Origins & Elements of Social Studies

What is Social Studies?

Teaching and learning history is primarily done through discussion and lecture. Occasional audio visual aids and field trips are used, but unfortunately there is not a lot of funding to use these tools constantly. Most homework and assignments come straight from a textbook. Elementary students learn Social Studies through small group and independent work, manipulatives, films, TV, computers, and integrated approaches.
Social Studies is a body of integrative knowledge, concepts, skills, generalizations and theories in the SS fields (history, geography, economics, citizenship, etc.) 
Each aspect should be taught equally. Because there are different aspects, there are so many different ways to teach SS.

The most powerful elements of Social Studies....

Social Studies is meaningful- engaging students with real-world situations.
Social Studies is integrative- draws on more than one discipline, subject, or skill set.
Social Studies is value-based- Strengthens students' sense of democratic values and social responsibility.
Social Studies is challenging- incorporates different perspectives and draws on students' critical-thinking skills.
Social Studies is active- Participatory, makes use of manipulatives or physical environment. Real learning occurs when students are engaged; they apply different skills.