Social studies centers

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Social studies centers
By Theresa B

I teach third grade. This year I am teaching to three classes that each have gifted and high achieving kids. I am teaching science and social studies. But for the last four years I have taught regular third grade. I use
thematic units such as oceans, rainforest and penguins. I include science and social studies objectives and in the past I have added in language and math. Life is connected and I feel learning should be too.
For example, in my ocean unit, we covered map skills, continents and oceans, life cycles of ocean animals, food chains, natural resources, and the water cycle. Some weeks

I have more science objectives and sometimes more social studies, but it rounds out. My students have consistently scored well on standardized tests and look forward to our science and social studies time.
I also do a mini society unit that covers many civics, government, and economy objectives in a real world type atmosphere.
Another thing I do is to use a lot of non fiction books to teach lessons, especially about other cultures.
Hope this has helped. Email me if you have any quesions.