Deck 1: Elementary Social Studies: What Is It What Might It Become

Question 1

In history, it is important for students to examine primary and secondary sources and select one source of evidence to draw conclusions.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

A multiple perspective approach has been the dominant framework for structuring the elementary social studies curriculum.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

The emergence of social studies as an interdisciplinary school subject is often credited to an influential committee report issued by

A)the National Council for Social Studies in 1943.
B)the Education Association in 1916.
C)the American Association of Educational Research in 1922.
D)the National Education Association in 1956.

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Curricular approach refers to

A)the way the curriculum is taught.
B)the sequencing of the content.
C)the skills that are woven through the content.
D)the content that is taught.

Question 5

Cultural universals are the basic human needs found in all societies past and present.

Question 6

The College, Career, and Civic Life Framework for Social Studies State Standards; Guidance for Enhancing the Rigor of K-12 Civics, Economics, Geography, and History (NCSS, 2013)is organized around an "Inquiry Arc"-an approach to learning that features four dimensions in social studies:

A)Developing Questions and Planning Investigations; Applying Disciplinary Concepts and Tools; Gathering, Evaluating, and Using Evidence & Communicating Conclusions and Taking Informed Action
B)Developing Questions and Planning Investigations; Applying Disciplinary Concepts and Tools; Gathering, Evaluating Evidence & Communicating Conclusions and Taking Informed Action.
C)Planning Investigations; Disciplinary Concepts and Tools; Using Evidence & Taking Informed Action.
D)Developing Questions and Planning Investigations; Applying Disciplinary Concepts and Tools; Gathering & Evaluating, and Using Evidence.

Question 7

Representing content within narrative structures makes it easier for students to understand, remember, and apply.

Question 8

Many teachers are uncertain about how to teach social studies because

A)they disagree with its intended purpose and goals.
B)there is generally a lack of its purpose and goals.
C)there is a limited time available for teaching it.
D)there is not enough content available to make the subject robust.

Question 9

Project-based learning involves students actively

A)living a story as they co-construct a story plot and acquire deep understanding of people and events.
B)studying a topic for an extended period of time that has meaning and application to the world beyond school.
C)engaging in "hands-on" learning for building objects that represent such things as Native American shelters, model bridges, 3D globes, etc.
D)creating reports on selected social studies topics, building dioramas to represent habitats, or interviewing individuals as part of data gathering.

Question 10

Kliebard, a curricular historian, noted that social studies educators agree that the primary purpose of the subject is to equip students with knowledge that is lasting, important, and fundamental.

Question 11

Cultural universals are defined as

A)individuals' wants and needs used to help people make choices.
B)historical sequences that identify specific events important for developing appreciation
C)networks of connected ideas about how the social system works.
D)human needs and social experiences found in all societies past and present.

Question 12

NCSS states that the primary purpose for teaching social studies is to help young people

A)make informed and reasoned decisions on their local, state, and national tests.
B)think in interdisciplinary ways so they can become better problem solvers as adults.
C)make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world.
D)address and engage in social criticism with emphasis on examining, critiquing, and revising past traditions and existing social practices.

Question 13

The purpose of the History and the Social Science approach is to

A)give students to study each discipline thoroughly and independently.
B)give students opportunities to experience being mini-historians within the classroom.
C)engage students in authentic tasks that adults do to make sense of the human condition.
D)engage students in narratives with an emphasis on motives and actions, with a focus on human experiences.

Question 14

Instructional sequence refers to the way the curriculum builds or progresses from one unit to another or from one grade level to another.

Question 15

Elementary social studies programs used in schools tend to be decided by national organizations such as the National Council for Social Studies.

Question 16

The inquiry-based instructional approach is characterized as

A)conducting research and asking questions within the context of an engaging story.
B)asking answering questions scientifically connoting "minds on" learning.
C)centering on students with very little guidance needed at the early grades.
D)deliberating about matters of public concern about which there is reasonable disagreement.

Question 17

There are competing ways that social studies is taught; how you teach social studies will be guided by your position regarding your perspective and goals for social studies.

Question 18

The hidden curriculum often includes what content is selected and what content is left out.

Question 19

The Cultural Literacy/Core Knowledge approach focuses on discreet

A)items of knowledge to be acquired in elementary school to equip students to inform their social and civic decision making.
B)literacy skills acquired in elementary school as a way to equip students to more effectively communicate with adults.
C)facts about human needs and experiences acquired in elementary school to equip students to become more globally minded.
D)facts about government and citizenship acquired in elementary school to equip students to become more civic-minded and patriotic.

Question 20

The Core Knowledge sequence emphasizes powerful ideas.

Question 21

Explain what social studies educators mean by the statement, "Social studies is everywhere." Provide at least three concrete examples to illustrate your answer.

Question 22

NCSS states that "the primary purpose of social studies is to help young people make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse society in an interdependent world." Select a unit topic and explain (using specific examples)how you would address this purpose or goal.

Question 23

Describe the distinctions between curriculum and instruction. Select one of each and describe how and when you would use it in your classroom. Include concrete examples to illustrate your points.