The Plymouth Public Schools Social Studies program is fully aligned to the 2018 Massachusetts History & Social Science Framework. In each grade K-12, students engage in learning experiences that are based on the content standards, practice standards, and literacy standards outlined in this document. In particular, the PPS Social Studies program emphasizes the History and Social Science Practice Standards at each grade level:

• Demonstrate civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions
• Develop focused questions or problem statements and conduct inquiries
• Organize information and data from multiple primary and secondary sources
• Analyze the purpose and point of view of each source; distinguish opinion from fact
• Evaluate the credibility, accuracy, and relevance of each source
• Argue or explain conclusions using valid reasoning and evidence
• Determine next steps and take informed action as appropriate

Teachers collaborate to provide students with inquiry-based learning experiences whereby students learn about a particular topic through an open-ended compelling question and/or targeted supporting question by engaging in meaningful tasks and navigating disciplinary sources. More information about this inquiry model can be found in the National Council for the Social Studies' C3 Framework for College, Career, and Civic Life.

Our elementary school students are engaged in meaningful social studies learning experiences from Kindergarten through Grade 5. Students develop an understanding of the disciplines of history, civics, geography, and economics in Kindergarten, Grade 1, and Grade 2. In 3rd grade, students learn about Massachusetts history and geography. 4th grade students expand their knowledge through a study of the geography and history of the various regions of the United States. In 5th grade, students will learn United States history from the colonial era through the founding of our Constitution. Regular and ongoing social studies instruction takes place in all grades at the elementary level.

For an overview of each grade's curriculum, please see the following documents:

Kindergarten: Many Roles in Living, Working, and Playing Together

Grade 1: Leadership, Cooperation, Unity, and Diversity

Grade 2: Global Geography: Places and Peoples, Cultures and Resources

Grade 3: Massachusetts, Home to Many People

Grade 4: North American Geography, History, and Peoples

Grade 5: United States History to the Civil War and the Modern Civil Rights Movement

Our middle school social studies curriculum engages students in both the world beyond our country and also the civic foundations of American history. In 6th grade, students take Ancient Civilizations and learn about the societies that form the basis for our modern world. Students start with early man and learn about ancient China, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Israel, India, Greece, and Rome.

In 7th grade, students build on their previous learning in World History & Geography. This course looks takes a regional approach to world history from c. 500 - 1500 CE and also exposes students to the modern geography of each region.

In 8th grade, students take Civics, which addresses the political and philosophical beginnings of the United States, as well as the institutions of our government today.

The structure of social studies in middle school is such that students take a designated period of the subject each day.

6th Grade Ancient Civilizations Common Syllabus

7th Grade World History & Geography Common Syllabus

8th Grade Civics Common Syllabus

Our high school social studies program offers students a robust amount of opportunities to explore their society and world through a three-year history sequence and a variety of elective offerings. All 9th-grade students take Modern World History, which covers world history from c. 1500 to present. In 10th grade, students begin a two-year United States History sequence that looks at American foundations from c. 1750 to 1920. In 11th grade, students continue the study of U.S. History from 1920 to the present.

Modern World History Common Syllabus

US History I Common Syllabus

US History II Common Syllabus

In addition to these required courses, students may take one or many of our elective offerings:

• AP US History
• AP European History
• AP Psychology
• Irish History
• Citizenship & Civic Engagement
• US Conflicts: 1950s to Present
• Sports & Society
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Plymouth & Massachusetts History
• Economics
• The Civil War
• Conspiracy Theories

More information about all of these courses can be found in the high school Program of Studies books.