5 themes of Social Studies

History ThemeWe are a product of what happened in the past and what we value will influence the future.

Question: would you touch a hot stove?

Why not?

Probably because as a child you learned (from your parents telling you or if you hurt yourself) that touching a hot stove is a bad idea.

Therefore something in your past helped you make a decision in the future.

Economics People have unlimited wants and desires but only limited resources to use.

We want a Play Station 3.

But sometimes we don’t have the money for a PS3.

What are some things you want?

Can you have everything you want?

Why not?

How do you choose?

You can’t have everything because you don’t have enough money to pay for it. You have to make a choice, which one do you need more?

Government and CivicsLaws are made to keep order.

Why do we need lines for the lunch room?

To make sure everyone is safe and happy.

GeographyWhere we are influences who we are.

In December, why would you need a scarf?Why would you need a swimsuit?

Depending on where you live, the weather allows you to do different things, like in Arizona we can swim but in New York it is too cold.

MovementPeople moved from place to place for economic, political, social, and environmental reasons.

Why would you move to a different state?

For a job For a better home

For better weather

For more freedoms