Social Sciences Rationale

Throughout this social science unit, a variety of standards were used. Activities in the unit ranged from discussing diversity to researching various occupations. Students solved problems, worked on teams, and made connections. While in middle school, students become more aware of differences. Students begin to recognize a difference in aspects such as race, physical traits, and even talents. Too often this leads to bullying and students feeling as outcasts. It is important that teachers help students become more empathetic and aware of others’ feelings. Therefore, the students were taught to recognize and investigate problems. In the social studies portion of this unit, the teacher emphasized individual differences and learning styles. For example, students were to pick an activity to portray the current social studies unit. The activity could range from designing a board game to painting a picture. However, it must portray the current social studies unit or lesson.

In order to teach students how to make connections, several lessons required students to complete a variety of surveys. Based on each survey, individuals were to interpret information and draw conclusions. The purpose was to give students a better understanding of their personal interests. At this stage children should begin to form an understanding of who they are and what interests are within them. After finishing the surveys, students were guided toward occupations that may be exciting to them. Then, each person researched five occupations that he or she found to be of their liking. They were to report on aspects such as the education needed, average earnings, working conditions, related jobs, and the job description.

Throughout this lesson, children learned the importance of working on teams. As a member of society, it is important that students learn to listen carefully and accept views of others. Plus, he or she should be able to represent their own ideas appropriately and effectively. For example, the class was put into groups to write down characteristics and differences that were portrayed in the classroom. In this lesson, the class focused on the term diversity and the idea of acceptance. In another lesson, students read a variety of jokes and comic strips. The groups decided which were the most funny. The class discussed the idea that some people found certain jokes funny, while others did not. By participating in both activities, the students analyzed others’ feelings and how their behavior could negatively impact fellow classmates.