Objectives:

To learn about the different areas of social studies

Overview:

Students will learn about different areas of social studies and tell classmates about what social scientists do.

Grade Level: 6-8

Time: 2-3 45-minute class periods?this includes research and presentation time

Subjects: Social sciences, may also have connections to language arts through public speaking

Required Materials (see "Web Links for Teachers and Student"):

-         Internet access for students to research jobs, you could also use resource materials from the library

-        Overhead or chalkboard

Optional Technologies:

-     Students could also create a PowerPoint presentation of jobs social scientists hold

Suggested Procedure (Pedagogy):

Opening

Brainstorm with students what Social Studies is and what social scientists do.  Make a list of answers on the chalkboard or overhead.  (Connect to 2^nd grade community study at IHM-St. Luke?s)  When all student answers are given identify what the social sciences are.

Development

Introduce to the class the social sciences and what are involved in the social sciences?history (anthropology), geography, political science (civics), economics, and behavioral sciences (sociology, psychology).  Students keep a list of the definitions in the vocabulary section of their notebook.  After describing each social science, ask students what types of jobs these people may have.  Keep a list of these for the class.

Next ask the class what life might be like as a historian, geographer, etc.  Inform them they have the opportunity to find out by researching at the library or in the Internet.  Also suggest that they may be able to interview a parent, neighbor, or friend.  Each will be telling the class what their life as a social scientist is like.  Using available resources they will create a 3-paragraph (approximately) presentation of what a day is like.  Model the presentation for them by being a ?social scientist? and presenting your life as a Social Studies teacher.  Include how you use the ?science? in your job.  Also review correct speaking process.  Divide the class into 5 groups each with a different social science focus.  Each student from the group picks a different job to research. Provide a list of jobs that use the social sciences for them to choose topics from. 

Allow about one class period for research (see list of suggested websites in the resource bar) and have students write notes for the presentation and practice as homework.  Have students present (in social science groupings?all geography, then all economist, etc).

Closing

After presentations discuss with students what they have learned about social studies and why it is important to study.  Also ask if they have any new ideas about jobs they may want to have in the future.

Assessment

Presentation of ?My Life as a Social Scientist??Consider time management during research, if it is an accurate job description, and use of correct speaking/presentation skills

Resource Bar

Definitions

Historian?a person who collects and records facts about humans? past and develops understandable explanations about the facts

Geographer?a person who studies the environment of the earth and its relationship to humans

Political Scientist?a person who studies how governments use politics and how politics affects the economy and influence non-government organizations.

Economist?a person who studies production, distribution, exchange and consumption of goods and services

Behavioral Scientist?a person who studies to understand, predict, or control behavior

Standards

Organization of Information

Disciplinary Process

Problem Connected to World Beyond Classroom

Individual Development, and Identity

Civic Ideals and Practices

Web Links

Options to use for web research

http://www.bls.gov/k12/html/edu_soc.htm

http://www.bls.gov/oco/

http://www.whatdotheydo.com./

http://www.collegeboard.com/apps/careers/index

http://www.sha.org/sha_kbro.htm

Extension Activities

• Create a bulletin board with the social sciences, definitions, and jobs as you teach this lesson.  Create headings with the social sciences and definitions that can be attached to a bulletin board.  As each student presents have her write the job presented on a card and attach under the correct science.

Credits

Nancy Fisher

IHM-St. Luke's School

1065 Summit Avenue

Saint Paul, MN 55105

651-224-4836x321

fisher2nd@hotmail.com