Social Studies

2007/2008 Content

This year we are covering Washington State history. We will also be reviewing U.S. History with our new United States Socials Weekly newspaper. Our history themes are:

• Natural Washington

• Native Americans

• Explorers and Fur Traders

• Missionaries and Pioneers

• Washington Becomes a State

• Beginning the Twentieth Century

• Modern Times

• Earning a Living

• Government for All of Us

Our major project for this year is a Washington city research project. Each student is responsible for gathering data and writing a report. This portion of the project will be accomplished at home. Then students will present their information to the rest of the class. School activities will include a small group map-making poster and perhaps experience with designing PowerPoint projects.

We use our textbook, library resources, films, the Internet, small and large group discussions, special projects, and review games to learn and remember the information about our state of Washington.

City Report Guidelines

City Assignments

Research Rubric

Report Rubric

Presentation Rubric

Bibliography

Small Group Discussions

To help summarize and retain relevant information, students engage in small group discussions, using the skills and strategies they have learned from our literature circles.

Discussion Group Planner

Discussion Group Summary/Discussion Worksheet

Discussion Group Illustration Sheet

Discussion Group Evaluation

Internet Links

Following are some general Social Studies links for students to explore. 

Kids and Community
Explore how you create, live in, and change communities. 

Build-A-Prairie
This interactive site allows you to take a barren piece of land and turn it into a healthy prairie.

Hillman Wonders of the World
Take a look at photos and articles that help you learn more about some of the natural wonders around the world.

Underground Railroad
The Civil War is one of the topics of discussion in U.S. History. This interactive site gives a good perspective of one component of this war.

Family Tree

Learn more about your family ancestors or about genealogies in general by checking out the following sites.

The Family Tree and Genealogy

Helm's Genealogy Toolbox