Social Studies
An MVCDS graduate will be able to draw on foundational knowledge in history, geography, economics, civics, and culture to make global connections to understand current issues and their historical underpinnings. They will ask questions, problem solve, and engage in civil discourse for the ethical stewardship of our democracy and our world. In their exploration, students will fluidly and analytically employ diverse sources, conveying their conclusions in a variety of ways.
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Students are answering the essential question: Why do people move? Our social studies lessons are integrated into language arts, and students have opportunities to gain a diverse set of perspectives through children’s literature, questioning, and discussion. Students also strengthen map and timeline skills.
Our first social studies unit centers upon immigration. Students learn about why immigrants moved to a new country in the past and present by considering push and pull factors. They compare immigrant experiences based upon the time in history, elements of culture, and country of origin. Students gain empathy and understanding for people who are new to a country.
Our second social studies unit focuses upon Westward Movement. Students learn about the changes to the ownership of United States’ land in the 1800s. We consider multiple perspectives and discuss the overarching question: Was this movement to the West a form of expansion, invasion, or expulsion? We discuss what it means to “acquire” land and talk about the people who were already living across the United States.
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Understanding the importance of learning about the multiple perspectives of key historical events and how they shaped our nation is the theme students examine as they deepen their understanding of the geographic, civic, and economic factors that impact the United States today. Students explore the history of human enslavement as well as the concepts of colonization of North America, the American Revolution, and American government while developing their skills as "social scientists." Students are encouraged to actively engage in the inquiry process and demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility.
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Students build upon their understanding of how the past has influenced our current lives by studying beginning civilizations and ancient cultures. They focus on the aspects of civilization to learn what is essential for the success of any civilization. They then apply this knowledge to the refugee crisis to understand why people move and why they stay. Students examine and use primary and secondary sources to collect, organize, and present information appropriate for various audiences. Students have opportunities to collaborate to solve problems and elicit feedback from others.
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Students explore and celebrate the cultural mosaic of our world–past, present, and future. They examine global connectedness and discover what it means to be a global citizen. Students examine human rights and daily applications. Throughout the year, students will read a variety of texts, engage in meaningful discussion, and work both individually and collaboratively to create multimedia projects. Sample units of study include cultural elements, the water crisis, and freedom of movement. Sample projects include “Culture of Me” presentations, two-voice poetry performances, and research-based immigration stories.
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Students embark on an epic journey through the past and present with an eye toward the future as they explore the history of the United States and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Sample units of study are the system of checks and balances and the Bill of Rights found in the U.S. Constitution, the Industrial Revolution and its impact upon American history, and social reform movements. Sample projects and assessments include a congressional budget battle simulation, the historical and modern-day interpretation of the 2nd Amendment, and understanding the historical and modern relevance of the Gettysburg Address. Finally, students work on a variety of skills such as identifying credible sources of information for research, crafting and supporting thesis statements, and communicating collaboratively with peers to create meaningful presentations.
