INTEGRATED SOCIAL SCIENCE (ISS)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:              This course is designed to prepare students for upper level social studies courses.  The focal points of instruction are government, geography, and economics, and world studies.  In the Government basics segment, students will learn about the structure, purpose, principles and ideals of governments past and present, with particular attention paid to the responsibilities, rights, and privileges of U.S. Government and citizenship.    In the Geography portion of this course, students will develop a personal geographic framework, or mental map, and understand the use of geographic skills.  Students will also develop knowledge of the ways humans modify and respond to the natural environment, the diversity of human culture and the unique nature of places.  In the Economics segment, students will analyze the various economic systems, forms of production, and the origins and characteristics of political states.  Furthermore, we will examine the concepts of supply and demand, Gross Domestic Product, models of economic activity, scarcity, and the effects of poverty.  The remainder of the school year is focused on learning about the physical and cultural world, beginning with the United States. We will use the framework of geographic, governmental, and economic studies gained in the basics units.  Above and beyond meeting the state standards, the Charter student will learn to think critically about governments, understand the importance of active citizenship, appreciate our national heritage, develop educated opinions, use technology to analyze and learn about Social Studies, analyze controversial issues, and develop a decision making process.