Social Studies

Monique Swinger e-mail Coordinator of K-5 Social Studies				Rhonda Love e-mail Coordinator of 6-12 Social Studies

 

Tianna Lewis Administrative Assistant II	e-mail
Serena Smith Academic Content Lead for K-5 Social Studies	e-mail
Briana Glenn Academic Content Lead for 6-12 Social Studies	e-mail
Letitia Thornton Academic Content Lead for 6-12 Social Studies	e-mail

What do students learn in Social Studies?

Social Studies helps students understand the world around them and their role within it by exploring history, geography, civics, and economics. Through this learning, students also strengthen skills such as reading, writing, analyzing sources, and communicating ideas while developing the knowledge needed to become informed, responsible citizens.

Elementary School (Grades K-5)

• Build an understanding of self, family, community, Georgia, and the United States.
• Explore history, geography, civics, government, and economics through engaging, inquiry-based learning.
• Study important people, places, events, symbols, and traditions that have shaped Georgia and the nation.
• Develop map skills, historical thinking, and an understanding of how geography influences people and places.
• Learn the rights and responsibilities of citizenship while building the knowledge and skills to become informed, engaged members of their communities.

Middle School (Grades 6–8)

• 6th Grade: Explore the geography, history, government, and economies of Latin America, Canada, Europe, and Australia.
• 7th Grade: Study the geography, history, government, and economies of Africa, Southwest Asia (Middle East), Southern and Eastern Asia, and Oceania.
• 8th Grade: Examine Georgia's history from European exploration through the modern day, including government, economics, and civic participation.

High School (Grades 9–12)

• World History: Examine major civilizations, global interactions, and historical developments from ancient times to the present.
• U.S. History: Explore the political, economic, social, and cultural development of the United States.
• American Government/Civics: Study the Constitution, branches of government, public policy, elections, and civic responsibilities.
• Economics: Learn how individuals, businesses, and governments make economic decisions while exploring personal finance, markets, and the global economy.

What can a parent or guardian do at home to support their child's learning in Social Studies?

• Parents can use resources from the Georgia Department of Education to stimulate learning at home. Check out the sample activities and instructional resources!
• At your comfort level, provide opportunities for your child(ren) to share opinions on political, social, and economic matters. Listen, ask probing questions, and compliment them on their reasoning!
• Check out 5 Simple and Powerful Steps to engage in social studies at home. 

What is available to enrich student learning in Social Studies?

• Social Studies Fair Competition (Grades 3-5)
• Elementary Social Studies Quiz Bowl (Grade 3-5)
• Stock Market Game (Grades 5-12)
• National History Day Competition (Grades 6-12)
• Georgia Studies Social Studies Quiz Bowl (8th Grade)
• United States History Quiz Bowl (11th Grade)

What other departments or programs support student learning in Social Studies?

• Advanced Learning (AP classes)
• English Language Arts
• Library Media Services
• Mathematics
• Textbooks and Instructional Resources
• STEM