Social Studies
Eldorado PK–8’s Social Studies program develops critical thinkers who use evidence, reason, and respectful discourse to understand people, places, and the choices that shape our world. Instruction is hands‑on and inquiry driven, combining projects, simulations, and document‑based questions (DBQs) so students actively construct understanding rather than simply memorize facts.
Grade Level Pathways
6th Grade: Social Studies: Students study the Western Hemisphere through an inquiry‑driven approach that emphasizes document‑based questions (DBQs), primary‑source analysis, and evidence‑based writing. Units include exploration of civilizations and economic decision‑making in real‑life contexts—banking, investing, credit, and personal finance—so students learn to weigh values, risks, and benefits. Instruction uses hands‑on projects, simulations, and structured discourse to build critical thinking, map skills, and the ability to support conclusions with evidence.
7th Grade: Social Studies: Students examine the Eastern Hemisphere from early civilizations to the present, focusing on civilization characteristics, comparative analysis, and the legacies that shape our world today. Learning is active and research‑based, using DBQs, simulations, and games to deepen understanding. Emphasis is on writing with evidence and reasoning, analyzing multiple perspectives, and engaging in constructive discourse so students can form informed, well‑supported conclusions.
8th Grade: Social Studies: Students study U.S. history with an emphasis on primary‑source research, document‑based questions (DBQs), and evidence‑based writing. Units ask students to analyze continuity and change, evaluate multiple perspectives, and construct reasoned arguments about historical events. Instruction includes hands‑on projects, simulations, and sustained research that build critical thinking, civic understanding, and the ability to support claims with relevant evidence.
Across all grades teachers cultivate constructive discourse and civic habits, helping students form informed viewpoints grounded in evidence and empathy. Explore more about our Social Studies curriculum and resources below.