Social Studies is the study of the social sciences and humanities. Within the curriculum, social studies provides coordinated, systematic study of information, skills, and concepts from the disciplines of history, geography, political science, economics, anthropology, psychology, law, archaeology, and sociology with attention also given to connections among the peoples and nations of the world, the effect of science and technology on society (and vice versa), and the ways to practice good citizenship. Social studies helps young people develop the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed and reasoned decisions as Catholic citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world.  Linkage to our Catholic faith and teachings are integrated throughout the social studies curriculum, especially in the areas of service, social justice and other aspects of Christian life and responsibilities.

NEW!!!    Link to Social Studies Standards and Benchmarks    NEW!!!

Social Studies Academic Standards Summary List 

The following list of social studies expectations for students provides a summary of what a student should know and be able to do by the end of a grade level. This “short list” is adapted from the social studies curriculum guidelines developed for each school in the Diocese of Madison.

Kindergarten
Recommended areas of focus: 

SELF — Home, City, State, Country 

• Geography — Learn about where you live and go to school
• History — Know about things in your life in the past, present, and future
• Government — Recognize your responsibilities at school
• Economics — Explore how people meet needs and wants
• Behavior Science — Examine how people are similar and different

Grade 1
Recommended areas of focus: 

FAMILY — Continent study, compare and contrast family life with Russia or country in Europe

• Geography — Practice mapping and explore change in environments
• History — Examine processes of change in family, school, and society
• Government  — Recognize connections between responsibilities at home and at school
• Economics — Practice making personal decisions based on needs and wants
• Behavior Science — Explore the relationship between families and other groups

Grade 2
Recommended areas of focus: 

NEIGHBORHOOD — Compare and contrast neighborhoods with those in Australia and an African country 

• Geography — Develop and apply mapping skills
• History — Compare and contrast neighborhoods across time and geography
• Government — Recognize personal and civic responsibilities and basic governmental structures
• Economics — Investigate exchange of  goods and services at local and national levels
• Behavior Science — Understand how diverse groups interact with each other and their environment

Grade 3
Recommended areas of focus: 

COMMUNITY — Emphasis on United States geography and possible home town history

• Geography — Examine various types of maps and apply mapping skills and vocabulary
• History — Use multiple sources to compare and contrast communities across time and geography
• Government  — Explore the functioning of governments
• Economics — Explore how individuals, businesses, industries, and governments affect economic resources
• Behavior Science — Understand the responsibilities and benefits of living in a diverse society

Grade 4
Recommended areas of focus: 

WISCONSIN — Emphasize Native Americans in Wisconsin and early American history

• Geography — Demonstrate mastery in basic mapping skills
• History — Use multiple sources to study Wisconsin history
• Government — Demonstrate understanding of the functioning of governments
• Economics — Identify and discuss how Wisconsin businesses and industries contribute to a global economy
• Behavior Science — Examine multiple factors which influence the development of society with an emphasis on Wisconsin’s

Grade 5
Recommended areas of focus: Early American History (pre-Civil War), Latin America / Canada / Asia / Pacific Islands

Grade 6
Recommended areas of focus: Ancient History, Medieval History

Grade 7
Recommended areas of focus: World Geography, China

Grade 8
Recommended areas of focus: United States History (Civil War- Present)

General Social Studies Curriculum for Grades 5-8

Within the 5-8 social studies curriculum students will —

Geography:

• Use a variety of geographic representations to gather and compare information about a place
• Process a mental map of countries and regions of the world
• Describe how geography has shaped and changed cultures throughout history
• Describe the movement of people ideas, diseases and products
• Discuss how various cultures have shaped and changed our world’s geography

 History:

• Discuss key influences which shaped and still shape our state, country and world
• Process a mental timeline of our state, country, and world
• Describe the life of the first Americans -Native Americans and early settlers
• Analyze examples of conflict, cooperation and interdependence among groups, societies or nations

 Government:

• Describe how governments work
• Investigate the constitution and how it works
• Discuss how and why participation in government affects citizens’ lives
• Describe the role of international organizations such as military alliances and trade associations

 Behavior Science:

• Relate how social structure, culture, and group behavior impact lives
• Describe how groups and institutions are part of the social structure and how they impact change and continuity
• Discuss the impact of, possible causes, and the need to address major problems of societies

 Economics:

• Compare and contrast the concepts of economics under market command and mixed systems
• Show the global interdependence on economics
• Discuss the individual’s role in economic systems