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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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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Virtual Stock Exchange Game

The Virtual Stock Exchange simulation takes advantage of new technologies and contains excellent content. Both consumer and business perspectives are included. The data is updated as trends actually…  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

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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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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 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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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

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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 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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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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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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Our Story

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

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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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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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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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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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iCivics: Private i History Detectives

Guide elementary students through exciting historical investigations to build content knowledge and critical thinking skills. iCivics presents Private i History Detectives, a supplemental K-5 curriculum. Organized by grade-level…  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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Texas Law-Related Education

Civic Resources for Teachers and Students  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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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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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

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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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

Lesson Ideas for Abraham Lincoln

For Lincoln's birthday or any time of year, here are ideas to better acquaint students with the life, times, and work of the 16th president of the United…  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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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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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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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

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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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Time Travel With AI: Enhance Learning in Social Studies

Read Stefanie's tips and ideas for making use of AI to enhance learning opportunities and Read on for Stefanie's tips and ideas for making use of AI 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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How Did Laws, Courts, and People Impact Civil Rights in the Late 1800s?

iCivics. 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…  learn more

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9/11 Memorial Museum

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum offers interactive lesson plans for students in grades 3 to 12 that address the 9/11 attacks, their ongoing repercussions, and the history of the…  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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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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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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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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Share My Lesson: Constitution Day Activities and Lesson Plans

At the heart of our democracy lies a document that not only delineates the structure of the government but also guarantees the fundamental rights and liberties of its…  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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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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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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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

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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 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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