What is Social Studies?

Many of us are familiar with the term, Social Studies, but do we really know the meaning and importance of it?
Social Studies can be defined as a collaboration of different disciplines and skills. Some of the skills that social studies includes are geological, philosophical, law, historical, psychological, etc. 

What really puts the meaning behind the importance of social studies is its powerful elements. 
1st element: MeaningfulSocial studies is engaging to the students in that it incorporates real world situations into the lessons. 
2nd element: Integrative
Social studies draws on more than one discipline, subject, or skill.
3rd element: Value-BasedThere is a sense of democratic values and social responsibility when learning about social studies.
4th element: ChallengingSocial studies lessons should incorporate different perspectives and draw on critical thinking skills.
5th element: ActiveSocial studies lessons should have hands on and/or minds on methods. This includes giving the students the chance to participate or use Manipulatives. 

There has been a tremendous amount of research that shows the students are able to remember and understand the lessons more when they are able to interact with their peers and physically practice doing the lesson or topic. Students are able to gain a better understanding of what they are learning when they are able to share and reflect with their peers by learning from one another and building onto one another's ideas. Below is the calculated research that shows the Percentage that is Retained in Memory.
Percentage that is Retained in Memory:

• Reading: 10 %

• Audiovisual: 20%

• Demonstration: 30%

• Discussion: 50%

• Practice Doing: 75%

• Teach Others: 90%

A helpful resource for teachers teaching social studies to keep in mind is the Structure of Knowledge that was created by Jerome Bruner. This structure is a helpful structure that teachers should follow in order to effectively teach social studies lessons. 
Structure of Knowledge (Jerome Bruner)

1. Meta-Cognition: Learning about learning and thinking about thinking; students need to reflect in order to process what they have learned. 

2. Generalizations: Students apply what they are learning to their lives in order to make connections.

3. Concepts: It is important to organize them

4. Facts: It is important for students to retain what they have learned