Social Studies

Social Studies Department Curriculum Overview

The Queen City Academy Charter School’s Social Studies Department prepares scholars to become critical thinkers who research, examine, engage, and debate historical and current events, peoples, places, and issues.

Scholars gain fundamental analysis, communication, and vocabulary skills through coursework.  Teachers use classroom instruction, research assignments, team activities, and assessments to
engage students in learning and practical application of knowledge.

Social Studies Methods & Programming

Scholars in grades K-2 develop social studies skills through the following lesson plan:

Community Studies

• Students learn how to work together as a team
• Students build awareness and pride in self, family, traditions, and country

Scholars in grades 3-8 expand upon their literacy and critical thinking skills with the following lesson
plan and teaching approach:

Era Studies

• Students engage in deep analysis of specific customs, eras, governments, historical events,
  individuals, laws, movements, opposing views, peoples, and societies
• Scholars develop core critical thinking, communication, grammar, writing, vocabulary, and debating
  skills

Understanding by Design

• The Understanding by Design approach is used to teach and assess students for understanding and
  long-term learning
• Teachers focus on desired results first and work backward designing lesson plans that will produce
  requisite outcomes
• Essential questions are asked in each lesson to help scholars gain a deeper meaning of concepts
• Teachers measure level of understanding through performance assessments

For more information on the teaching approach used for the curriculum, visit the following website:
Understanding By Design