Social Studies

The focus of district, state and national standards in social studies is to create responsible citizens.  This is achieved by studying the human condition, how it has changed over time, the variations that occur in different physical environments and cultural settings, and the emerging trends that appear likely to shape the future in an interdependent world.

Our Michigan social studies grade level content expectations are organized around five disciplines:

• History
• Geography
• Civics and Government
• Economics
• Public Discourse, Decision Making, and Citizen Involvement

Students explore the five disciplines of social studies within a grade-specific context.  Students engage in inquiry-based activities as they analyze and interpret information to develop their understanding.

K-5 Grade-Specific Contexts

Kindergarten:  Myself and Others

1^st Grade:       Families and Schools

2^nd Grade:      The Local Community

3^rd Grade:       Michigan Studies

4^th Grade:       United States Studies

5^th Grade:       Integrated United States History Eras 1-3

Middle School Grade-Specific Contexts

6^th Grade:       Western Hemisphere Studies

7^th Grade:       Eastern Hemisphere Studies and World History Eras 1-3

8^th Grade:       Integrated United States History Eras 3-5

High School Grade-Specific Contexts

9^th Grade:       Civics (one semester)

                      Economics (one semester)

10^th Grade:     United States History and Geography Eras 6-9

11^th Grade:     World History and Geography Eras 4-8