Elementary Social Studies

Social studies can be closely allied with science in areas such as environmental studies education.

Particularly in grades K-8, social studies teachers are comfortable with integrated studies. It is hard to imagine separating geography, economics and science in environmental studies.

Given all the responsibilities teachers bear, an integrated unit is efficient, authentic, and fun!

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Free 21st Century Timeline Poster for Your Classroom: Great Moments of the 2000s!

Get a poster, lesson plans, and a free magazine delivered to your classroom! The Week Junior is excited to offer a special giveaway that will bring history to…  learn more

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iCivics: Explore the Resource Library K-5

Access lesson plans and LMS tools to seamlessly integrate iCivics into your curriculum. Play games, watch videos, and complete class assignments.  learn more

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iCivics Education

Nobody does social studies like iCivics. Whether it’s civics, government, or U.S. History, we’re fearless about creating dynamic learning experiences. From educational games and short-form, just-in-time materials to…  learn more

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PBS LearningMedia: US History Collection

Expand students’ understanding of U.S. History with culturally inclusive resources that bring the major people, events, and trends in history alive, while integrating often untold stories into the…  learn more

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Pilgrim Unit

TeacherVision. This unit will lead students toward an understanding of the Pilgrims and native people who inhabited the area of present-day Plymouth, Massachusetts in the 1620s. The main…  learn more

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Free Printable Maps of the United States Bundle

If you’re teaching kids about the 50 nifty states, you’ll love this free set of printable maps of the United States! It includes a big selection of labeled…  learn more

Celebration, Conflict & Contemplation: Digital Thanksgiving Activities & Lesson Plans for Students

Take students on a historical journey with our free pre-K12 Thanksgiving activities and resources for use in distance or hybrid learning classrooms.  learn more

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Enchanted Learning Geography

This is a collection of geography pages, maps, printouts, flags, quizzes, and activities for students. The pages are listed by continent, alphabetically, and by topic. Click on a…  learn more

U.S. Mint Coin Classroom

The U.S. Mint makes all of America’s circulating coinage, as well as collectible coins and medals treasured by collectors everywhere. Explore our coins, learn more about the Mint’s…  learn more

Veterans Day Activities and Lesson Plans

Veterans Day is a time to honor the men and women who have served in our armed forces. To help teachers bring the importance of this day into…  learn more

How to Explain the Electoral College to 5th Graders

If you’ve ever tried to explain the electoral college process to 5th graders, you know it’s a challenging concept. I can say with absolute certainty that if you asked…  learn more

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15 Geography Games and Activities Your Students Will Love

Learning about the big wide world can be a lot of fun for students, and geography is the perfect subject for hands-on learning. These geography games and activities…  learn more

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Bill of Rights Institute Studios

A variety of video resources and content to support history and civics educators and students for U.S. History, Government, Civics, and Elementary  learn more

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American Founders

Figures like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton shaped the new nation through the Revolutionary War, the drafting of the founding documents, and the creation…  learn more

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The Supreme Court: Lesson Plans and Resources

Americans have looked to the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) as the moral conscience of the nation since it was established by the founding fathers in…  learn more

Foundations of Democracy and Government: Lessons and Resources

Ever wondered about the perfect way to introduce your students to the intriguing world of democracy? Well, Share My Lesson has you covered! Dive into our special collection…  learn more

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Bill of Rights Institute: Elementary Lesson Plans

BRI Jr. resources are primary source-based, inquiry-driven lessons that focus on content-area literacy instruction and performance-based assessments. Using a modular design, including Lexiled readings and video components, they…  learn more

Constitution Day Activities and Lesson Plans

The American Federation of Teachers’ Share My Lesson is a free, award-winning community-based site that brings together educators, parents and caregivers, paraprofessionals and school-related personnel, specialized instructional support…  learn more

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PBS LearningMedia: News Quiz

News Quiz is KET's weekly 15-minute current events program for students. The program consists of news segments, a current events quiz, opinion letters, and an Extra Credit report. And…  learn more

Owl & Mouse Online Atlas Maps

Owl and Mouse Online Atlas has maps of the countries of every continent - Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia North and South America. Maps for study, for business, travel.…  learn more

Teaching Elementary Economics

This category includes elementary economic material for primary education, kindergarten through 6th grade.  These lessons, lesson plans, and worksheets will introduce your students to consumer economics and very…  learn more

Christmas Around the World Activities For Your Classroom

Have you decided to do a Christmas around-the-world unit with your class? Are you looking for Christmas around the world activities for your upper elementary school classroom? If…  learn more

Texas Archive: Reliable Digital Content for Educators

Our collection provides access to primary and secondary source films relating to Texas, U.S., and World History, as well as free lesson plans aligned with Texas teaching standards…  learn more

iCivics Elementary Resources: Private i History Detective

We are thrilled to release a new inquiry-based civics and history curriculum just for K–5 learners.  learn more

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Constitution Day Activities for 5th Graders

Celebrate Constitution Day with a quick overview of the Constitution, Preamble, Branches of Government, and Bill of Rights. Tips for Teaching the Constitution in Upper Elementary By Jenifer…  learn more

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PBS LearningMedia: Hispanic Heritage Month | All About the Holidays

There are about 54 million Hispanics and Latinos in the United States. That's a lot of people to celebrate! Across the country, Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated with…  learn more

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Themes of Geography

Geography is a complex subject that encompasses multiple educational disciplines. It has been divided into five themes to facilitate the teaching of geography. These themes provide a structured…  learn more

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What Are the 5 Themes of Geography?

EarthHow.com focuses on environmental science and our planet Earth. The team of Earth Science evangelists are passionate about all aspects of learning. The focus is on being clear,…  learn more

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Continents Of The World

There are seven continents in the world: Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia/Oceania, Europe, North America, and South America. However, depending on where you live, you may have learned that…  learn more

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5 Themes of Geography

To make geography easier to use and to make it more useful, geography is divided into five themes - location, place, human-environment interaction, region, and movement. Geography In…  learn more

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PBS Learning Media: Hispanic Heritage Month | All About the Holidays

There are about 54 million Hispanics and Latinos in the United States. That's a lot of people to celebrate! Across the country, Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated with…  learn more

Thrive in Grade Five

Teacher Pay Teacher.  Engaging fifth and six graders in social studies and writing resources. I have been an upper elementary teacher for 14 years, mainly in Title I…  learn more

iCivics: How Did Laws, Courts, and People Impact Civil Rights in the Late 1800s?

Everyone deserves to be treated equally. But how can people make sure that happens? In this inquiry-based unit, students will explain how Amendments to the Constitution attempted to…  learn more

iCivics: Animated Music Videos About Civics For Kids

Animated music videos about how kids can make this country rock! Well Versed hits all the right notes as it explores civic topics for the youngest generation. Explore…  learn more

LessonPlanet: Wagons Ho! Hard Times! Hard Choices!

Here is a  ten-day unit covering westward expansion, pioneer life, and the Oregon Trail. Activities include baking, model building, role-play, newspaper writing, science experiments, and so much more!…  learn more

Izzit: Elementary Focus

Thr entertaining & educational videos come with tons of additional resources — Teacher's Guide, activities, quizzes, and much more! We also offer Current Events lessons — two each…  learn more

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An Introduction to the President of the United States PowerPoint

What is this Presidential PowerPoint? Our engaging and colorful Presidential PowerPoint presentation, titled "An Introduction to the President of the United States," is a fantastic resource for teaching…  learn more

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Colonial Williamsburg: Educator Resource Library

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation advances its mission — “that the future may learn from the past” — through educational programming, preservation and ongoing research. Williamsburg was the thriving…  learn more

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George Washington's Mount Vernon

Victorious general of the American Revolution, the first President of the United States, successful planter and entrepreneur. Explore the life and legacies of George Washington.  learn more

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Constituting America: Constitutional Lesson Plans

The mission is to teach students across America about the nonpartisan relevancy of the U.S. Constitution and the principles of self-governance inherent in our founding documents. Also, check…  learn more

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Civics Lesson Plans for Elementary Students

Free Civics Lesson Plans for Elementary Students It is never too early to teach our youngest citizens how to be civically engaged. This carefully curated collection of civic…  learn more

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Hello Heroes

President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Veterans Day Bill in 1954. To honor this important day, the “Hello Heroes” letter writing activity connects students with a World War…  learn more

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Smithsonian's History Explorer: Lessons & Activities

Smithsonian's History Explorer was developed by the National Museum of American History in partnership with the Verizon Foundation to offer hundreds of free, innovative online resources for teaching…  learn more

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Ben's Guide to Govenment

Ben’s Guide provides opportunities to learn about themes related to our Government. These themes, called Learning Adventures, are divided into three school-age categories. The Learning Adventures are designed…  learn more

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Global Game Changes

MY TALENT + MY HEART = MY SUPERPOWER!™ That’s the message that our students start with and hear every day.  At Global Game Changers, we believe that rich…  learn more

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The Constitution for Kids

The Constitution was written in 1787. Yes, it is over 200 years old. This website has old copies of what was created. We have pictures of the Constitution on…  learn more

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History for Kids: Lesson Plans

Free history network for kids. My name is Stephen Byrne, I’m 14 years old (started the website when I was 12) I’m the creator of the History for…  learn more

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How To Use Food To Teach About Culture in a Meaningful Way

We all eat. But food serves as more than just sustenance. Food is a gateway to understanding culture, history, and identity. In today’s diverse classrooms, educators have an…  learn more

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iCivics: Women's History Month

Women’s History Month in March provides an opportunity to discuss and reflect on the role women have played in shaping the United States. The resources below will help…  learn more

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37 Women’s History Month Activities and Ideas

March is Women’s History Month, coinciding with International Women’s Day on March 8. It’s a time to recognize the achievements of remarkable women from around the globe throughout history. This…  learn more

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PBS LearningMedia: Separation of Powers | Civics 101

To protect the rights of the people—the Constitution says it takes three parts of the government to make or change a law or make other important decisions. This…  learn more

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25 Meaningful Presidents’ Day Activities for the Classroom

The third Monday in February is just around the corner, and more than likely you’re on the hunt for some engaging Presidents’ Day activities for your students. The…  learn more

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Abraham Lincoln Biography & Mini-Book

Students read a biography of Abraham Lincoln, and then put together an illustrated book about him.  learn more

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Presidents' Day Lessons

Teach your high school students about the constitutional legacy of George Washington, James Madison, Abraham Lincoln, and Ronald Reagan this Presidents' Day. These free, ready-to-use lessons will engage…  learn more

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The Wright Brothers: First in Flight

Leo and Layla learn about teamwork and cooperation from a pair of high-flying siblings. They learn how the Wright brothers worked together.  learn more

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Mississippi River Flatboat

Young kids make their own DIY flatboat while learning about the mighty Mississippi River and the role it played in the establishment of trade routes and communities during…  learn more

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Smile and Learn - English

Do you want your kids to have an awesome experience? On the Smile and Learn Youtube channel, kids, parents and teachers will find a great educational tool for…  learn more

The Industrial Revolution - 5 things you should know - History for children

Educational video for children, where they will learn 5 essential things about the Industrial Revolution: when and where it started, the changes in production models and means of…  learn more

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US History: Industrial Revolution for Kids

The Industrial Revolution was a time when the manufacturing of goods moved from small shops and homes to large factories. This shift brought about changes in culture as…  learn more

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MAP SKILLS FOR STUDENTS

This collection features map activities designed to strengthen spatial thinking skills for students. Spatial thinking allows students to comprehend and analyze phenomena related to the places and spaces…  learn more

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Kids Discovery: The U.S. Congress Infographic

The United States government has three branches – the executive branch, the judicial branch, and the legislative branch. The legislative branch, which is called Congress, has two parts…  learn more

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Bill of Rights for Kids (Free Google Slides, Activities, and More)

Teaching kids about the Bill of Rights is crucial for helping them build background knowledge about the United States government and legal system. Don’t miss our free downloadable. Grab…  learn more

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TeacherVision: U.S. States

Explore the history, geography, and government of the fifty United States with these teaching resources. Use our lessons, printables, and quizzes to review state capitals with your students.…  learn more

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Lesson Planet: Christmas Around the World

Christmas is celebrated in many different parts of the world. What better way to explore these celebrations than with a collection with allows for the learning of new…  learn more

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Social Studies for Kids

A variety of topics on social studies for kids includes the following: U.S. History Economics Geography Current Events Cultures Sports & Games    learn more

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Scholastic: Nonfiction Books to Teach About Native American Nations

Students will learn about the diverse history and culture of Native American tribes with these nonfiction books. Ideal for Native American Heritage month in November or to supplement…  learn more

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TeacherVision: Pilgrim Unit (7 lessons)

This unit will lead students towards an understanding of the Pilgrims and native people who inhabited the area of present-day Plymouth, Massachusetts in the 1620's. The main texts…  learn more

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Storytime Channel for Kids: Veterans: Heroes in Our Neighborhood

In this kid's book read aloud, we will read Veterans: Heroes in Our Neighborhood. “This is an engaging rhyming picture book for readers of all ages that fosters…  learn more

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Exploring Native American Agriculture Project-Based Learning Unit

A Historical Native American Agriculture Lesson and Community Citizenship Project Build background knowledge of the transition from hunting to farming, create and play a game of "Hunt and…  learn more

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The Teacher's Corner: Thematic Units - Colonial America

You will find various Lesson Plans on the top portion of this page.. Further down, you will find Web Sites. We have a page of Books that you can order directly from Amazon.com!  learn more

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The Teacher's Corner: Thanksgiving Activities and Lesson Plans

The Thanksgiving pages will provide you with great activities and resources for this day of being thankful. Ideas within this section include: thematic units, easy craft ideas, bulletin…  learn more

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Plimoth Patuxet Museum: Educator Resources

Thousands of teachers and students visit Plimoth Patuxet to explore early American histories and interwoven communities, investigate changing landscapes, and understand the past through immersive, hands-on experiences. Whether…  learn more

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The 50 US States and Capitals (Plus Tricks for Remembering Them)

Learn the seats of government for every single state in the country. Practice for your states and capitals test with these mnemonic devices, plus learn some interesting facts…  learn more

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Colorful History

A FREE common-core-aligned downloadable comic series about people, places, and events in US history. Pop Culture Classroom delivers high-quality, all-inclusive educational resources to school districts, teachers, and community…  learn more

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History of Halloween Videos & Activities

Learn about the origins of Halloween traditions through these educational videos and activities. Students will learn about Halloween's Irish roots, the Celtic festival of Samhain, All Souls' Day,…  learn more

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Best Free Constitution Day Lessons and Activities

These free Constitution Day lessons and activities will inspire students to understand, question, and debate the most important issues of our day.  On September 17, 1787, delegates to…  learn more

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KidCitizen

KIDCITIZEN INTRODUCES A NEW WAY FOR YOUNG STUDENTS (K-5) TO ENGAGE WITH HISTORY THROUGH PRIMARY SOURCES. KidCitizen provides a growing set of interactive episodes where K-5 students work…  learn more

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The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History was founded in 1994 by Richard Gilder and Lewis E. Lehrman, visionaries and lifelong supporters of American history education. The Institute…  learn more

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4 Quick and Easy Activities That Teach Kids About Our Earth

As teachers, we can help students appreciate our incredible planet while empowering them to take action to care for it. Sound like a big project? It is. But…  learn more

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55+ Best Social Studies Websites for the Classroom

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…  learn more

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Social Studies Curriculum and Literacy Resources

Strengthen literacy skills while expanding social studies knowledge with our elementary social studies curriculum. Packed with over 1,000 resources in printable, projectable, and assignable formats, this curriculum covers…  learn more

PBS LearningMedia: Social Studies Shorts

Social Studies Shorts is a new series from KET that explores social studies and civics topics, from here in Kentucky to the nation and the world. Episodes are accompanied…  learn more

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The Alamo

Explore all the Alamo has to offer – there's acres of history here!  Classroom resources If you're an educator teaching Texas history, the Alamo's learning team is here…  learn more

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PBS Learning Media: Elementary Social Studies

Discover exciting resources and methods for teaching social studies to students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in Elementary Social Studies. Students can practice making inferences as they explore…  learn more

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Colonial America Geography Scavenger Hunt

This Colonial America activity for elementary and middle school students is perfect for helping your students learn interesting facts about the geography and history of colonial America. This…  learn more

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Texas Law-Related Education

Civic Resources for Teachers and Students  learn more

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History for Kids

Today, more than 500,000 families have already tried Learn Our History and millions of video lessons have been enjoyed by smart children across the United States. What’s more,…  learn more

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SUPER CIVICS MIDTERM ELECTION LESSONS GRADES K-6

The Super Civics K – 6 Team from Learning Law and Democracy has prepared easy to follow lessons with coordinating slides and anchor texts that are designed to help…  learn more

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Quicklinks for Elementary School Teachers

Teachinghistory.org is designed to help K–12 history teachers access resources and materials to improve U.S. history education in the classroom.  learn more

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Our Story

Smithsonian's History Explorere. American History stories and activities you can do together.  learn more

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EDSITEment: Lesson Plans

EDSITEment is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Trust for the Humanities. EDSITEment offers free resources for teachers, students, and parents searching for high-quality K-12…  learn more

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The BEST Novels for Social Studies: Historical fiction and nonfiction for upper elementary!

In this video, I'm sharing the best novels for social studies! Historical fiction and nonfiction novels are a great way to integrate history into your classroom, especially if…  learn more

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Teaching History in Middle School

Allow students to see that history as we know it is interpretation and perspective. Evaluated key elements of effective teaching. Explore new teaching methods and approaches. Teachers demonstrate…  learn more

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USA.gov Web Portal

USA.gov is the federal government's online guide to government information and services. Pick the topic and you can get information on it here. USA.gov provides a portal to…  learn more

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Teaching Social Studies

In elementary school, students take social studies every year, beginning with the most basic elements of geography and history, and gradually progressing to more specific and detailed subjects…  learn more

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Commanding Heights

Commanding Heights, a PBS series about the future of the world economy, has been webified so that the 150 interview with major world leaders has been segmented for…  learn more

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National Council for the Social Studies

NCSS is the umbrella professional organization for social studies teachers, including all the academic disciplines associated with history and social science. The site has been re-designed to include…  learn more

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Teaching Economics and Personal Finance

In December of 2012, Nebraska adopted state social studies standards requiring districts to incorporate economics instructions for K-12. Resources for Teaching Economics & Personal Finance in Nebraska. The…  learn more

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Washington State Council for the Social Studies

Washington State Council for the Social Studies provides a number of links to history and social studies units.  learn more