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Trips
Henry VIII Resources Sampling of Our Work Lewis and Clark African Amerin Biographies - ongoing Colonial
Stamps (1999) - archived |
Overview
Social studies is the one subject that incorporates all aspects of our students' lives. It comprises the study of the cultures that shape our society as well as the people who shaped those cultures.
We present social studies in a dynamic, interactive fashion. With each unit, we try to immerse our students as completely as possible in the lessons we are learning. We incorporate a range of teaching methods including simulation, role playing, drama, reading, research, note taking, and debate as well as discussion in the classroom and at home. Our students interact with one another in order to better understand that each individual has a point of view that is shaped by one's background and life experience. It is important to respect that view, but it is also important to expect a person to give well-reasoned explanations for his or her opinions. Through role-play and dramatization, students come to understand the complexity of human events.Units
Our Social Studies curriculum concentrates on the growth and development of America. Over the course of the year, we look at colonization, westward expansion, the Industrial Revolution, the Civil War, immigration, and our governmental structure. All units are planned with attention to cultural perspectives and how they can change the interpretation of events. In addition to these units, we also study world geography.
Trips
Several field trips are planned as a complement to the social studies program. We visit a local eighteenth-century home and historic sites in Philadelphia as well as Gettysburg and Ellis Island. These primary sources allow our students to learn about the past through direct experience.
Writing Activities
Social studies is integrated into many aspects of the fourth grade curriculum. Reading and writing assignments in language arts are often chosen to deepen the understanding of a social studies topic. Much of our writing is also related to what we are studying. In one project, for example, each student assumes the identity of an historical figure and develops a journal written from that character's point of view. This kind of writing experience allows our students to explore and appreciate the material in depth.
This web site is maintained by the fourth grade teachers of Germantown Academy, David Nagel, Graham Martin, Julia Blumenreich and Susan Sarshik. Please contact David Nagel or Susan Sarshik. with questions or comments.
