you agree or disagree with the political cartoonist’s message?”

Or questions can be central to your whole unit:  “Was President Jackson a Common Man or an elitist?”  This kind of question is great to revisit a couple of times throughout the unit to see if students’ most recent learning causes them to change their position. Very powerful! 

Activity 8: Walk the Line

This is the next level to “This or That,” yet still super easy to do. 

Head out to the hallway and throw string or masking tape on the floor. Mark one end 100% or Absolutely Yes, mark the other 0% or Absolutely No. Have students express their answer by heading to the spot along the continuum line that represents their feeling. The only difference from This or That is that now you are phrasing your questions so students can quantify their answers:

“How well did President Hoover address the problems of the Great Depression during his administration?”

“How democratic is the Electoral College?”

If students need help identifying amount qualifiers (and most do!), this  continuum line word wall  is a game changer! I couldn’t imagine teaching without up in my classroom.

Activity 9: Expand the Walls 

Think past your classroom walls for where students could complete the day’s lesson: the hallway, gym, sidewalk, commons area, field, or courtyard.   How might those locations actually improve the impact of the lesson?   

Some ideas to get you thinking with common activity options:

Sidewalk or courtyard : completing  chalk talk , concept mapping, or hashtags and six-word novels (see below!) in sidewalk chalk

Hallway:  hosting silent learning stations or  gallery walks

Auditorium seats:  providing extended silent reading 

Gym or cafeteria:  facilitating several simultaneous small-group discussions 

Check for student understanding 

No, this doesn’t mean a drill of questions with single answers. There are so many more open-ended, creative, yet no-prep-time-needed ways to gauge student understanding, while simultaneously expanding it in new ways. If you know Marzano, you know that  summarizing  is one of his 9 High Yield Strategies, but if you simply stop there you really aren’t engaging students. It’s in the making of new meaning that intrigue and deep learning truly happen.

Activity 10: Circle the One

This works great after students have finished reading a longer text or filling in a full-page graphic organizer of notes. Have students zoom out and look at the work as a whole. Then, challenge them to make a decision by selecting one paragraph, sentence, bullet point, piece of evidence, quote, etc. and either circle or highlight. Your challenge should pose a task that includes a decision-making evaluation word:  best/worst, most/least, biggest/smallest, strongest/weakest.

This works so well because students’ answers will vary and sometimes demonstrate pretty out-of-the-box thinking when you ask them to explain.

I use this one all the time so that my students have their evidence and thinking already decided when we head into end-of-unit review and essay outlining.

Activity 11: Six-Word Novel

As the story goes, Ernest Hemingway was challenged to write a  six-word novel . He came up with:  “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.”

While this activity could be used in a variety of contexts, I like using it at the end of a unit. Particularly in my  immigration unit , where we study how to examine history through storytelling.

I assign students to write a six-word novel for one of the immigrant groups we’ve studied and then for immigrant story as a whole. So, so powerful. 

Plus, these are fantastic to display on a bulletin board afterwards. 

Activity 12: #Hashtag

Not too different from the type of creative thinking required for a six-word novel and always a favorite of my students, especially the wittier ones. I like this one because it connects their learning to either something previously learned or to a current event or cultural reference. This activity can also be used as a quick bell ringer or exit ticket, or during a unit review. 

Show a few examples of real-life tweets that model the connection-making, but also the wit that make it a perfectly funny, ironic, or satirical hashtag. Or create some of your own examples using content from a previous unit. 

Have students jot their hashtags down at the top or end of an assignment or along the side of a written text. Now  this  is annotating!

Share the best ones the next day. Their thinking might even provide you some entertaining bulletin board material! 

I hope these activity ideas give you the starting point or reboot you need to be an awesome teacher! 

Click below to grab my complete 48-card Engaging Activities flip deck for more great ideas in one easy reference tool!

Image credit: Sarah Noltner

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20 Interactive Social Studies Activities for the Classroom

March 21, 2023 //  by  Sharayah Lynn Grattan

We can begin teaching kids about human society, how we establish rules for common understanding and order, how we share ideas and culture, and significant figures in our history, at an early age. There are so many components included in the domain of social studies that each year you can cover new material with your students.

From anthropology and economics to political science and geography, there are so many worlds to discover. We have 20 of the best activities for you to open your kid’s eyes to all of it!

1. Civil War Snacks

These biscuit cookies are called “hardtacks” and are said to have been the go-to snack for people who lived in the 19th century. As a part of teaching the Civil War in your historical social studies unit, incorporate some food culture to help your kids taste what it was like to live back then.

Learn More: Education

2. Learning Taxes With M&M’s

This fun activity is a great hands-on introduction to taxes for elementary grade students just beginning to handle their own money. Distribute snack packs of M&M’s to each student and give roles: the tax collector, the King, the Parliament representative, to 3 students. Take candies away for various things (blue socks, erasers, crossing your legs), explain the process of wages and taxes, and who it goes to.

Learn More: Upper Elementary Snapshots

3. Native American Dreamcatchers

Indigenous people are a huge part of America’s history, they have many traditions and customs that can teach your students to have respect for people of all heritages. These dreamcatcher crafts will make your fun history lessons utilize motor skills and are a great decoration for your classroom walls.

Learn More: Art Bar Blog

4. Reading the Stars

Time to bring history to life with this DIY constellation hands-on activity that teaches students how many African Americans were able to navigate and travel the underground railroad while en-route to freedom during the 18th and 19th centuries in America. You’ll need a hole punch, black card stock, and a flashlight.

Learn More: Everyday Reading

5. DIY George Washington Wig

We cover historical figures in our social studies lessons teaching about the life of colonists in the initial 13 colonies. Wigs were a sign of class and power during this time with white wigs reserved for only the most prominent figures. George Washington had the signature white wig we all imagine, so let’s recreate it using a paper bag, cotton balls, and ribbon.

Learn More: Deceptively Educational

6. Flower Press Like an Explorer

When explorers first came to the New World they had a lot to record and send back so people in Europe knew what kind of plants and animals were across the ocean. A fun class book to make with your students is a flower press album. Go outside with your kids and have them pick some flowers, then press and save them for future observations.

Learn More: Magical Movement Company

7. Dictator for a Day

This engaging lesson can be used in the social studies curriculum covering different forms of government. Pick one student to be a dictator and have he/she establish their own rules for the country. Explain how freedoms such as religion and speech are hindered and the lack of fairness this type of government provides for its citizens.

Learn More: Study

8. Mystery Skype

Geography is another domain of social studies and learning how to differentiate between attributes of states, countries, time zones, is a useful skill for student understanding. There are platforms set up that can connect your skype to another classroom somewhere else in the U.S. and even around the world! Brainstorm questions with your students ahead of time so they know what to ask to find out where they are.

Learn More: 29 Fun Geography Lessons Your Learners Will Love

9. Voting Knowledge via Online Game

iCivics is an online gaming platform designed to teach students useful knowledge about how the United States government functions and their roles in it. This online game is great for high school or middle school students to learn how to become informed voters and how they can participate in our democracy. Get more ideas for teaching the presidential election process here .

Learn More: iCivics.org

10. Analysing and Drawing Political Cartoons

There are so many great examples of political cartoons over U.S. history that teach students how certain events and beliefs are presented to persuade readers. Pick some influential political cartoons from the past and have an open discussion regarding what opinions they are expressing and the intentions of the people who created them.

Learn More: Thinkport

11. Historical Role Play

Let’s get into character with this simple improvisation activity of historical figures. Write down names of influential people of the past and put them in a hat for your students to pick from. Give them a few days to research their person and make a presentation in front of the class.

Learn More: Edutopia

12. Immigration Stories

There is a lot to cover in your immigration unit for the U.S. since it is a country of immigrants. Explain the histories and reasons why different groups of people immigrate, why they want to leave their home country, and the processes they go through to assimilate to their new country. There are many educational books out there written by immigrants to read for engaging class discussions.

Learn More: Population Education

13. Current Events for Kids

It can be challenging to explain a current event to a young learner in a way they can understand. Kidworldcitizen.org is a website with resources and articles written for kids with simple words and without biases found in other sources. Pick a few articles and read them in your next social studies class.

Learn More: Kid World Citizen

14. Economics Cheat Sheet

Economics begins to emerge in our elementary classrooms, and it’s best to start with the basics. Help your students understand how the economy works and affects their daily life with this visual explanation. Have your students create their own to put on the classroom walls.

Learn More: Pinterest

15. Religions Around the World

There are so many different religions and belief systems in our world, and it’s important we teach our young learners to respect their customs and traditions. Challenge students to pick a religion they don’t know about and do research as a group to learn more and share.

Learn More: Education World

16. Culture Boxes

Assign each student a culture and ask them to fill a cardboard box with items, images, foods, clothing, etc. that encapsulate the society to share with the class.

Learn More: Living Montessori Now

17. Traveler IQ Challenge

This online geography game tests your students’ social studies skills regarding map reading, locating states in the U.S., country capitals, and more! Play it with the whole class or assign kids to play at home.

Learn More: Crazy Games

18. Archaeology Puzzle

This reconstruction project can be a fun family activity to introduce archaeology to your kids in a hands-on and engaging way. Get a clay pot, break it into pieces, and hide the pieces in the sand or dirt for your kids to dig up. Then help them clean the parts and piece the pot together. You can add symbols or words on the pot to reveal a message once it’s reconstructed for an added bonus!

Learn More: Tikkido

19. Our Class Constitution

Have your students participate in a democracy by having them help you write your class’s constitution.

20. Then and Now Sorting Game

Print or make your own flashcards with images of old objects we used in the past and their updated/modern versions. Show students the progressions we’ve made as humans and what that means for our future.

Learn More: What I Have Learned Teaching

Engaging high school social studies lessons and videos

• January 2, 2024
• Education Tips & Tricks , Lessons and Ideas

In the age of social media, AI, and the 24-hour news cycle, social studies lessons are an essential part of the high school curriculum. But what is social studies in high school, exactly, and how can educators get students engaged and excited about learning? Flocabulary’s collection of videos and lesson activities can help.

What are social studies topics for high school students?

Social studies topics for high school students are wide ranging, including ancient and modern world history, US history, civics, geography, economics, and current events. This vast subject provides students with a mirror to their own community and their place in it, along with a window into different cultures and histories they may not be familiar with. The ultimate goal of any high school social studies curriculum is for students to become informed, engaged, and empathetic citizens of the world.

How to make social studies engaging

For students to learn effectively, they must be authentically engaged, both in their classroom community and in the curriculum. Authentic engagement happens when educators teach with their students’ lives, interests, and culture in mind—in other words, when learning is rooted in culturally responsive pedagogy. Being encouraged to use their natural learning tools, like music and video, in the classroom gives students the emotional preparedness and confidence to process new content and take on more rigorous work, explains educator Zaretta Hammond . Students who are authentically engaged understand both what they are learning and why it matters to them and their community. 

Use Flocabulary in your high school social studies curriculum

Flocabulary is based on teaching through the culture of hip-hop , the most popular genre of music for young people around the world. Not only does hip-hop engage students through memorable rhymes, wordplay, and beats, but the genre is educational at its core, exploring sensitive personal topics and examining broader issues in current events and history. These qualities make hip-hop especially well suited for teaching social studies; an emotional connection with the content can help high school students fully grasp the historical context, as well as make connections between the past and present. Flocabulary Plus users can also access Nearpod Original Videos , which are not rapped but are created with hip-hop culture in mind. These social studies lesson videos ask questions that curious students might naturally have, make relatable real-world connections, and feature a diverse cast of hosts who help students see themselves in what they are learning. All videos on the Flocabulary site include a suite of lesson activities and assessments designed with Bloom’s Taxonomy in mind, including Vocab Cards, Vocab Game, Break It Down, Read & Respond, Quiz, Lyric Lab, and a custom printable activity.

Here is an example of the style of videos you can find on Flocabulary:

New to Flocabulary? Teachers can sign up for a trial to access our lesson videos and assessment activities. Administrators can get in touch with us to learn more about unlocking the full power of Flocabulary through Flocabulary Plus.

Historical figures

At its heart, social studies is about people. Personal stories are key to humanizing historical events: A list of names and dates may be difficult for students to memorize, but hearing about a real person’s experience creates an emotional connection that sticks in the brain. This approach not only makes history engaging but also encourages empathy and deepens understanding. For example, some high school students might think of the civil rights movement as a long-ago period in time that is no longer relevant to them. Textbooks often illustrate civil rights units with black-and-white photos and focus on landmark legislation like Supreme Court cases and Congressional bills.

Supplementing high school social studies lesson plans with Flocabulary and Nearpod Original videos instantly brings that important history to life. Consider Flocabulary’s video about Emmett Till , the 14-year-old Black boy who was brutally murdered by two White men in Mississippi in 1955. The vivid animation, rapped lyrics, and emotional hook (“Let the people see what I’ve seen,” a quotation from Emmett’s mother, Mamie) create a compelling narrative that students will remember.

Similarly, Flocabulary’s Yuri Kochiyama video illustrates how Kochiyama’s experience in a Japanese American internment camp during World War II inspired her to join the civil rights movement. Its sung hook speaks directly to today’s students, emphasizing intersectionality and the importance of coming together to create a better world: “All in this together, now, / Only we can make it better now. / Consciousness is power; it’s yours, for real. / Yuri said tomorrow’s world is yours to build.”

The biography videos on Flocabulary’s Historical Figures lessons let high school students experience history through different perspectives—from renowned authors and artists, to technological innovators, to political and cultural leaders.

Here are some lessons we recommend exploring: 

• Toni Morrison
• James Baldwin
• Franz Kafka
• Frida Kahlo
• Alan Turing
• Katherine Johnson
• Mahatma Gandhi
• Harvey Milk
• Emmett Till
• Yuri Kochiyama

Flocabulary’s historical figures lessons also offer a unique opportunity to celebrate student engagement and voice. Each year, for Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage Month , students can submit a rap about a deserving historical figure of their choice who does not yet have a Flocabulary video. Our team selects one elementary and one secondary school winner for each contest. Secondary winners include videos about John Lewis , Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz , Rigoberta Menchú Tum , and Fannie Lou Hamer .

Ancient world history

Studying the ancient civilizations that made our world what it is today is a key part of the high school social studies curriculum. Ancient cultures around the world have made enduring contributions to science, mathematics, religion, philosophy, architecture, agriculture, politics, and more. Flocabulary’s Ancient World History lessons provide students with a window into this vast swath of human history beginning with the Neolithic Revolution . These social studies videos have catchy beats, rhyming lyrics, and bright animation that breathe life into these civilizations, some of which are thousands of years old.

What makes Flocabulary’s ancient world history offering so compelling is its global diversity. In addition to lessons touting the great pyramids of ancient Egypt and the development of democracy in Greece and Rome, students learn about the Mauryan and Gupta empires, an important trade route connecting China to Tibet, and the agricultural innovations of the Inca. Students may be fascinated to learn that salt was worth as much as gold during the Mali Empire, or that the creation of numerals originated from Ancient India .

Here are some lessons we recommend checking out:

• Ancient Egypt
• Ancient Greece
• Ancient Rome
• Ancient India
• Mauryan and Gupta empires
• The Tea Horse Road
• Mesoamerica
• Mali Empire
• Terracotta Warriors
• Neolithic Revolution

Modern world history

Flocabulary’s Modern World History lessons begin with the exploration of the New World and continue to the present day. The political, social, and cultural themes in these video-based lessons provide students with the background of the world we live in today, enabling them to make connections between events and periods of time. For example, students can compare and contrast the exploration movements of different European countries, or trace how the ideals of the Renaissance and Enlightenment in Europe led to revolutions around the world, from France to Haiti, Mexico, Bolivia, and Cuba. Rich in primary source material and complemented by thought-provoking discussion questions, these video-based lessons are worth adding to social studies activities for high school.

The power of music to engage emotions is particularly powerful in Flocabulary’s modern world history lessons. In the Russian Revolution song, we hear the perspectives of a poor peasant, a Bolshevik, Tsar Nicholas II, and Vladimir Lenin, each giving a first-person account of the conditions leading up to the February and October Revolutions. The Vietnam War lesson is also told from different points of view, including an American politician, a soldier, a peace activist, and a Vietnamese civilian. By presenting history through differing perspectives instead of one straightforward narrative, students get a more complete picture of these conflicts and can come to their own conclusions about them.

Here are some lessons we recommend exploring:

• Age of Exploration
• The Renaissance
• The Enlightenment  
• The French Revolution
• Haitian Revolution
• The Mexican Revolution
• Latin American Revolutions
• Russian Revolution
• Vietnam War

U.S. History

United States history is a foundational topic for high school social studies, requiring two years of study in most states. Flocabulary’s U.S. History lessons offer several video-based lessons on the nation’s founding, including the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution . Students can follow the thread of history through the War of 1812, westward expansion (including the Monroe Doctrine and the California Gold Rush), and so on through the present day.

United States history has been rife with controversy since even before the country’s official founding. As a particularly large and diverse nation, it has seen many heated discussions over the years about what it means to be truly “American.” Flocabulary’s high school social studies lessons capture this complexity, offering multiple perspectives on many of the events and eras that defined America. In a song about Christopher Columbus, the explorer crows that he has discovered America —to which the Indigenous people who had already inhabited the land for thousands of years retort, “You didn’t discover it. We were already here.” Flocabulary handles these and other sensitive topics like slavery and the civil rights movement with respect and care for the students learning about them.

The variety of video types available on Flocabulary’s US History topic page provide rich opportunities for cross-curricular learning and differentiated learning. While studying the Civil War, students can also watch a rapped adaptation of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and analyze the speech as a primary source literary text. Students can watch both a song and a narrated video about the Chinese Exclusion Act and about Plessy v. Ferguson (narrated video).

• Declaration of Independence
• American Revolution
• Constitutional Convention
• War of 1812
• Monroe Doctrine
• California Gold Rush
• Discovering America
• Slavery in America
• Civil Rights Movement
• Gettysburg Address
• Great Depression
• The Chinese Exclusion Act (Song)
• Plessy v. Ferguson (Song)

As high school students prepare to graduate and become citizens of the world, education in civics is essential. In its broadest sense, civics is “the lifelong process that makes people into active, responsible, and knowledgeable members of their communities—which range from their schools and towns or neighborhoods to the whole nation and even the world,” according to cross-partisan civics coalition CivXNow . As a subject, civics is cross-curricular in nature, comprising political science, U.S. history, and even Constitutional law. 

Flocabulary’s Civics lessons include video-based lessons in all of these topics. Students can broaden their understanding of governments around the world and explore an early version of democracy in the Roman Republic. They can then delve into the history of the Constitutional Convention and learn about the seven principles that guided the creation of that document and its amendments, including the Bill of Rights. Encourage students to become active and engaged members of society when teaching about the election process .

Watch a preview of our Three Branches of Government lesson!

• Forms of Government
• Constitutional Convention  
• Seven Principles of the Constitution
• Bill of Rights
• Political Debates

Economics—the study of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services—is another high school social studies topic with far-ranging connections in math, political science, geography, environmental studies, and more. Flocabulary’s Economics lessons help demystify real-world terms students see and hear in the news, like GDP and supply and demand . Students also learn about different economic systems around the world, including market economies (capitalism), command economies (communism), and mixed economies (socialism), which may help them better understand global trade wars .

Week in Rap

While current events are not listed under Social Studies, but as its own subject at Flocabulary, we believe that integrating current events into social studies instruction is a powerful strategy that keeps students engaged and helps them grasp the relevance of history and social studies in their daily lives. Students learn to connect contemporary events with historical background, helping them see the direct impact history has on their world today. This approach encourages students to become informed and responsible citizens who are better prepared to make decisions in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Flocabulary drops new current events videos called The Week in Rap each Friday. Week in Rap lessons deliver five to seven news stories in Flocab’s signature hip-hop video style, with topics ranging from world events and U.S. politics to science, the environment, and entertainment. Like all Flocabulary videos, the Week in Rap includes supporting activities like Vocab Cards, Vocab Game, Quiz, and Lyric Lab, giving students a chance to demonstrate mastery over terms they see and hear in the news. Make it a part of your classroom’s Friday routine to watch and stay informed! If you’re interested in learning more, check out how the Week in Rap is created !

Start using Flocabulary to teach high school social studies

By embracing the role of music and video in the high school social studies curriculum, educators provide opportunities for authentic engagement, meaningful discussions, and cross-curricular connections. Social studies is more than just a subject in school; it’s a compass that guides students on a lifelong learning journey. With Flocabulary’s lessons in history, civics, economics, and current events, teachers can help students become informed, empathetic, thoughtful citizens of the world.

Katie Choi is a senior curriculum manager at Nearpod.

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High School Social Studies Lesson Plans

• A Time of Crisis: The Black Death - The learner will investigate social and economic organization in various societies throughout time in order to understand the shifts in power and status that have occured.
• American Politics - Group up with a partner Today's assignment will be an analysis of current events.
• Ancient India Test - The purpose of this test is to assess the student's knowledge on life in ancient India, cultural traditions, and various historical movements that helped to shape life on the subcontinent.
• Ancient Greece - Students will acknowledge the role of geography in the formation of Greek city-states which ultimately led to a lack of political unification.
• Beginning of The Renaissance - The student will understand the influence of the European Renaissance.
• Bill of Rights - Evaluate how the Bill of Rights extended the Constitution.
• Causes of the Revolutionary War - The actions and reasoning behind the actions that lead to the Revolutionary War.
• Civilizations of Africa - The learner will be able to describe each civilization, identify each characteristic of civilization, compare and contrast each civilization.
• Columbian Exhange - Identify the areas where the Spanish and Portoguese gained control Describe the Concept of Columbian Exchange.
• Current Events and The Newspaper - To increase student awareness of current events at local, national and international levels.
• Edible Earth - Students will be able to identify the 4 layers of Earth and describe their unique characteristics.
• Effects of the 1929 Stock Market Crash on Different States - This lesson helps students understand the effects the 1929 stock market crash had around the nation. Students will research how the crash affected a particular state and present their findings to a mock committee who will judge which states need help the most.
• Evolution of Fighting Tactics in American History - This lesson will help students visualize the different wars America has been involved in and the fighting styles of each one.
• First Admendment - At the end of this lesson students should be able to explain the importance of freedom of religion, describe the differences between the establishment and free exercise clauses in the First Amendment.
• Founding Fathers - Apply absolute and relative chronology through the sequencing of significant individuals, events, and time periods.
• Francisco Pizarro - Students will research the accomplishments of Hernen Cortes and the characteristics of effective leaders.
• French/English Relations - Students will develop an understanding of the anxiety level during this time for Canadians.
• Hiding the Jews - German sympathizers hid many Jews from the Nazis. This lesson gives students a taste of what that is like. They are responsible for hiding a classmate from the Nazi officer who will come to the classroom sometime during the week.
• How The Cold War Started - Describe events that led to Soviet dominance in Eastern Europe.
• Immigration - Students will be able to relate to the immigrant experience through a discussion of Panchito, as well as the experiences of friends and family members.
• Immigrants Then and Now - America is made up of immigrants, but how many of us know the process a person goes through when they want to come here? This lesson asks students to research immigration patterns from the late 1890's until now.
• Inca Rebellion - Students will research and report on the Inca uprising from the point of view of either the conquistadors or the Incas.
• Introduction to Apple Mini Unit - To introduce the in-depth study and assess prior knowledge of apples.
• Introduction to Progress Unit - Students will be able to understand the purpose of the upcoming unit and contribute to its development.
• Manifest Destiny - Students should become familiar with key figures and dates Discuss the reasons behind the westward expansion of the United States.
• New Empires in North America - Students will understand why the French moved inland from the coast.
• Our English Heritage - Students will learn how America had formed their ideas of self-government and where their idea of a system of law came from.
• People in Societies - Students will be able to understand the importance of different cultures (Afican Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians and Asian Americans) within the United States.
• Propaganda Techniques - How do political Parties use propaganda techniques to create influence the way people vote ina general election.
• Plan a Tourist Brochure - The student will be able to create a brochure highlighting one tourist area in their state.
• Portugal And The Exploration Of The World - What factors make up an Empire? Is Portugal an Empire? Why or why not?
• Primary and Secondary Sources - The lesson begins with an activity that helps students understand the historical record.
• Progressive Reform Era - Students understand how economic factors have influenced historical events.
• Research a Volcano - This project asks students to study the effect a volcano's eruption has on the cities and towns immediately surrounding it.
• Review of the Civil War - Students will be able to identify key political figures and several key concepts of the era.
• Revolutionary Era - Have a class discussion about how we gained our freedom and what we are able to do now that we have our freedom.
• Segregation - Students will get to experience segregation first hand in this lesson. They will be arbitrarily divided and one side will be treated better than the other.
• The Ancient Egyptians - To understand the importance of the contributions made by the ancient Egyptians and how they effect society today.
• The Black Death - Student will be able to understand how the Black Plague led to the Renaissance and the church's weakening influence in Western culture.
• The Emergence Christianity - Student will understand the importance of monotheistic religions at that that time, as well as, the impoertance ofit today with relation to past and present.
• The Emergence Judaism - The student will understand the importance of monotheistic religions at that time.
• The Forbidden City - In this lesson, students take a tour of the Forbidden City and then draw a map of what they see. Using the online tours they are able to see so much more than a picture in a textbook can show them.
• The Korean War - The student will understand the origin of the Korean war, as well as its lasting effects.
• The Nation's First governement - Who should have the control in Government?
• The Tet Offensive - The students will have a better understanding of the offensive and why the media was on the military's side until Tet.
• The Vietman War Through Music - The one major goal of this lesson is to give students a better understanding of different points of view on such a catastrophic war.
• World History: World Religions - Students will be introduced to the three main religions of the world: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Next 50 High School Social Studies Lesson Plans

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When you’re creating lesson plans in any topic, you’re hoping for attention grabbers. Social studies lesson plans are no exception. When creating social studies lessons, you’ll want to craft them in a way that keeps students engaged and allows them to feel a genuine connection with the material. This is the best way to guarantee that they will get something out of the topic studied. When students are interested and engaged in a lesson, they will learn more and retain more information.

Creating attention-grabbing social studies lessons is fairly easy to do. Composing these lessons takes a bit of inventiveness and a commitment to genuinely getting the students involved in the material.  Follow the five steps below for the best chance at creating engaging lessons that will work as true attention grabbers. 

1. Attention Grabbing Social Studies Topics

Start by choosing elements within your social studies curriculum that are sure to be attention grabbers for kids. Your lessons do not have to be dry and boring. Quite the contrary! Social studies relates to who we are as a culture, where we came from and where we might be going. Keep this in mind when choosing your topic. Choose the “juicier” elements of more general topics. Are you studying ancient Egypt? Have the students do a project related to the mummies, or the cuneiform writing in some way. Studying ancient Greece and Rome? Have students construct models of the Parthenon or the Coliseum. They will feel as though they are stepping back in history and stepping into the shoes of the people who lived during those time, even if just for a short while.

2. Connect Your Topic to Current Issues

Your social studies lesson plans should relate to the lives of the students and provide a way for them to gain insight from what they are studying. This connection will motivate the students to do their best and stay truly engaged in the subject. One effective way to do this is to create analogies between the lesson being studied and a more current or relevant topic. For example, a past or current political conflict could be related to a sporting event: each side has its own specific goals, leaders, conflicts, strengths and weaknesses.

3. Provide Clear Instructions About the Lesson

Be sure to introduce your topic clearly and concisely, letting the students know about how the lesson is to unfold. Don’t be afraid to “sell” the lesson as best you can, generating and inspiring excitement about the topic before you even get started. Link the lesson to connections with present-day issues relevant to the students. Conclude by letting students know what will be expected of them and what you hope they will gain from the lesson.

4. Be Flexible

Now, it’s time to begin the lesson. Try not to be too rigid about deadlines or exact timing. Be flexible with your lesson plan as the time unfolds. Tune in to what students are responding to most. Allow more time for segments of the lesson where the dialogue or energy really seems to be strong. The activities can include a lecture, presentation, a facilitated discussion, group project, individual assignments or any combination of these approaches. Whether you stick to the lesson plan or deviate from it, be sure that you are fulfilling your initial objectives for the lesson plan. Provide and reiterate instructions throughout the lesson as needed.

5. Follow Up With Assessment s

An assessment schedule can help you to determine if assignment objectives are being met and if students are getting the very most out of a lesson. If possible, build in multiple check points throughout your social studies lessons in order to assess learning and comprehension. Adjust accordingly as needed.

It is possible to create social studies lesson plans that are attention grabbers for your students. Tune in to the curriculum and highlight the most engaging and relevant aspects of the material. Your students will look forward to your class and will be more likely to come away with  experiences that enhances their lives.

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Lesson Plan

July 29, 2020, 8:54 a.m.

Lesson plan: Civic engagement and how students can get involved

Hillsborough High School students protest a Republican-backed bill dubbed the "Don't Say Gay" that would prohibit classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity, a measure Democrats denounced as being anti-LGBTQ, in Tampa, Florida, March 3, 2022. REUTERS/Octavio Jones

What rights and abilities do you have when it comes to advocating for issues you believe in? Use the lesson plan below to discuss civic engagement and the role citizens play in making our voices heard.

U.S. government, civics, social studies

Estimated time

Grade level.

Middle and High School

To understand the importance of civic participation and the tools which allow individuals to engage in the political process.

Essential auestions

What forms does civic participation come in? Why does civic engagement matter?

• Ask students how many historical political movements they can name that accomplished significant and transformative change in the United States or elsewhere. Make a list as a class.
• Show the We the Voters video below on the rights to free speech, free assembly and petitioning the government and how the U.S. Constitution guarantees them.

• Why have individuals in U.S. history come together in order to protest an issue they care about? It is important to note that not everyone feels comfortable with the idea of participating in a political protest. What are some other ways to get involved in addition to protests? Make a list as a class. ( Examples: Serve the community through charity, run for office in your town or city, attend town hall meetings, contact your state legislature to voice your opinion, organize a community event, etc.)
• Show this We the Voters video, Run Rep Run , on one young person’s run for office on the state level.

• Ask students: Would you ever consider running for office one day? Why or why not? What are some issues in their own community that students feel passionate about? Which issues affect their lives directly? Make a list as a class.
• Have you ever “gotten involved” in an issue you care about? (Examples: attended an inauguration, protest, town hall meeting, or other political event, contacted a politician, signed a petition, etc.)
• What is one issue, local or national, that you care about? Why?
• Who did you interview and why?
• What did you learn about the person you interviewed that you did not know?
• What surprised you?
• Why is it important to talk with others about issues that matter? Why is it important to talk with others on issues that you may not agree on?
• Ask students if they know who the governor of their state is, as well as any names of senators or representatives that represent them at the state and national level.
• Use this website to look up the information as a class.
• How many senators does each state have? How many representatives does each state have? How many governors does each state have?
• What is the difference between federal and state government?
• What are the three branches of the federal government? Which positions are under each branch? Use this diagram to demonstrate.

(Source: kids.usa.gov)

• Students should pick one of the representatives or senators from their state that they looked up in class.
• Then, look up that person’s vote on any given bill in the state legislature or Congress. Write down what the bill was about and how the lawmaker voted on it. Be prepared to share in class.
• Students should research and record 5 facts about their current state governor. Avoid facts about personal life. Focus on things like what bills they have signed into law, what legislation have they been most vocal about, accomplishments, political affiliation, etc. Be prepared to share in class.
• Possible responses: research news articles online, look at the government ‘bill tracker’ website which states the status of bills-every state has one, write an email or call your representative’s office voicing your opinion on a issue–note: lawmakers have moved with the times when it comes to communicating with their constituents. Writing a letter through the U.S. postal service is no longer the way the majority of constituents communicate with their legislators.

Extension activities

• Check out these “Seven engaging civics lesson plans” on EXTRA and PBS Learning Media’s Election Collection here.
• Use the website iCivics as a fun, interactive way to learn about government.

By Vic Pasquantonio, education producer at the PBS NewsHour and former social studies teacher, and Laura Rockefeller, a junior at Roland Park Country School in Baltimore, Maryland and NewsHour Classroom intern.

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55+ Best Social Studies Websites for the Classroom

Don’t you love it when other teachers do the research for us?

Social studies takes a look at the different branches of human society, and as we’ve navigated this global pandemic, we’ve watched a major moment in history unfold. Why not use this opportunity to push our kids and students to explore humanity? Whether you’re teaching online or in-person, this list of the best social studies websites will help you create lessons that are informative, fun, and interactive. We’ve categorized over 55 of the best social studies websites as follows:

Social Studies Lessons

• Virtual Museum Tours

Virtual Field Trips

• Games and Simulations

American Panorama

This historical atlas of the United States combines cutting-edge research with innovative interactive mapping techniques.

American Social History Project

This resource challenges traditional ways of learning about the past by exploring the diverse social and cultural histories of the United States. The site also offers professional development seminars for teachers.

Big History Project

Focused on high school students, the Big History Project is a joint effort between teachers, scholars, scientists, and their supporters to bring a multi-disciplinary approach to knowledge.

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Crash Course World History

This fantastic YouTube channel provides an engaging glimpse into some of the most notable events and developments in history. With sequences of videos on the World Wars, the history of science, U.S. History, and more, it’s a great first introduction or review.

Crash Course Kids

The creators of Crash Course have also created a second channel geared towards younger students. This biweekly show is meant for elementary school kids and covers topics ranging from Earth science to chemical reactions.

EdTechTeacher

Need a list of some great history websites? EdTechTeacher has done the hard work and compiled them all for you!

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

A nonprofit organization that has developed an array of programs for schools, teachers, and students that now operate in all fifty states, including a website that features more than 60,000 unique historical documents.

The Idea of America

At its heart, America is an idea. What keeps this idea vibrant? The Idea of America is a digital U.S. history program that presents our nation’s rich history through an original framework that views America as an enduring “Great Debate.”

Inquiry Journeys

A free inquiry-based distance learning curriculum created by inquirED. The 20-minute social studies lessons can be done at home and address questions like How can I capture where I am in time and place? , How can we communicate with others to share our thoughts and ideas? , and How can we celebrate our everyday heroes? . New inquiries are being released weekly.

Library of Congress

It’s hard to beat the National Library of Congress. It’s one of the best social studies websites and even features an entire portal just for teachers.

National Archives

Use the online tool to access countless primary source documents to enhance learning. Find lesson plans and more on the Educator Resources page.

Rozzy Learning

This colorful site contains lessons that meet national and state standards as well as STEM and College and Career Readiness goals. They’ve even got lessons on coronaviruses!

Smithsonian’s History Explorer

Developed by the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian’s History Explorer is designed for K-12 teachers and students and offers hundreds of free, innovative online resources for teaching and learning American history.

Stanford History Education Group

The Reading Like a Historian curriculum promotes historical inquiry while engaging students. The lessons are designed to explore a central historical question and include a set of primary documents for students of various reading skills.

Studies Weekly Online

It’s easy to see why we’ve included this on our list of the best social studies websites. Studies Weekly Online allows you to create a customized, standards-based curriculum for social studies and offers a free trial.

TCI offers the full package! You’ll find resources to help you better prepare, present, assign, grade, and teach—even through distance learning!

Teaching American History

The Ashbrook Center at Ashland University worked with the National Endowment for the Humanities to develop web-based lesson plans for U.S. history and American government teachers.

Teaching History

This site is designed to help K–12 history teachers access resources and materials to improve U.S. history education in the classroom and through distance learning.

Teaching Tolerance

Teaching Tolerance is dedicated to reducing prejudice, improving intergroup relations, and supporting equitable school experiences for our nation’s children. There is even a special module specifically designed for the racism surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.

Utah Education Network

This interactive site is designed for 3-6 grade students and includes lessons on geography, environment, U.S. history, and U.S. government.

Voices of Democracy

On this site, you will find scholarly articles offering critical analyses of significant speeches, curriculum units designed for undergraduate teachers and students, lesson plans for high school and middle school teachers, and a blog with brief commentaries on speeches and pedagogical issues.

World History Matters

A portal to world history websites including Women in World History, World History Sources, and more.

World History Project

This infinitely adaptable, free standards-aligned world history course for high school students connects to the past to the present, with an eye to the future.

Museum Tours

Art institute of chicago.

Enjoy virtual visits to the galleries, go behind the scenes, and engage with art from anywhere with our virtual events, videos, and themed audio tours.

Boston Children’s Museum

Explore three floors of the Boston Children’s Museum on this virtual tour which includes fun stops at the Explore-a-Saurus and Japanese House exhibits.

British Museum, London

Located in the heart of London, students can explore this iconic museum with exhibits dedicated to everything from Egyptian mummies to the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies.

Detroit Institute of Arts

Explore the “ At Home With DIA ” museum experience at the Detroit Institute of Arts that offers virtual field trips, online exhibits, weekly film screenings, and more.

Guggenheim Museum, New York

This is definitely one of the best social studies websites around! Use Google’s Street View feature to tour the world-famous Guggenheim museum, including works of art and the breathtaking spiral staircase.

J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles

The Street View tour of this California museum gives students access to European artworks that date back as far as the 8th Century.

Musée d’Orsay, Paris

Travel to Paris might be out of the question right now, but students can virtually walk through this gallery which includes works from Monet, Cézanne, Gauguin, and more.

National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

Scope out two incredible online exhibits through Google: one dedicated to American fashion and another featuring a collection of works from Dutch Baroque painter Johannes Vermeer.

National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City

Dig into the archaeology and history of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic heritage with a virtual tour of 23 exhibit rooms , including artifacts from the Mayan civilization.

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul

South Korea might be on the other side of the Pacific, but you can still visit one of the country’s most popular museums through this extensive virtual tour of Contemporary art  from Korea and more.

Pergamon Museum, Berlin

This historical museum in Germany provides a virtual glimpse of ancient artifacts, including the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and the Pergamon Altar.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Explore the masterworks from the Dutch Golden Age, including works from Vermeer and Rembrandt. Google offers a Street View tour of this iconic museum, so you can feel as if you’re actually wandering its halls.

Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

Vincent Van Gogh is one of the most iconic painters of all time, and this virtual tour allows visitors to marvel at the largest collection of his artwork.

Discovery Education Virtual Field Trips

Go beyond the classroom walls and explore some of the world’s most iconic destinations—no permission slips required.

Elkhorn Slough

Explore a variety of remote learning opportunities for students, including virtual field trips (Elkhorn Slough) , science challenges , walkabouts , and more. The site also offers a teacher resource library .

The Great Lakes

Embark on a virtual field trip that covers three main components: coastal wetlands, algae, and lake sturgeon. The videos are short and targeted at middle schoolers.

The Great Wall of China

Even through a virtual tour on a tiny screen, students will be dazzled by the magnificence and wonder of this thousands-year-old fortification system.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

There’s so much to see at this iconic New York museum—even on a virtual tour. From couture ball gowns to a history of music, students will be captivated by the 26 online galleries.

Nature Works Everywhere

These wonderful virtual field trips allow students to explore a coastal rain forest or the coral reefs in the Dominican Republic, and so much more.

San Diego Zoo

Check out the fantastic behind-the-scenes videos and stories. Then, be sure to check out the great list of activities and downloadables.

Seattle Aquarium

The Seattle Aquarium hosts a 30-minute virtual field trip. Students can learn about the animals and the food web that can be found in the Puget Sound waters.

This incredibly cool and responsive website allows students to explore more than 60,000 stars, watch sunrises, search for planets, and more!

The Smithsonian

These self-guided virtual tours give students an up-close look at permanent, current, and past exhibits.

U.S. Census Bureau

This site details the Census Bureau’s plans used to engage, educate, and ultimately count an increasingly diverse and growing population.

Perfect for K-8 social studies students, this site includes curriculum content, online learning videos, and quizzes along with a list of the corresponding national and state Standards.

Yellowstone National Park

The best way to experience Yellowstone is to visit. The second best way is to explore the cool interactive maps and, of course, the live stream of the Old Faithful Geyser eruptions.

Social Studies Games and Simulations

Classroom law project.

Dive into engaging civics and law-related education programs. Students of all grade levels can learn more about the values and skills essential to being a responsible citizen.

Kids Discover Online

Choose articles based on reading level, so you can use these articles for various ages and skillsets. Schools and districts closed due to the outbreak can request free unlimited access to Kids Discover Online.

Hippocampus

This free, core academic website delivers videos, animations, and simulations for middle-school and high-school students.

Horrible Histories BBC

This pick for best social studies websites allows students to “watch episodes, play games, and sing along to your favorite Horrible Histories songs!”

iCivics provides tools to help students learn about civic life. Teachers and students can access printable lesson plans, interactive digital tools, and award-winning games.

National Constitution Center

Established by Congress, this interactive website provides free online resources for remote students of all ages who are learning more about the Constitution.

Want more online resource suggestions? Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you can get our latest picks.

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Getting Started With PBL in Social Studies

Implementing project-based learning can lead students to investigate historical movements.

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“I have to go to history class? So boring!”

“Why do we have to learn about revolutions we weren’t even alive for?”

These are just some of the comments that I used to hear from my students, and I remember making the same comments myself in high school. When I became a teacher, I wanted to make my class more fun and engaging, and that’s where project-based learning (PBL) came in—PBL is a learning experience in which students investigate real-world problems that interest them and create solutions that demonstrate their learning for a broader audience than their teacher or their class.

PBL requires intensive planning, but it’s worthwhile in my opinion because it fosters great student engagement and requires students to use crucial skills like critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication.

When I wanted to create a PBL unit for my high school Latin American Studies class, I found few example units for my course—there are some good ones at PBLWorks —so I created one myself. This unit takes place over three to four weeks, with hourlong classes twice a week.

I created this project to bring the Latin American revolutions from the dusty pages of textbooks into the 21st century. What makes it a little different from other projects I’ve seen is that I had students role-play as Latin American revolutionaries to gain a historical perspective.

PBL in Social Studies in 5 Steps

1. Create a question for students to answer in their project: The driving question in my unit was how to solve a current problem affecting a Latin American country of the students’ choosing. I gave them this prompt: “You are a 17-year-old revolutionary in your country. You have been given the ability to change one thing in the future in your country for the better. What would you change? How and why would you change it?”

Examining the political, social, and economic causes of past revolutions helped them identify similar problems in 2020. I used the role-play to create buy-in for the students—the perspective encouraged them to take more ownership of finding a feasible solution to make their country better. Students communicated their solutions in a blog or video diary and could work in pairs or groups.

2. Give students time to research: When students were researching their problems and solutions, I provided scaffolds to support learning. These scaffolds could be mini-lectures or videos. To give students an idea of what to look for in their research, I set up whole-class discussions; in distance learning I used the chat function in our video conferencing application, or posted discussion questions in our learning management system. Students created a rubric to assess their projects and set learning goals to hold themselves accountable.

3. Have students organize and visualize their research: Students could use digital graphic organizers to begin plotting what problem they would focus on and brainstorm solutions. They peer-reviewed rough drafts with project rubrics, which could also be completed asynchronously.

This is the point when teachers should organize an authentic audience for students to share their work with, which can be community leaders, families, or others, depending on the project. I didn’t bring in an outside audience this year; students presented to their families and the class.

4. Have students create their stories: I allowed students to choose the applications they would use to create their final products detailing their solution to the problem they hoped to address. They created either a blog or video diary as their authentic products, creating a day-by-day chronicle identifying their problem along with the solution they would put in place, and what effect they hoped the solution would have on their country.

5. Students share their projects: In PBL units, students present their final project to an authentic audience. In distance learning, I had students present live over Zoom; if they weren’t comfortable with that, they could record their presentation as a Flipgrid video. It’s also important to provide a chance for audience feedback about the projects.

We concluded with self-reflection by the students and me, which helped me gauge my students’ thoughts about the project, workflow, and the effectiveness of the lesson. It’s critical for me as a teacher to reflect on what went well and what can be improved upon. I suggest also critiquing the project with your content team for tweaks, so you can fine-tune the goals that you want to accomplish by the end of the project.

PBL creates an engaging student-centered learning experience that allows students to go beyond just facts and deeply explore real-world issues with a focus on creating solutions.

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7 Fun Social Studies Activities that Students Will Love

By Kirsten Hammond

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When it comes to social studies activities and lessons, upper elementary students, whether they are in 3rd grade or 5th grade, always love things that get them up and moving! As a social studies teacher I was always looking for ways to incorporate activities into my lesson plans that have students get involved in what they are learning.

The seven activities I’m going to share with you will make your students want to learn more about the topics being taught. These ideas are both fun and educational.

By incorporating these seven easy-prep social studies activities into your lessons, you’ll no doubt see improved student engagement in your classroom as well as overall learning.

1. Daily Review

One of my favorite fun social studies activities that students love is daily review. At the beginning or end of each class, take a few minutes to review what was covered in the previous lesson.

This can be done through a quick quiz, daily passage , a discussion, or even a game. Not only does this help reinforce the material, but it also keeps students engaged and interested in the subject. Plus, it only takes a few minutes to prepare each day!

2. Current Events

Another of my favorite social studies activities that students love is discussing current events. This can be done by assigning articles or news segments for students to read or watch, and then leading a class discussion about the topic.

This not only helps students stay up-to-date on current events, but also encourages critical thinking and analysis of the world around them. Plus, it requires minimal prep time and can be easily incorporated into any social studies lesson.

CNN 10 is a really great resource for 4th and 5th grade. There are a lot of great news segments. You can always preview it in advance if you’re not quite sure, but it’s always interesting for students to watch and they like to discuss it afterwards.

3. Simulations

Simulations and role-playing activities are a great way to engage students in social studies lessons. This allows students to experience history in a more interactive and memorable way, and can help them better understand the perspectives and motivations of different people throughout history.

These activities may require a bit more prep time, but the payoff in student engagement and learning is well worth it.

Be sure not to role-play or simulate any sensitive topics regarding marginalized communities and events.

4. Read Alouds

Believe it or not, reading aloud is a simple yet effective way to engage students in social studies content. Choose a book or article related to the topic you are studying and read it aloud to the class.

This is one of the easiest social studies activities that can help students develop their listening and comprehension skills, as well as expose them to different perspectives and ideas.

You can also use read alouds as a springboard for class discussions or writing assignments. Picture books and chapter books are both highly effective – even for the 5th graders! I highly recommend that you utilize both in the upper elementary classroom. There are so many great books that I recommend !

5. Guided Notes

Guided notes are a great way to help students stay focused and engaged during lectures or presentations.

Provide students with a partially completed note-taking sheet that includes key terms, concepts, and questions related to the topic. As you present information, students can fill in the missing information and add their own notes.

This helps students stay organized and retain important information. Plus, it’s an easy-prep activity that can be used for any social studies activities!

6. Project Based Learning

Project-based learning is a great way to engage students in social studies. Assign a project that requires students to research and present on a specific topic, such as a historical event or a cultural tradition.

Encourage creativity and collaboration by allowing students to work in groups and present their projects to the class.

This hands-on approach to learning will not only help students retain information, but also develop important skills like critical thinking and problem-solving.

7. Problem Solving Activities

Social studies provides a great opportunity for students to develop problem-solving skills.

Try incorporating activities that require students to analyze and solve real-world problems, such as creating a budget for a family or designing a community service project.

These activities not only engage students in the subject matter, but also help them develop important life skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

There are ways to make social studies activities fun for upper elementary students. Pick at least two of these ideas that you will commit to utilizing this school year. I highly recommend you incorporate them so that it keeps students on their toes.

kirsten hammond

Kirsten is a former 3rd and 5th grade teacher who loves helping upper elementary teachers by creating resources and sharing ideas that are engaging, research-based, and TEKS-aligned. She is a work-from-home mama of 3 rambunctious little ones and loves running, true crime, and lots of coffee.

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20 Interactive Social Studies Activities for the Classroom

• Social Studies Education

Introduction:

Engaging students in social studies can be challenging at times. However, with the use of interactive activities, educators can bring history, geography, and culture to life. Here are 20 interactive social studies activities that will captivate and educate your students.

1. Exploring Google Earth:

Have students navigate to different countries or historical landmarks using Google Earth to learn about geographical features and significant locations.

2. Historical Interviews:

Students research a historical figure and prepare questions for a mock interview, then pair up and roleplay as interviewer and historical figure.

3. Time Capsule Creation:

As a class, create a time capsule filled with artifacts, letters, or drawings that represent current events or cultural trends. Plan to open it in a future school year.

4. News Broadcast Reenactment:

Have students reenact a pivotal moment from history as if they were news broadcasters reporting live on the scene.

5. Map-Reading Scavenger Hunt:

Create an in-class scavenger hunt using maps of various scales, where students must identify geographical features or locations to solve clues.

6. Cultural Food Day:

Assign each student a different country and have them research traditional dishes from that nation. Host a food day where everyone brings a dish from their assigned country to share.

7. Political Cartoon Analysis:

Choose recent or historical political cartoons for students to analyze and discuss the message being conveyed by the cartoonist.

8. Current Events Debates:

Select various current events topics and have students participate in organized debates representing different sides of the issue.

9. Virtual Field Trips:

Take advantage of various online resources to arrange virtual field trips to important cultural or historical sites around the world.

10. State Fair Showcase:

Assign each student a US state, and have them create posters with key facts about their assigned state’s history, geography, economy, etc., for display during a class “state fair.”

11. Create a Classroom Museum:

Students bring in artifacts or create replicas of artifacts related to the current social studies topic and host a classroom museum exhibit.

12. Historical Reenactments:

Assign students roles in reenacting important historical events, such as signing the Declaration of Independence or participating in the Boston Tea Party.

13. Create a Civilization:

In groups, students develop their own civilization, complete with a unique government, culture, economy, and geography.

14. Mock Trial:

Have students participate in a mock trial based on a historical event or legal case.

15. Student-Led Podcasts:

Students create and produce podcasts discussing various social studies topics they’ve researched.

16. Analyzing Primary Sources:

Select primary documents (e.g., letters, speeches) for students to analyze and draw conclusions from to deepen their understanding of historical events.

17. Human Timeline:

Line up chairs representing different time periods or historical events, then have students arrange themselves by chronological order based on individual research projects.

18. Cultural Exchange Pen Pals:

Connect with schools in another country and foster cultural exchange through correspondence between students.

19. Election Simulation:

Simulate an upcoming election by having students campaign for various political candidates and participate in a mock vote.

20. Family History Project:

Have students explore their family history and heritage by conducting interviews with family members and creating a family tree or biography presentation.

Conclusion:

The key to engaging students in social studies is making the subject matter come alive through interactive activities that encourage participation and critical thinking. Try introducing these 20 activities into your classroom to enrich your social studies curriculum and create an exciting learning environment for all students.

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 Description At Christel House Indianapolis, we strive to create empowering opportunities through an equitable, rigorous, and holistic education for all Christel House Indianapolis students and alumni, so they actualize their aspirations and develop effective leadership skills. Christel House Indianapolis students and graduates are world changers. Everyone. Every day. Around the world, Christel House students are empowered to realize their full potential and supported in an environment that allows them to learn and grow as individuals. Their experience is grounded in four foundational values of responsibility, respect, integrity, and independence that were put in place by our founder, Christel DeHaan. Christel House Indianapolis is currently seeking a High School Social Studies Teacher. Requirements:Valid IN Teaching LicenseBachelor’s degreeCompetency in using technology in the classroom setting.Ability to report to work on a regular and punctual basis.A strong belief in the mission and goals of Christel House Indianapolis.High School Social Studies Teachers at Christel House have the autonomy to try innovative strategies in their classrooms to reach all types of learners. Teachers support the whole child, teaching character education and social and emotional learning strategies to students to support their development beyond academics. Teachers are supported by interventionists, instructional coaches, lead teachers, on-site social workers and counselors, and a staff that thrives on collaborating and improving within the school community. Job Tasks:Plan, prepare and deliver engaging, standards-aligned lesson plans, instructional materials, and assessments that facilitate active learning.Manage student behavior in the classroom by establishing and enforcing rules and procedures.Encourage and monitor the progress of individual students and use the information to adjust teaching strategies.Demonstrate a desire for working with students from diverse cultural, economic and ability backgrounds.Encourage parent and community involvement, obtain information for parents when requested, conduct home visits, schedule student-led conferences, and promptly return phone calls and answer emails.Participate in appropriate professional activities.Ability and willingness to work collaboratively, maintaining cooperative and effective working relationships.Other duties assigned.What We Offer:Opportunity to serve and make a huge difference in underserved students’ lives.Competitive salary and health care options.Employer contributions to retirement plans.Referral bonuses.Eligibility for Federal student loan forgiveness for teachers.A complete application requires the following:Letter of interest stating why the candidate feels his/her qualifications are a good match to those sought by CHSCurrent resume (please include email address)TranscriptsAt least three (3) professional references (References should include candidates supervisor in his/her current position and most recent prior position, or student teaching supervisors)Applicants should disclose any criminal arrests or convictions in the application process. A successful applicant will be required to submit to a national background check. Christel House Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Questions? Contact [email protected] 

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History Teachers Are Replacing Textbooks With the Internet

A survey of social studies teachers found that many find primary sources online for lesson plans. But a notable minority also rely on left-leaning materials, and a handful have turned to conservative options.

By Dana Goldstein

As printed textbooks increasingly gather dust in classroom bookshelves, a new and expansive survey published on Thursday finds that social studies teachers are turning to digital sources and primary documents from the nation’s past.

While the most popular curriculum providers are not ideologically skewed, the report warned about a trend of “moralistic cues” in some left-leaning school districts, with lessons that seemed to direct students toward viewing American history in an “emotional” manner, as a string of injustices.

In conservative areas, the report said laws restricting the teaching of “ divisive concepts ” had been “extremely corrosive of teacher morale and detrimental to the integrity of good history teaching.”

Still, the report , from the American Historical Association, found that history teachers overwhelmingly affirmed the goals of presenting “multiple sides of every story” and depicting U.S. history as “a complex mix of accomplishments and setbacks.”

The survey paints an unusually detailed portrait of how the nation’s history is being taught during an era of intense political polarization. It reached 3,000 middle and high school teachers across nine states: Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Washington.

Nicholas Kryczka, a research coordinator at the American Historical Association and an author of the report, said that overall, the survey suggests that most educators understand the need to exercise self-restraint on political issues.

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