Social+Studies+Planning+Project

This activity is focused on your perceptions of significance in social studies. In other words, what you think should be taught. The basic idea is for you to think about 8th grade NC history, and make a list of the top 40 big ideas that should be taught. It builds off of James Loewen's idea that we should not teaching twigs- i.e. just a list of individual facts. Instead, we should focus on the trees, which Loewen calls big ideas. Additionally, you should identify a minimum of 10 key individuals who you think must be taught in the course. This work will be done out of class, and a discussion will take place afterward.

Criteria and directions for the assignment

- Each big idea and key individual should be two sentences that includes a brief rationale for your selection.

- Please post your work on the wiki. Make a link below to a new page with your work. See the example below.

Questions to answer before class when making the lists of 40 big ideas and 10 key individuals.


 * 1) Where do you ideas come from? How did you generate these ideas? What is your process?
 * 2) What overarching themes/overarching narrative of history do you see connecting your topics? And individuals?
 * 3) Do you have sub-themes and how do these sub-themes connect ?
 * 4) How are your beliefs about history affecting your process?
 * 5) What is the narrative that you see holding together your themes?

Questions to answer in class during the discussion.
 * 1) How similar are your ideas compared to your peers?
 * 2) What are the similarities and what are the differences—i.e. omissions?
 * 3) Can you explain the omissions and differences?

[[file:social studies planning.doc|Pryscilla L's Social Studies Planning Project]]
Joshua S's Social Studies Planning Project Brittany J's Social Studies Planning Project