Social Studies Education in a Multicultural Society (Elementary Education)

The materials in this OER collection are designed to complement the course, Social Studies Education in a Multicultural Society. This course, designed for senior-level students in an elementary education teacher preparation program, explores the foundations, themes, content, and pedagogies of elementary social studies education in a multicultural society. Presented as a series of video episodes, each episode focuses on a foundational element of social studies teaching and learning. From curriculum frameworks to national social studies publications to historical thinking to geographic awareness, each episode is meant to support the development of the elementary social studies teacher.

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Episode 1: Get to Know the NCSS

Lori T. Meier

In this episode, we explore the central professional organization for the social studies, the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS). We review their history and beginning, learn about definitions and purposes for social studies, take a look at key NCSS curriculum standards and frameworks, and explore related NCSS publications and resources for teachers and classrooms.
Episode 2: Exploring the 10 Themes

Lori T. Meier

In this episode, we explore the national curriculum standards and organizing strands of the NCSS “10 Themes” and review the various, related disciplinary content areas that contribute broadly to the whole social studies curriculum in the K-12 classroom.
Episode 3: TN Standards for Social Studies

Lori T. Meier

In this episode, we take a quick walkthrough of the specific Tennessee Academic Standards for Social Studies as they relate to social studies teaching and learning in grades K-5. We discuss where you can find the standards, how they are organized, the role of the SSP (Social Studies Practices) standards for K-2 & 3-5, and explore topics and content standards progressively found in each grade level.
Episode 4: Primary & Secondary Sources

Lori T. Meier

In this episode, we discuss the use of primary and secondary sources in the elementary social studies classroom. We explore the definitions for both primary and secondary sources, examine how they are connected to K-5 standards and curriculum frameworks, and visit various digital resources where teachers can find engaging primary sources for their students.
Episode 5: Historical Thinking

Lori T. Meier

In this episode, we take a deeper look at the definitions and five standards for historical thinking in the elementary social studies classroom. What does it mean for young learners and teachers to think like a historian?
Episode 6: The Five Themes of Geography

Lori T. Meier

In this episode, we explore the five themes of geography: location, place, human-environment interaction, movement, and regions and consider how they are connected to the development of young geographers in the K-5 classroom.
Episode 7: Civic Competence for Young Learners

Lori T. Meier

In this episode, we consider the role of civics, government, and political science in K-5 classrooms. We explore related standards, connections to the NCSS, and review some essential content and topics for elementary learners. We also visit some key civic digital resources for the classroom.