Social Studies

Guidelines on coursework from the Utah State Board of Education

• Utah Studies (7th grade)

• US History I (8th grade)

• World Geography (9th grade)

• World Civilizations (10th grade)

• US History II (11th grade)

• US Government (12th grade)

Electives offered through the Social Studies Department for high school students

• Psychology

• Early American Wars

• Contemporary Wars and Terrorism

 

Mission Statement:

The Social Studies Department is dedicated to empowering students with the knowledge, skills, and civic values necessary to become informed, engaged, and responsible global citizens. Through the study of history, geography, economics, government, and cultures, we foster critical thinking, empathy, and an appreciation for diversity. Our mission is to inspire students to understand the past, analyze the present, and actively shape a more just and equitable future.

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Core Values in Teaching Social Studies

Goal: Inspiring informed, thoughtful, and active citizens

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Student Voice & Engagement

We encourage curiosity, honest scholarship, and open-minded exploration of ideas. We empower students to speak up, participate actively, and take ownership of their learning. We believe learning thrives through teamwork, dialogue, and building strong classroom communities.

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Collaboration & Community

Students' time in the class allows them to participate in projects, inquiry learning and direct instruction.  They have opportunities to both lead out and support other’s learning as they apply cooperative skills and content knowledge in project-based learning. Students who engage with their learning community and then apply their knowledge to the community they live in are better prepared to face challenges in the future and act to meet community needs.

📌 “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” – William Butler Yeats

 

 

 

✅ Good Practices in Teaching Social Studies: What Parents Should Know

Social studies education helps students understand the world, think critically, and become active, responsible citizens. Here’s how we support that in the classroom:

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🔍 1. Encouraging Critical Thinking

We teach students to ask questions, analyze information, and think for themselves. They learn how to evaluate sources, understand different viewpoints, and build strong arguments.

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🌎 2. Making Learning Relevant

We connect lessons to current events and real-world issues so students see why social studies matters in their lives and communities.

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💬 3. Teaching Respect for Diverse Perspectives

Students explore history and social issues from multiple points of view. We include voices from different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences to build empathy and understanding.

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🗳️ 4. Promoting Civic Engagement

Our goal is to help students become informed, active citizens. They learn about government, rights, responsibilities, and how to make a positive difference in the world.

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🧠 5. Fostering Discussion and Collaboration

We encourage students to discuss ideas, listen to others, and work together. This helps them develop communication and teamwork skills that are valuable beyond the classroom.

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💻 6. Using Technology and Multimedia

We enhance learning with digital tools, videos, interactive maps, and online resources that make history and current events more engaging and accessible.

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🛠️ 7. Supporting All Learners

We tailor lessons to meet different learning styles and needs, making sure every student has the opportunity to succeed.

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📚 8. Building Skills for Life

Students practice reading, writing, research, and problem-solving—skills they’ll use in college, careers, and everyday decision-making.

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❤️ 9. Creating a Safe, Inclusive Classroom

We make sure every student feels respected and valued, and we encourage them to express their ideas and connect what they learn to their own lives.