The Plymouth Public Schools social studies curriculum is derived from the 2003 Massachusetts History & Social Science Frameworks, which are currently undergoing a revision process. Once revised, we will begin the process of revising our district-level curriculum to reflect those changes. You can access the Massachusetts History & Social Science Frameworks on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website.

Additionally, we use incorporate elements of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) College, Career, and Civic Life framework, commonly known as C3. This document encourages social studies programs to approach the subject through four dimensions: inquiry, content, analyzing sources and drawing conclusions, and taking informed action. You can access the C3 Framework on the NCSS website.

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.

Please note: In accordance with changes to the MA History & Social Science Frameworks, we are currently undergoing a revision of our district curriculum documents.

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 learn about ancient China, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome. In 7th grade, students build on their previous learning to engage in contemporary global issues in World Geography. This course looks at the cultural and physical geography of the world by region. In 8th grade, students take Civic History, 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 the middle school is such that students take a designated period of the subject each day.

Please note: In accordance with changes to the MA History & Social Science Frameworks, we are currently undergoing a revision of our district curriculum documents.

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 present.

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.

Please note: In accordance with changes to the MA History & Social Science Frameworks, we are currently undergoing a revision of our district curriculum documents.