240 results
Free high school social studies simulations
Articles of Confederation Simulation
A great interactive simulation to demonstrate to government or US history students the failures of the Articles of Confederation. After the lesson students will have a clear understanding of why the US needed a stronger central government. Students will take on the role of one of the 13 original states and will participate in a session of Congress to see if they can solve the pressing challenges facing the new nation.
Subjects:
Grades:
8th - 12th
Types:
Life on Minimum Wage - Personal Finance Game for Students
The purpose of Life on Minimum Wage is for students to recognize how difficult it is to save money when your only job(s) pay minimum wage without benefits. To win at Life on Minimum Wage the students have to reach five financial goals that they select. To earn money the students have to complete the tasks of their assigned jobs. The students then have to pay required bills before using money for their selected financial goals. As the game progresses students will be issued "surprise" cards which
Subjects:
Grades:
5th - 10th
Types:
Industrialization Activity (FUN, Interactive, Creative) Urban Game
Very fun Industrialization activity. This is one of my favorite activities. It is always a huge hit with students and makes a strong impact on their comprehension of Industrialization.Students create a map of a town one step at a time. They witness how the changes of the Industrial Revolution effect their town. They see how the growth, the pollution, disease, crime, and more slowly destroy their peaceful village. Surprise twist ending for the kids is exciting. I spend two class days on thi
Grades:
4th - 12th
Types:
Model United Nations (Model UN) simulation on climate change
Are you interested in an interactive Model UN simulation where the students would be able to understand the topic easily, would be able to discern many different views on the topic, and would be able to fairly easily discern the policies of the country they represent in the simulation? This product on climate change will "do the trick."Updated April 2021 to include some of President Biden's climate policies147 teachers have bought this product and the reviews are excellent.Important: this simul
Grades:
9th - 12th
CCSS:
Choose an Adventure: The French and Indian War
This product is perfect for any middle or high school class, but is geared specifically toward history teachers looking for an engaging and immersive history experience. The "Choose an Adventure" lessons are a great way to replace a traditional lecture for a day and do a lesson that will stick with students for a lifetime. Based on a 100% true story, students will take the perspective of a young colonial American surveyor as he attempts to negotiate with the French over the Ohio River Valley. Th
Subjects:
Grades:
8th - 12th
Types:
Eco Footprint Natural Resource Simulation | Human World Geography
Open your students' eyes (and ears!) to the vastly different eco footprints across the planet as they witness the consumption levels of citizens from various nations with this FREE activity. This print-and-go lesson is the perfect way to kick-off off your exploration of this very real topic in your Human Geography, Contemporary World Problems, Environmental Science, or Ecology course!All you need to add are some popcorn kernels! Greatness is creating a meaningful understanding out of abstract nu
Subjects:
Grades:
7th - 12th
Types:
Financial Literacy Video Game - HTML5 Distance Learning (Educator Free Trial)
Video Game about Personal Finance, Investing, Money Management, & Budgeting. An evidence-based, hand drawn visual-novel personal finance simulation game for High School and Young Adults that teaches financial literacy skills. Free Educator Trial Version! Obtain access to a free version of the game just because you're awesome! Test out 21st century game based learning for yourself before purchasing for use in your classroom. This is a trial copy available only to educators for classroom testi
Grades:
7th - 12th, Higher Education, Adult Education, Staff
Types:
CCSS:
How a Bill Becomes a Law Activities
This bundle package includes 3 different methods of teaching about how a Bill Becomes a Law. There are graphic organizers, a booklet outlining the steps, and a simulation that has the class try to get a law passed through Congress (their class).
If you like this bundle, be sure to check out The Three Branches of Government: A Unit Plan.
You can find “Full Unit’s” for World History, US History, Economics, and Government at my store.
Subjects:
Grades:
6th - 12th
Types:
INTERACTIVE: Navigate Your Online Bank Account
In this activity, students will use an online simulation to practice monitoring balances, reading statements, doing online transfers and paying bills using online banking. They might even feel the sting of overdraft fees too!
Subjects:
Grades:
7th - 12th
Types:
Vietnam War Tap Code Activity / Bellringer
Students learn how to communicate in code in the same way that U.S. prisoners of war did during the Vietnam War. The Tap Code is easy to learn and the presentation includes a slide of student handout cheatsheets with the code and basic instructions. The presentation also includes 3 short audio messages using the tap code for students to decipher.
This is a fun activity that can be used in conjunction with a Vietnam War unit or just in general (who doesn't like learning secret codes?) It ta
Subjects:
Grades:
6th - 12th
Model United Nations simulation (Model UN) Population, Overpopulation
This product was updated in December 2020. So far 63 teachers have purchased it. It involves the students in a Model United Nations simulation, whereby the students will have a fairly easy time discerning their country's policy regarding population control. The focus of the simulation will be on China and Africa. The debate will center around 2 draft resolutions dealing with the questions: (a) Have the one and two child policies of China done more harm than good? and (b) should these policie
Subjects:
Grades:
7th - 12th
Types:
Financial Literacy: Understanding the Stock Market - 3 Activities! - Grades 6-Up
3 activities that help students understand the stock market! No prior knowledge needed!
The stock market is very complex, but is an essential life skill. This file contains 1 introductory page that briefly defines a stock market and 3 introductory activities. The activities are watered-down simulations of buying and selling stock. The activities introduce students to stock price changes, profit, stock brokers, and commission. The activities are very student-friendly and engaging and are meant t
Subjects:
Grades:
6th - 9th
Types:
Ellis Island: Immigration Game
Power Point Presentation based on cases of real immigrants to Ellis Island, students see information about various groups/individuals and have to decide whether to admit them to America or not. Students fill out "scorecard" throughout the presentation and compare and discuss their votes with what really happened to the people involved.
Subjects:
Grades:
8th - 10th
Agricultural Revolution Simulation
This simulation shows students the process that early humans collectively went though when engaging in the Agricultural Revolution--that is, the change that occurred about 12,000 years ago when humans transitioned from nomadic hunting and gathering into a settled farming lifestyle. The simulation doubles as an opportunity to introduce vocabulary about the Birth of Civilization, and experience the struggles of hunting and gathering. It will emphasize the importance of surplus food production th
Grades:
4th - 10th
Types:
Spanish-American War: You Decide!
Welcome to President McKinley's Cabinet. Your students must decide whether or not to get involved in the conflict between Cuba and Spain. They will be faced with background information, 2 major triggers, the need to collaborate, and practicing real-life decision making skills that all combine to create an exciting and authentic historical experience. This document includes everything you will need in order to make it happen in your classroom including directions, handouts, role cards and trigger
Grades:
7th - 12th
Types:
WWI Trench Warfare Activity
WWI Trench Warfare Activity
Students will problem solve and feel what it must have been like as a commander on the Western Front attempting to brake the stalemate. The Trench Warfare Simulation is designed to allow students to feel the frustration and futility of warfare on the Western Front. The Trench Warfare Simulation consists of Microsoft Word and Excel documents.
Trench Warfare Activity Explanation
Grades:
5th - 12th
Types:
FREE: Due Process of Law -- 10 Minute Simulation and Worksheet
FREE -- Quick and Easy Simulation to Provide Your Students with a Clear Understanding of Both Procedural Due Process and Substantive Due Process of Law!
No materials needed!
This free Due Process of Law Activity includes:
• Introductory explanations to assist teacher
• Detailed step-by-step procedure to do the simulation in class
• Alternatives for use with students who might find elements of the simulation disturbing
• Fundamental Rights worksheet
• Fundamental Rights worksheet answer key
Subjects:
Grades:
10th - 12th
Constitution: The First Amendment Mock Trial
This bundle includes:
-An activator with multiple scenarios related to the First Amendment.
-A short open response that asks students to make connections. between real court cases (not included) and the fictitious scenario included.
-Mock trial witness testimonies as well as worksheets for the roles within the mock trial.
The First Amendment Mock Trial is intended to be a lesson that lasts several days if you include preparation/rehearsal time as well as the mock trial itself.
Subjects:
Grades:
7th - 12th
World War 2 Simulation, Battle of Iwo Jima Activity
World War 2 simulation activity: Battle of Iwo JimaHistory can be difficult for students to understand and experience. Simulations help students put themselves in the past, learning about history in an authentically engaging way. Students love simulations because they don't know what the final outcome will be. It's an exciting learning experience!This FREE minimal prep simulation puts students in the role of a soldier who fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War 2. This resource is alig
Subjects:
Grades:
6th - 10th
Types:
CCSS:
Checkbook Register Project
Teach kids the importance of keeping a balanced bank account by making their grade depend on it! For the duration of my personal financial literacy unit, everything (going to the restroom, borrowing supplies, etc.) costs kids money, and they can earn money, too! If their account is in the negative at the end of the unit, they receive a failing test grade.
Students learn the value of keeping up with their money, budgeting, and not being frivolous. You'll also likely notice your classes' behavio
Subjects:
Grades:
9th - 12th
Types:
***Free*** Canadian Geography Digital Escape
This is an excellent, engaging activity to review geographic concepts related to Canada! Ted is your friend, and he has invited you on a trip! He's a bit of a trickster, so instead of letting you know where he is, he left clues for you to solve. Crack the clues, and join him somewhere in Canada for an epic adventure! This zero prep activity is excellent for reviewing geographic concepts at the beginning of the year or leaving for an occasional teacher on a day you can't make it in. The self-cor
Subjects:
Grades:
6th - 9th
Types:
Renaissance Art Gallery Forum
Need to incorporate more technology in the classroom? Want to help bring Renaissance Art to life and inspire your students to connect with an artist? By incorporating Moodle or any other mixed learning online web program, this simulation creates an online art gallery for all of your students to display their favorite works. In this simulation students gain important research skills, develop writing, and discover great educational uses for technology. These directives and a simple forum post
Subjects:
Grades:
7th - 12th
Types:
Also included in: Renaissance Unit Bundle (World History) Renaissance & Reformation
Persian Wars Choose Your Destiny
This google slide activity allows students to make their own decisions. How should you fight against the Persians? Choose correctly and you will save Athens. Choose incorrectly and Athens will be conquered.
Grades:
4th - 10th
Types:
Presidential Decision Making- George Washington and the Whiskey Rebellion
This worksheet was created to get students to think about the awesome responsibilities of the president when it comes to making serous decisions. Students read to gain some background information. Using that information they make a decision as if they were president. They will compare their decision to that of the actual decision. Finally, they make a connection to the world today.
Subjects:
Grades:
7th - 12th
Types:
Showing 1-24 of 240 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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