Upper Elementary Social Studies

Say Hello to Hands-On and Interactive Learning!

Looking for interesting social studies lessons that motivate your upper elementary students to learn? These units meet the Michigan Curriculum Framework for upper elementary social studies and move your students away from the textbook and out of their seats!

It's here you'll find creative, out-of-the-ordinary projects, tested in a fourth grade classroom, and ready for you to adopt, such as:

Mini-Society - an experiential economics program

Claymation - a multiple intelligences approach to learning about Michigan symbols and civics

USA Regions - a web resources focusing on landforms, people, history, climate, and business in five major USA regions

Local and National Communities - using snail mail and email to learn from other fourth grade students and area residents

Oral Histories - Learn how oral histories integrate social studies and other core curriculum areas, as well as teach students technology skills

Persuasive Essays - Use examples of MEAP-like prompts that get students actively involved in taking a position.