In the geography portion of social studies, students often learn how to read and make maps. Students can learn the basics of map making by drawing a map of their neighborhood or school. If they draw a map of their neighborhood, ask them to include three to four streets near their house and label them appropriately. They can also draw other landmarks, such as stores, schools and parks. If students draw a map of the school, they can create an outline of the school building and draw hallways and classrooms in it. To help students learn to label maps, have a blank map drawn of the school's neighborhood and ask students to label the streets around the school.
During a political campaign, there are several opportunities to teach students about candidates and how the political process works. Complete a series of activities that help students learn what they would look for in a political candidate. Many of them simply mirror their parents' choices, so asking them to branch out and think about what is important to them will develop critical thinking skills. Ask students to create a web graphic organizer on the qualities of a good friend. To make a web, students should draw a circle in the center of the page and write, "qualities of a good friend," in the center. After they draw several lines coming out of the circle, they should write a quality of a friend near each of the lines. After that, ask them to create another web, but this time, they can focus on the qualities they look for in a president. Ask students how their qualities differ.
Help students empathize and place themselves in another person's shoes as they learn about history. During a history unit, ask them to keep a diary and pretend they are a person involved in a historical event. As they learn more about the event, they should write an entry about it from their point of view as a participant. Younger students can draw pictures instead.
There are numerous social issues a social studies class can focus on. For instance, the class could host a recycling drive. Place large containers at the front of the school for other students to use to recycle plastic, aluminum and paper. At the end of a week, take a field trip to the recycling center so the students can recycle the objects.