Remote Learning--Exploring the neighborhood for social studies concepts
With all its challenges, remote learning can provide an opportunity for students to explore their home environments for concepts discussed in social studies classes. Shown below are just a few ideas that embrace students’ home environments, gets them away from their digital screens, and reinforces concepts studies in civics, economics, geography, and history. Just the tip of the iceberg, these activities all encourage to view their local environments through various conceptual lenses.
Civics Political advertising They’re everywhere. Encourage students to take a tour of their neighborhoods “Surveying” political signage. Type, message, and location can provide insights into how people express themselves through political advertising in neighborhoods.
Municipal governmental processes Throughout every neighborhood, local municipality, county, and state processes are taking place. Encourage students to observe and make note of infrastructure workers such as highway/road maintenance, first-responder crews, postal workers, and other individuals, who, while we are generally at school, work to keep our neighborhoods running.
Taxation They’re everywhere too. Encourage students to collect sales receipts to calculate a week’s worth of sales tax payments. Be sure to let students know they need not describe the products purchased, though they may.
Economics Supply and demand Gas prices, in particular, fluctuate with supply and demand. Encourage students to survey local gas stations for changes in prices and how they might relate to current events. A trip to the grocery store, (with mask, of course), may yet reveal shortages of certain products. Encourage students to document what is still in short supply and speculate as to why.
Community wants and needs Remote learning may provide a great opportunity for students to explore their neighborhoods, documenting their thoughts on the wants and need of their local community. Related closely to civics, this activity may spur students to action at the local level.
Geography Topography Daily walks in a neighborhood may gradually reveal changes in elevation. Encourage students to take a walk while focusing on the landscape. Look for water patterns, such as drainage routes, erosion, high spots, and low spots.
Human/environment interaction Again, a walk through the neighborhood, with focus on homes, buildings, and roads can reveal to students how we adjust to or impact the environment.
History Continuity of change What was once obvious is often very difficult to see. Encourage students to look for evidence of change. From old tree stumps to remnants of building foundations and old rail lines, every neighborhood sees physical change. It is just a matter of looking for it.