Discover! Social Studies is an engaging,
research-based curriculum that teaches history, citizenship, and the worth and
responsibility of every individual. It uses visual and textual lessons,
real-life connections, and critical thinking exercises to help students
understand the world around them while meeting the needs of all learning styles.
The program integrates the neuroscience of learning and
transitions from teacher-supported lessons in elementary grades to more
student-driven learning in middle school.
Key Curriculum Features:
Engaging
lessons with full-color photos, illustrations, and plenty of white space
Real-life
connections, critical thinking, and social/emotional learning
opportunities
Topics
covered in increasing depth each year with new concepts introduced
progressively
Two
assessment options per chapter: traditional short answer/multiple choice
or project-based performance tasks
Flexible
pacing with lessons typically taking 2–3 days each for approximately 150
lessons per year
Religiously
neutral perspective that explores the significance of religion in
historical context
Program Components:
Student
Worktexts (A & B): Consumable, full-color books with lessons,
practice, and activities. One workbook used per semester
Instructor
Guide: Objectives, teaching suggestions, support for different
learning styles, extension activities, and all answers
Assessment
Book: Chapter assessments with both traditional and project-based
options, plus grading rubrics
Important Notes:
Elementary
(Grades 1–6) are interactive and teacher-supported
Middle
School (Grades 7–8) shifts to student-driven Medieval
Culture & History and U.S. Culture & History courses
Discover! Social Studies stands out for its engaging,
multi-sensory approach that meets various learning styles while building a
strong understanding of history and citizenship. It is an excellent choice for
homeschool families seeking a comprehensive, user-friendly social studies
curriculum from elementary through middle school.
Shop all Discover! Social Studies kits below!
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Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.