BLOCK B
SOCIAL STUDIES ARTICLE 4
WHAT IS SOCIAL STUDIES?
DEFINITION:
(Noun): Social Studies is a subject that explores the aspects of human society, relationships between different parties, and their world by connecting through geography, economics, civics, government, and other social sciences considered as educational discipline.
PURPOSE:
Using a questions and inquiry-related approach, Social Studies contains content about examining a variety of human experiences through the generation of questions, collection and analysis of evidence from credible sources, consideration of multiple perspectives, and the use of social studies knowledge and disciplinary skills.
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Consequently, examining the past, participating in the present, and learning how to shape the future, social studies prepares students for a lifelong practice of civil discourse and civic engagement in their communities. Social studies centers knowledge of human rights and local, national, and global responsibilities so that learners are able to work together with the experience and information of the past.
HISTORY:
Social Studies was initially and would remain nameless until the early 20th century. In 1916, the National Education Association formed a committee to combine history, civics, geography, and economics into one main subject to be taught throughout grades aimed at teaching students how to be responsible citizens.
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By 1921, the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) was founded, which helped shape Social Studies into what is known and taught in the present day.
The Social Studies program aims to help students grow their ability to:
- Investigate various ideas
- Explore new concepts
- Understanding issues using an interdisciplinary approach​
In addition, this subject gives students an integrated learning experience, leading to a deeper understanding of the interconnections between social, political, economic, and environmental ideas and issues.
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Throughout each grade, students enhance their ability to utilize concepts of the subject to apply to certain problems. They also continue to develop skills related to the social studies inquiry process. Students develop their ability to create related questions such as gathering, organizing, interpreting, and analyzing information, data, and evidence from a variety of sources to formulate and communicate ideas, conclusions, and judgements.
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​To conclude, Social Studies is a subject that aims to teach students of different perspectives.
