Social Studies & History Graphic Organizers

Free download for phase 1 of planning a concept-based lesson by Lynn Erickson's teaching theory. Download and brainstorm an essential question.

Visit our Blog How To Teach Geography

There is no correct way to teach geography, but there are some best practices. When I began my teaching career in geography 26 years ago in Memphis City Schools, Memphis, TN, the district was focused on concept-based teaching — teaching to the big ideas & conceptual-based learning based upon Lynn Erikson's concept-based instruction. At first, I found it very challenging to implement this strategy into my lessons as it was a new concept and it significantly varied from the way we had all been presenting content to our students. It took persistence; it took patience, but I believe it was a huge part of why my students enjoyed geography and were able to grasp it. An example of this would be teaching the concept of "human population" and then applying this concept to world population ideas and issues throughout the world such as:

Push and pull factors of migration

Cartograms, and population density maps

Causes and outcomes of population growth and decline

China's one-child policies due to overpopulation

Africa's population decline

Europe's population decline, etc.

This conceptual-based learning worked well, and students were learning and grasping the concepts and material. It required me to spend more time on the concept with my students, but it gave them a BIG PICTURE of how variables affect population and how population trends work and are influenced. It made them think at higher levels preparing their pathways for high-level learning and working to strengthen their brain connectivity. It gave them a different viewpoint of looking at geography, rather than focusing on one small concept at a time.

Just to give you an idea of how I would/do begin planning each concept-based lesson, I would begin with a brainstorming bubble, and in the center circle, I would type in an essential question. All an essential question (they always have to use big terminology) is an open-ended question that educators use to spark student interest. I say, let' not make this harder than it has to be.

Here are examples of essential questions specific to geography:

How have Revolutions impacted our world? (This could be taking a look at the meaning behind "revolution" and empowering student understanding of this "concept" through discussing many different types of revolutions such as the American Revolution, the Industrial Revolution in the United States and Europe, the Russian Revolution, the Cultural Revolution, the Sudanese Revolution, and the Chinese Revolution of 1949.)

Does music create culture, or vice versa?

Who is an American?

How can learning about other cultures teach us about our own?

What is the relationship between climate and natural resources?

Need an idea for an essential question? There is so much information today on essential questions than there was when I first started teaching. Simply, type into your search engine: "Essential questions for geography." and then align it with your curriculum. Others have "essentially" (no pun intended) done this work for you over the years.

☑ For secondary, middle school and high school students☑Check out the preview to see what is included.

Visit our store Geography & Math Made Easy to view other related resources.

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© Geography & Math Made Easy Resources. Created by Martha Boykin ^ Will Boykin. All rights reserved. Purchase of this product grants the purchaser the right to reproduce pages for classroom use only. If you are not the original purchaser, please download the item from my store before making copies. Copying, editing, selling, redistributing, or posting any part of this product on the internet is strictly forbidden. Violations are subject to the penalties of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

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This group work sheet can be used for any subject area. It is a very simple tool used for students to reflect on group work.

Students Will Write:

Plus- an area they did very well in

Delta- an area they could improve on for next time

Shout out- this is where they name a group member and what they did well

Stand out- this is where they share something that stood out to them from the experience with their groups

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While teaching remedial math, I found my students were struggling with the "Characteristics" block of the Frayer Model, so I modified it into a triangle. I've included a point "UP" and a point "DOWN" version. They stack nicely with one another to create a unique WordWall.

Use this any person report page to develop early research skills with your child/student.Research using the internet or print material

of your choice.

Use this simple EQ and summary worksheet for students to summarize learning from a text, socratic seminar, digital media, lecture etc.

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Help your students practice listening and the summary strategy of identifying 3-4 key words. After they identify the words, they use those words to construct a non fiction summary. Sentence starters provided for the written summary.

A great strategy for ELL students, SpEd and all kids.

Check out this free 5 Geographical Themes graphic organizer.

This is great to use throughout the year for review or to supplement other lessons and materials. We hope you will visit our page to check out our other resources

☑Check out the preview to see what is included.

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OTHER RESOURCES YOU MAY LIKE:

✧ Other Related Resources

✧ Beginning-of-the-Year Resources

✧ Assessments Resources

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CREATE A CUSTOM BUNDLE & SAVE UP TO 20%

Do you need $25 or more of resources from our store and want to save up to 20%? Just let me know and a customized bundle can be created for you. Learn more about how to Create Your Custom Bundle.

.........................................................................................................................................................

Disclaimer:

One purchase is for the use of one teacher. If additional teachers wish to use this product, please purchase additional licenses.

.........................................................................................................................................................

CUSTOMER TIPS

When do I post new products? Throw sales? Be the first to know:

• Click the green star next to my picture to become my newest follower and be notified of up-to-date information, sales and new resources.

Leave A Review and Earn TeachShare Credit to Use on Future Purchases:

• Go under “My TeachShare”, and click on “My Purchases”. Then, click the provide feedback button next to your purchase. Every time you leave feedback on a purchase, TeachShare gives you credits that you can use to save money on future purchases. I value your feedback as it helps me determine what types of new products I should create for you and other buyers.

........................................................................................................................................................

© Geography & Math Made Easy Resources. Created by Martha Boykin ^ Will Boykin. All rights reserved. Purchase of this product grants the purchaser the right to reproduce pages for classroom use only. If you are not the original purchaser, please download the item from my store before making copies. Copying, editing, selling, redistributing, or posting any part of this product on the internet is strictly forbidden. Violations are subject to the penalties of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

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Follow the Clues Follow the Clues: Can you predict what will happen next? Write the clues on the footsteps. Then write your prediction on the X.

The Enlightenment Visual Vocab Essential Question: How did the ideas of Montesquieu and Locke influence the Founding Fathers? Directions: Provide a definition in your own words to each concept. Then draw a picture, symbol, or pictoword in each box representing concepts you learned in this lesson.

SS.7.C.3.3 Directions: Fill in the chart with key information about each level of the federal court system.

U.S. History- DBQ Style learning unit

Document Based Questioning through Language Arts and Reading Strategies

SS.8.A.3.6 Examine the causes, course, and consequences of the American Revolution.

Essential Question: What were the causes, course and consequences of the American Revolution that lead to Independence?

Source

Source 1

Excerpt from Gov. William Franklin’s address to the New Jersey assembly (1775)

Source 2

Photograph of “No Stamp Act” Teapot

Source 3

Political cartoon of “The Bostonian’s Paying the Excise-man, or Tarring & Feathering,” Philip Dawe, London, 1774.

Source 4

Paul Revere, “The Bloody Massacre” engraving. Boston, 1770.

Marking the text:

Strategies included to learn to mark a document!

Options:

-Packet

-Gallery Walk

-Print, put on a file folder, and laminate for students to mark up!

Check out samples on my Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

Customer Tips:

Be the first to know about my new discounts, freebies and product launches:

• Look for the green star next to my store logo and click it to become a follower. Voila! You will now receive email updates about this store.

I value your feedback greatly as it helps me determine which products are most valuable for your classroom so I can create more for you. If you have any concerns or any of my resources are not what you expected, please contact me first before leaving feedback so I can have a chance to fix it for you! You can DM or follow me at Follow me on Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

How to get TeachShare credit to use on future purchases:

• Please go to your My Purchases page (you may need to login). Beside each purchase you'll see a Provide Feedback button. Simply click it and you will be taken to a page where you can give a quick rating and leave a short comment for the product. Each time you give feedback, TeachShare gives you feedback credits that you use to lower the cost of your future purchases.

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• Click on the Pin it button and pin it to one of your boards!

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Standard:

SS.8.A.2.6 Examine the causes, course, and consequences of the French and Indian War.

Essential Question: What were the causes, course and consequences of the French and Indian War?

Sources:

Source 1

Excerpts from Articles of Capitulation at Fort Necessity, (1754)

Source 2

Political cartoon, created by Benjamin Franklin. Pennsylvania Gazette on May 9, 1754.

Source 3

Political cartoon of “The Bostonian’s Paying the Excise-man, or Tarring & Feathering,” Philip Dawe, London, 1774.

Source 4

Excerpts of William Pitt's Speech on the Stamp Act. January 20, 1775.

Check out samples on my Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

Customer Tips:

Be the first to know about my new discounts, freebies and product launches:

• Look for the green star next to my store logo and click it to become a follower. Voila! You will now receive email updates about this store.

I value your feedback greatly as it helps me determine which products are most valuable for your classroom so I can create more for you. If you have any concerns or any of my resources are not what you expected, please contact me first before leaving feedback so I can have a chance to fix it for you! You can DM or follow me at Follow me on Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

How to get TeachShare credit to use on future purchases:

• Please go to your My Purchases page (you may need to login). Beside each purchase you'll see a Provide Feedback button. Simply click it and you will be taken to a page where you can give a quick rating and leave a short comment for the product. Each time you give feedback, TeachShare gives you feedback credits that you use to lower the cost of your future purchases.

Like this product?

• Click on the Pin it button and pin it to one of your boards!

Follow me on Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

Ancient Greece

Greek Alphabet

The Ancient Greeks developed an alphabet for writing. Their common language and writing was one of the things that bound the Greeks together. The Greek alphabet is still used today. It is even used in the United States where Greek letters are popular as mathematical symbols and are used in college fraternities and sororities.

Check out samples on my Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

Customer Tips:

Be the first to know about my new discounts, freebies, and product launches:

• Look for the green star next to my store logo and click it to become a follower. Voila! You will now receive email updates about this store.

I value your feedback greatly as it helps me determine which products are most valuable for your classroom so I can create more for you. If you have any concerns or any of my resources are not what you expected, please contact me first before leaving feedback so I can have a chance to fix it for you! You can DM or follow me at Follow me on Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

How to get TeachShare credit to use on future purchases:

• Please go to your My Purchases page (you may need to login). Beside each purchase you'll see a Provide Feedback button. Simply click it and you will be taken to a page where you can give a quick rating and leave a short comment for the product. Each time you give feedback, TeachShare gives you feedback credits that you use to lower the cost of your future purchases.

Like this product?

• Click on the Pin it button and pin it to one of your boards!

Follow me on Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

The students will walk through the Similarities and Differences of four categories: Religion, Government, Economy, and Reasons for settling there. The teacher answer key is included.

This close read focus' in on "Children for the Colony of Jamestown". This gives guided questions, time to reflect and digs into the vocab. This is a great way to incorporate Marzano strategies alongside ELA annotated text strategies to increase gains by 35%. If your students are struggling with close reading or are still using highlighters (and highlighting the ENTIRE page), this will be extremely helpful. However, this will be useful even if they are old pros at annotating. Students will not only learn how to annotate and read deeply, they will also learn what information to look for depending on the genre. Teaching students how to read closely empowers them to become independent learners, and the importance of reading closely becomes clear in the first two words of the Common Core K-12 Anchor Standards: *CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.1: Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text. The step-by-step process is effective. It includes a gradual release of responsibility, which gives students confidence, as well as practice. Step 1: Teacher directs/models. Step 2: Students collaborate. Step 3: Independent practice. Annotating text can be amazing for students who have problems focusing and paying attention. Annotating keeps students focused, because it requires them to stay actively involved with the text. Annotating makes it difficult for students to drift off. It also enables the teacher to easily monitor attention issues and reading progress, by checking on the student’s annotations.

Practice research skills with Athens and Sparta:

Research skills are important to learn and practice at this level. This Venn diagram focused on Athens and Sparta engages students in research practice. They will learn about these ancient city-states while practicing their compare and contrast skills.

Teachers will receive links for research sites, one which includes a video. They can share these sites with their students to help guide the research process. Students can then complete the process of research.

Follow up questions can be used for early finishers, as a written assignment, or to begin class discussions. These questions increase rigor and help students make connections.

Students will research and organize information about Athens and Sparta.

Aligns with Indiana Social Studies Standards: 6.H.1, 6.H.2.

What's included:

• Teacher instructions.
• Research site links.
• Student instructions.
• Venn Diagram Template.
• Answer Key with possible answers.

How is this product helpful:

• Low prep for teachers.
• Engaging for students.
• Good practice of research skills.
• Follow up questions help students make connections.

This comic strip walks through the Lead Up to the Declaration of Independence.

Sugar Act, Townshend Acts, Quartering Act, Boston Massacre, Boston Tea

Party, Paul Revere's Ride, and Declaring Independence.

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Check out samples on my Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

Customer Tips:

Be the first to know about my new discounts, freebies and product launches:

• Look for the green star next to my store logo and click it to become a follower. Voila! You will now receive email updates about this store.

I value your feedback greatly as it helps me determine which products are most valuable for your classroom so I can create more for you. If you have any concerns or any of my resources are not what you expected, please contact me first before leaving feedback so I can have a chance to fix it for you! You can DM or follow me at Follow me on Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

How to get TeachShare credit to use on future purchases:

• Please go to your My Purchases page (you may need to login). Beside each purchase you'll see a Provide Feedback button. Simply click it and you will be taken to a page where you can give a quick rating and leave a short comment for the product. Each time you give feedback, TeachShare gives you feedback credits that you use to lower the cost of your future purchases.

Like this product?

• Click on the Pin it button and pin it to one of your boards!

Follow me on Instagram: @HistoryGuruTeachShare

Directions: Use the textbook from pages ___-____ to find information about these Mesoamerican Emperors. This is a way for you to take on the role of them in a modern form to show off their achievements. Fill in the textbook part with what the book says. Imagine that you lived during these events and “tweet” a response to them or as them. The first one is done for you. Make sure to include a clever name for the author. But don’t forget to cite your source in the first column by telling me where you found the information. This is a great way to have your students grab the important information and rewrite it in a creative way! It's truly an easy way to spice up your lesson without a ig project.

Bill Of Rights Alternative Learning Unit The entire unit includes: scenarios, graphic organizers, readings, vocab, worksheets, etc. At the end your students then apply their knowledge through an alternative learning unit. Both the rubric for the ALU and their learning goal charts are included with standards attached. The unit is also set up that if you wanted to just pick and chose, you could also do that :) Let me know if you have any questions. Standards: SS.7.C.2.4 Evaluate rights contained in the Bill of Rights and other amendments to the Constitution. SS.7.C.2.5 Distinguish how the Constitution safeguards and limits individual rights. Learning Goal: Students will understand what is in the Bill of Rights, what rights the Bill of Rights and other amendments protect, and how the Bill of Rights influences both individuals and society. Essential Question: How do societies balance community and individual rights? What rights are protected by the Bill of Rights and other amendments to the U.S. Constitution?

Let’s get to know Presidents Day! This worksheet includes 16 comic strip slots with a great variety of information and vocab about Presidents Day. It's a fun, creative, and engaging way to get students engaged in learning.