FHSD Curriculum Up Close: Social Studies
The Curriculum Up Close series offers an inside look at classrooms across FHSD, spanning various grade levels and schools throughout the district. This series highlights what students are learning and demonstrates how teachers implement innovative lessons to make a lasting impact. The month of October is dedicated to exploring social studies!
Ms. Howe - Second Grade at Summit Elementary
Second graders at Summit in Ms. Howe’s class learned about different types of communities and what they can look like. Following the Gallopade Social Studies curriculum, students explored the difference between urban, suburban and rural communities.
Class started with a discussion about the different types of communities and what their characteristics include. Second graders were able to identify urban areas as places with skyscrapers and lots of people, suburban areas with homes and sidewalks, and rural areas with more farm space and maybe even animals. After having a class conversation, students returned to their desks to work in groups and draw the landscapes of each community they learned about.
Ms. Moore - Sixth Grade at Maddux Elementary
Ms. Moore’s social studies class learned what a citizen is and how to be an engaged and responsible citizen in their communities. Discussing the difference between national and local governments, Mustangs also reviewed what it means to be an informed citizen.
Using a combination of workbook activities, large and small group discussions, and watching a video, Mrs. Moore helped give students a comprehensive understanding of what it means to be part of a community and to exercise a citizen’s rights and responsibilities.
Mr. Calder - U.S. History at Turpin High School
Mr. Calder is leading students through a comprehensive unit on the driving factors and important effects of urbanization in United States history. To set the stage for deeper critical thinking, Mr. Calder began with a class discussion and lecture highlighting the challenges and shifts that prompted the growth of American cities.
Following the discussion, Mr. Calder supplied a guided worksheet designed to help students organize key historical concepts, take structured notes and gain a more thorough understanding of the foundational material presented in their textbook. Students are learning important historical concepts while strengthening their critical thinking skills.
Learn More About FHSD’s Social Studies Curriculum
Courses of study establish frameworks for learning across FHSD. They are guiding documents for teachers to ensure student success. FHSD’s Social Studies Course of Study lays the groundwork for teachers to implement engaging learning experiences so that students can grow to become informed citizens with analytical and technical skills.
