917 results
Critical thinking social studies laboratories
STEM Activities & Challenges for the Whole Year! (Middle School / Jr. High)
This bundle includes 36 hands-on Junior High STEM Activities for kids in 6th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade. That's one engaging STEM Challenge for each week of the school year!***If you are interested in a differentiated version of this resource for grades K-8, please click here. There are 22 activities included that span all of these grade levels.The STEM activities in this bundle will challenge students to complete the given task by working in groups, although they can also be completed indi
Subjects:
Grades:
6th - 8th
Types:
Native American Homes STEM ~ STEM Engineering Challenge Pack ~ Set of 9!
Why not bring STEM to your Native American Unit in social studies?
Most elementary teachers are more comfortable and knowledgeable about themes, so I have decided to create STEM challenge packs based on specific themes, like Native Americans, specifically relating to their homes!
This engineering challenge activity pack is one of many that I have created to use in my classroom! I sometimes place these challenges, one per table, and the students rotate around the room in order to complete them
Subjects:
Grades:
2nd - 5th
Types:
CSI - Crime Scene Forensics Escape Room
Students use forensic evidence, teamwork, and critical thinking to solve this CSI Crime scene escape room. In the activities, students analyze 4 different pieces of forensic evidence (fingerprints, shoe prints, unknown powder, and pen samples) and keep track of evidence and suspects. They use their power of observations to “crack the case” and prove their innocence by figuring out who really committed the crime. Great for a science class, forensics class, or just for fun!!**CLICK HERE for a t
Subjects:
Grades:
5th - 7th
Types:
DNA Crime Lab! Can you solve the case?
Each group is given a long paper strip of DNA, a 3-page story of the missing necklace and directions on how to fingerprint and sequence their DNA. Scissors act as the restriction enzyme, cutting the DNA between every GGCC into varied length segments. As the segments are pasted into the corresponding rows on the sequencing board (imitating gel electrophoresis), the DNA fingerprint of each suspect will emerge. So, who stole the necklace? Be a crime stopper!With a focus on literacy and collabora
Subjects:
Grades:
7th - 10th
Types:
Pangea Puzzle & Using Fossil Evidence to Observe Earth Changes MS-ESS2-2
Pangea and continental drift are so fun to learn about! Earth's surface has changed over time. Students will use fossil evidence to examine changes to Earth's surface. Students will learn about the theory of Pangea and Continental Drift. Students will enjoy this hands-on, research-based project to get students thinking about fossil records and how they help to show geologic changes over time. This unit includes:slide showQR code researchprintable puzzle activityresponse pageslesson plansinteract
Subjects:
Grades:
6th - 8th
NGSS:
MS-ESS2-3
, MS-ESS2-2
Chain of Custody and Evidence Collection: Forensics Investigation Activity
Engage your Forensics students with The Case of Hester Higginbotham, a CHAIN-OF-CUSTODY AND EVIDENCE COLLECTION Lab Investigation Activity! Present your students with a mystery- Who killed Hester Higginbotham and where was the primary crime scene?From year to year, my Forensics students RAVE about this activity, as it allows them to search the school in search of evidence that will solve this case. This easy-to-set-up lab can be used from year after the initial prep, making it perfect for busy t
Subjects:
Grades:
8th - 12th
Types:
Also included in: Forensics Lab Bundle: 10 "Must-Do" Labs for Forensic Science
STEM Activity Challenges for the Whole Year! (Elementary)
When students enjoy what they are doing, our jobs are so much easier! This collection of my favorite elementary STEM Challenges does just that. Students are engaged and have no problem getting started! Low prep-time, inexpensive materials, and easy-to-edit worksheets make setup simple. A solid grading rubric takes the guess-work out of evaluating group projects. Combine these with a video that explains everything you need to successfully run these STEM Activities and it’s easy to feel confident
Subjects:
Grades:
K - 2nd
Types:
Forensics Lab Bundle: 10 "Must-Do" Labs for Forensic Science
Great lab experiences are the key to a successful Science course. Engage your Forensics students with these 10 "must-do" forensics labs. These labs were voted by my Forensic Science students as their "favorites" for the year.These labs are PERFECT for teachers on a budget and for new Forensics teachers that need ideas for starting a new course.Be sure to preview each individual lab below to get an idea of the resources that you will be receiving.Each of these labs are sold separately in my TpT s
Subjects:
Grades:
8th - 12th
Types:
STEM Activity Challenge Spaghetti Tower (Middle School)
STEM Project for Middle School—6th, 7th, and 8th grades.In this activity, students will work in groups to build the tallest structure possible from mini marshmallows and uncooked spaghetti noodles. Not only will the students learn the importance of working together as a team, but they will discover what shapes they need to make their tower strong.***If you are interested in a differentiated version of this resource for grades K-8, please click here.This STEM Activity Challenge includes teacher i
Grades:
6th - 8th
Types:
Also included in: STEM Activity Challenges 16 Pack #2 (Middle School)
Boston Tea Party ~ Engineering Historical Events ~ STEM Challenge
Can you design and create a crate that will keep your tea bag dry for the longest period of time in a tub of cold water?
We are all about integration in my STEM building and blending historical events with STEM challenges is a great way to make the topics we study in social studies more engaging and interesting for the students. I am currently working on developing more of these social studies based STEM challenges. This one is focused on the Boston Tea Party!
This engineering challenge act
Subjects:
Grades:
4th - 6th
Types:
Also included in: American History PERSONALIZED STEM Bundle
CSI Forensics 2 Escape Room
In this hands on escape room activity, students solve a forensic mystery using science, teamwork, and critical thinking. In the crime scene activities, students analyze 4 different pieces of evidence and keep track of evidence and suspects. They use their power of observations to “crack the case” and determine which suspect is guilty.This activity can be done all at once in the format of an escape room to try to “beat the clock” – about 45 minutes to complete or it can be broken up into differ
Subjects:
Grades:
4th - 8th
Types:
Ancient Egypt Mummy STEM challenge
Get your students engaged in mummification while studying Ancient Egypt. Students make their own mummy in this hands on activity that brings together science and history. Students investigate what type of salt works best to preserve mummies. This is a great way to learn about Ancient Egyptian culture. In the first part, students test different salt solutions to see which works the best to preserve apple slices. They also read about the science of mummification to understand what is happenin
Subjects:
Grades:
4th - 8th
Types:
Physical and Chemical Changes Lab: Potions Classroom Transformation
Your physical and chemical changes lab just got elevated to potions class! In this Professor Snape inspired lesson students will conduct lab experiments in which they will discern the outcome as a mixture, solution, physical change or chemical change. Definitions for physical and chemical changes are included in the resource for students to reference. This lab includes 3 student stations and 1 teacher-led station. The teacher-led station is a demonstration that will blow them away as a mixture s
Subjects:
Grades:
4th - 6th
Types:
Also included in: Math and Science Lab Classroom Transformations
The Titanic Disaster: STEM Engineering Challenges Five Pack!
Can your students engineer topics related to the sinking of the Titanic? Try these five STEM Engineering Challenges to find out!
The Five Challenges Included in this Set:
Life Vest Design Challenge
Life Boat Design Challenge
Make an Iceberg Challenge
Rivet Strength Challenge
Artifact Restoration Challenge
These challenges are a great way to incorporate STEM learning with the topic of the Titanic! Students must design and construct a variety of items related to the disaster!
Stay tuned for
Subjects:
Grades:
3rd - 7th
Types:
Climate Change Activity Mapping Carbon Emissions NGSS MS-ESS3-5 ESS3-4
Students use real data to color-code a map of 68 countries based on their per capita carbon emissions. In this activity, students will:READ a 1-page article about greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide, what per capita means, and the activity directions. CONSTRUCT a World Map by attaching 2 provided pages (it's easy!).COLOR CODE countries on the map according to their per capita carbon emissions. ANSWER 11 analysis questions focusing on the greenhouse effect, sources of carbon emissions, and how de
Subjects:
Grades:
7th - 10th
Types:
NGSS:
MS-ESS3-5
, MS-ESS3-4
, HS-ESS3-5
, HS-ESS3-4
Also included in: Global Warming Climate Change Activity Bundle NGSS MS-ESS3-5 ESS3-4
Engineering Ancient Egypt: STEM Engineering Challenges Five Pack!
Can your students build like an Egyptian? Try these five STEM Engineering Challenges to find out!
The Five Challenges Included in this Set:
- Mummy Construction Challenge
- Sugar Cube Pyramid Challenge
- Kid-Sized Mummy Model Challenge
- Paper Pyramids Challenge
- Reed Boat Model Challenge
These challenges are a great way to incorporate STEM learning with the topic of Ancient Egypt! Students must design and construct a variety of items inspired by Ancient Egypt!
Stay tuned for additional S
Subjects:
Grades:
4th - 6th
Types:
Engineering Greek Mythology: STEM Engineering Challenges Five Pack!
Can your students engineer some Greek Mythology? Try these five STEM Engineering Challenges to find out!
The Five Challenges Included in this Set:
- Column Construction Challenge
- Cardboard Marble Maze Challenge
- Broken Pottery Challenge
- Mythical Monster Model Challenge
- Trojan Horse Model Challenge
These challenges are a great way to incorporate STEM learning with the topic of Greek Mythology! Students must design and construct a variety of items inspired by Greek Mythology!
Stay tun
Subjects:
Grades:
4th - 6th
Types:
Tombstone Pictures for Cemetery Lab. Human Population Studies
This google drive contains a curated collection of original pictures of 400+ grave markers including some famous people in history, movies and music. I developed this collection over several months of travel. Students will discover historically accurate trends from this data about survivorship for people born before 1900 and after 1900. I have carefully created the collection to provide interest for students and also good data for students to discover trends through inquiry. Use these pictures w
Subjects:
Grades:
9th - 12th, Higher Education
Types:
Also included in: AP Environmental Science Unit 3 Bundle
Murder Mystery for Middle School: Who Killed Dr. Cosmo? M. Mystery #1
The beloved science teacher at JKF Middle School has been found dead in her classroom and YOUR Junior Crime Detectives are on the case.Using their skills critical thinking skills, deductive reasoning, and team work, the Junior Crime Detectives work in partnerships or teams to solve the murder mystery.Click here to save 20% on this activity with our 7 Activity Forensic BundleEverything you need for your Junior Detectives is included in this kit including 6 DIFFERENT case files with 6 DIFFERENT gu
Subjects:
Grades:
6th - 9th
Types:
Also included in: Middle School Forensics: 8 Activity Bundle (Save 20%)
STATES OF MATTER UNIT: MAKING THE 3 STATES REALLY MATTER!
THIS UNIT HAS EVERYTHING, BUT THE KITCHEN SINK ITSELF!
It's Packed FULL of Simple Experiment Station Cards and Student Recording Sheets. There are loads of things to add to your interactive notebooks, a file folder game, study cards, and some posters for your bulletin board.
Page 4 - 3 States Of Matter examples …. Glue in student notebook
Page 5 - Can You Find 10 Solids and Liquids In Your Classroom … partner or group activity
Page 6 - Can You Find 10 Solids and Liquids In Your House … Home
Grades:
2nd - 4th
Brain Anatomy and Physiology Activity Stations
What's the best way to learn the anatomy and physiology of each part of the human brain? Use that part! The Big Idea: This activity includes 15 stations (+ an 8-page student packet). Each station is about one specific part of the brain (ex. hypothalamus). At each station, students will complete a fun challenge to use that part of the brain! Here are a few examples:The parietal lobe is crucial to spatial awareness. After reading a quick blurb on the parietal lobe, students will complete a jigsaw
Subjects:
Grades:
9th - 12th
Types:
Also included in: Anatomy and Physiology Full Year Curriculum
STEM Activity Challenge Spaghetti Tower (Upper Elementary)
STEM Project for Third, Fourth and Fifth grades.In this activity, students will work in groups to build the tallest structure possible from mini-marshmallows and uncooked spaghetti noodles. Not only will the students learn the importance of working together as a team, but they will discover what shapes they need to make their tower strong.***If you are interested in a differentiated version of this resource for grades K-8, please click here.For a list of materials, please click here! This link w
Grades:
3rd - 5th
Types:
Also included in: STEM Activity Challenges 16 Pack #2 (Upper Elementary)
Evidence and Investigation Forensics Unit
It's time to think like CSI! Turn your students into a bunch of top-notch crime scene investigators with this ENTIRE UNIT on forensics! Featuring eight different investigative topics and chalk full of labs and activities, this packet is all you need to start teaching. Keep on reading below to see what’s included! (Note: This is a comprehensive unit for Evidence and Investigation, and lines up with the Alberta Program of Studies.) ===============================WHAT YOU GET======================
Subjects:
Grades:
4th - 7th
Types:
Also included in: Evidence and Investigation Forensics Bundle
Ancient Egypt Potato Mummy Lab Activity
Ancient Egypt Potato Mummy Lab Activity by Miss Middle School Teacher
This is a great lab to use in tandem with a lesson on ancient Egyptian mummification, as an introduction to the mummification process, or as an extension activity for students needing enrichment opportunities. The ancient Egyptians used a salt-like substance called natron during the mummification process in order to help preserve the bodies. Salts tend to absorb liquids, preventing bacteria and mold from breaking down the bod
Grades:
4th - 8th
Types:
Showing 1-24 of 917 results
Find Social Studies - History resources | TPT
Importance of learning social studies
Social studies offers valuable insights into history, geography, and much more. Social studies captivates students by providing them with perspectives from the past, present, and future, allowing them to understand history and navigate current events. It enables them to appreciate how previous generations have shaped their present reality. In essence, social studies opens their eyes to the vastness of life beyond their immediate surroundings.
Benefits of learning social studies
Learning social studies offers many benefits to students in terms of helping them develop a holistic understanding of the world. Namely, it helps them:
- Learn about the achievements, challenges, perspectives, traditions, and customs of different societies
- Evaluate information, analyze evidence, and make informed judgments about complex social, economic, and political issues
- Become active, responsible, and engaged citizens
- Comprehend global issues such as human rights, environmental sustainability, and economic disparities
By teaching social studies, teachers can help students develop critical thinking skills, foster civic engagement, and promote social awareness and responsibility.
Teaching with social studies resources
On TPT, social studies resources come in various formats, from worksheets to interactive notebooks to units. They can be used to enhance learning, assess a student’s mastery of social studies concepts, or to reteach a tricky topic. With plenty of TPT resources at your fingertips, teaching and learning social studies will be so much easier.
Discover printable and digital social studies resources
If you’re a teacher or parent looking for printable or digital social studies resources, TPT has an extensive array of instructional materials for every learning need, topic, or grade level. Whether you’re teaching students about America’s democratic process, the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., how to read maps, or World War II, we’ve got you covered.
Social studies resources on TPT offer informative lessons, engaging texts, intriguing facts, interactive puzzles, and enjoyable trivia games. These grade-specific resources ensure that all students can access age-appropriate materials that stimulate their minds and enhance their creative thinking abilities.
For instance, first graders can explore worksheets on senses and emotions, followed by a coloring page featuring Harriet Tubman. Older students can test their knowledge with quizzes on statistics and capital cities, then delve into the history of the Underground Railroad through an informational sheet or enjoy a word search focused on civil rights leaders. With such a wide variety of subjects and topics covered, our social studies pages provide endless opportunities for students to explore the world in captivating ways.
Frequently asked questions about teaching social studies
What types of social studies lessons are available on TPT?
There are many different types of history resources sold by Sellers on TPT. Some popular social studies lessons include U.S. history, world history, ancient history, geography, civics, and government.
How do I find social studies lessons on TPT?
Educators can save time preparing history lessons with resources created by experienced teachers. Simply start a search for social studies resources on the TPT marketplace, and filter by grade level, price, and/or resource type to find materials that've been proven to work in classrooms like yours. No matter what you’re teaching, there are plenty of social studies lessons and activities sold by Sellers on TPT that are tailored to meet your students' skill levels.
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