Core Subject EC-6: Social Studies
Which of the following would be the most effective assignment to assess a student's ability to analyze the digging of the Erie Canal on the development of the Midwest and New York? A Create a cause-and-effect flow chart about the Erie Canal B Prepare a report on the first European exploration of New York and the Great Lakes C Participate in a play about the life on a ship in the 19th century D Trace a map and label the waterways that the Erie Canal joined
A Create a cause-and-effect flow chart about the Erie Canal. This is the best answer because the student must assess the causes of the Erie Canal and the effect, or impact, of the Erie Canal. Because the Erie Canal connects the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, the impact of the Erie Canal on the Midwest is substantial.
Which of the following could be used as a secondary source for a lesson about the American Revolution? A a section about the Taxation Act from a history textbook B the diary of George Washington C a letter written by Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Paine D the first American flag sewn by Betsy Ross
A a section about the Taxation Act from a history textbook A history textbook would be a secondary source of information.
Which of the following was primarily responsible for upsetting the balance between states and slaves states prior to the start of the United states civil war? A). World War I B). The War of 1812 C). The Mexican-American War D). American Revolution
C). The Mexican-American War
Which of the following is the primary economic reason for the initial exploration of the Americas by Europeans? A). Discovering a new route to Asia B. searching for additional resources C. Expanding trade opportunities with other countries D). Acquiring more land
A). Discovering a new route to Asia
Which of the following terms is best for a teacher to include in a lesson on demography. A). Migration B). Sovereignty C). Suffrage D). Naturalization
A). Migration
Which of the following amendments to the Constitution most advanced woman suffrage in the United States? A).Nineteenth B).Fourteenth C).Fifteenth D).Twenty-fourth
A).Nineteenth
A student in a social studies class has selected the Korean War as a topic for his research paper. What should his first step be? A-Formulate questions to focus his research B-Locate as many primary sources of data possible C-Review the literature D-Analyze the data for relevant information
A-Formulate questions to focus his research
Mr. Mathers is teaching his class about the Louisiana Purchase. What social science should Mr. Mathers connect to this history lesson in order to best explain the importance of the Louisiana Purchase to the United States? A-Geography B-Economics C-Sociology D-Anthropology
A-Geography A geography lesson focused on the Gulf of Mexico, specifically the port of New Orleans and its importance to shipping, would provide context for why the United States wanted to purchase the land.
Mr. Thompson is assigning his class a research project and is able to provide computer access to students throughout the process. Which of the following is the LEAST effective way to incorporate technology into the research project? A-Teach a lesson on using research databases and require that all sources come from the one database provided by the librarian. B-Incorporate the expectation for a multimedia element in the culminating presentation. C-Plan time for students to use the computers for the first draft of the written portion of their project, then facilitate the use of word processing applications to prioritize the revision process. D-Require the use of varied source types.
A-Teach a lesson on using research databases and require that all sources come from the one database provided by the librarian.
A social studies teacher wants to address the social studies theme of time, continuity, and change. Which of the following questions for a sixth-grade elementary class would be most appropriate to address this theme? A Why did the demand for oil increase with the mass production of the automobile? B Why is oil expensive? C What two states have the largest production of oil? D What are the geographic characteristics of the majority of oil fields within the United States?
A-Why did the demand for oil increase with the mass production of the automobile? The question by the teacher requires an understanding of time and change. This answer requires students to assess the change in the demand for oil over a time period and how an event in time (mass production of the automobile) dramatically changed the demand for oil.
A history teacher is preparing a unit on the Civil War. Which of the following activities would work best for a formative assessment? Select all answers that apply. A-a think-pair-share on the outcomes of the Civil War B-group presentations on the cause and effect of various Civil War battles C-a class-wide word cloud exercise on the causes of the Civil War D-a test on identifying the major political and military figures of the Union and Confederacy
A-a think-pair-share on the outcomes of the Civil War A think-pair-share is an informal formative assessment activity that gives the teacher insight into what the students know about the subject. B-group presentations on the cause and effect of various Civil War battles Group presentations are formative because they allow the teacher to understand the students' ability to grasp the material of the lesson. They also allow students to teach one another. C-a class-wide word cloud exercise on the causes of the Civil War A group word cloud or brainstorming session would help the teacher to gain insight into students' prior knowledge and the major areas of understanding. It also could indicate areas the teacher might be able to focus more specifically on to strengthen the students' understanding.
Mrs. Sims wants to demonstrate to her students how the price of gasoline has increased as the uses for gasoline have also increased. Which of the following graphs would best help Mrs. Sims visually demonstrate this concept? A-bar graph B-pie chart C-two-dimensional diagram or scatter-gram D-population pyramid
A-bar graph A bar graph is useful in analyzing one element by plotting data for each month or year, observing the trend. A bar graph uses bars to represent, in this case, the price of gasoline. This will allow students to see the price changes across a period of time in an easy to understand manner.
Mr. Parretto wants to encourage his students to identify bias in the media. He presents the class with the following excerpt from the school newspaper: The school board made the decision on Thursday night to cut the library's media budget. The budget cuts will affect the library's ability to purchase new audio/visual equipment and could result in a reduction of hours for student workers. One student worker was quoted saying, "The budget cut will hurt students trying to make money after school. I don't know where else I can find a job." The judgment was pronounced Thursday night in a vote of 7-2. The budget cuts to the library are expected to prevent further cuts to athletic departments. Which of the following best identifies the form of bias in the newspaper article? A-negativity bias B-no bias is presented C-framing bias D-confirmation bias
A-negativity bias Negativity bias occurs when the focus of a piece focuses only, or predominantly, on the negative aspects without regard to positive aspects. The excerpt focuses only on the negative aspects of the budget cuts and barely mentions that it was to save the athletic department. The article does not mention how students with saved after-school programs feel about the budget cuts.
Sociology, psychology, and political science all have which common feature at their core? A-the study of individuals and their decisions B-the study of market forces C-the study of language development D-the study of biological forces shaping society
A-the study of individuals and their decisions Individuals, the decisions they make, and the reasons behind those decisions are fundamental to most branches of the social sciences.
Ms. Paulson is introducing the concept of being a responsible member of society to her first-grade students. One example she provides the class is how pollution in other parts of the world is also a problem for us here, emphasizing wind patterns, global debates, and how decisions we make where we live could also impact people very far from us. Why is this not a good way to introduce this topic? A For young students, information should be taught in concrete terms and with context that they can understand. B Pollution is not a standard for 1st graders, so it should not be used in examples for that grade level. C Pollution should be covered in science, not social studies. D First-grade students are not capable of understanding the concept of pollution.
A. For young students, information should be taught in concrete terms and with context that they can understand. Young students think in mostly concrete terms and grow to understand the world in a more symbolic, figurative way. Because of these early stages in development, young students will best understand concepts when framed in a context that they understand. For example, in teaching about society and being a productive member of society, it would be best framed in discussing a student's place within their family, school, and neighborhood.
Which of the following is not one of the 8 essential knowledge and skills identified in the TEKS for social studies instruction? A-citizenship B-anthropology C-economics D-culture
B anthropology While there may be some standards that related to anthropology, it is not listed as one of the 8 essential knowledge and skills identified in the TEKS for social studies instruction.
During group presentations on the structure and function of the federal government, a group of students presents to the class the slide below that contains erroneous information The Judicial Branch: This branch uses the court system to enforce laws made by the legislative branch. It would be appropriate for the teacher to provide the students with additional instruction on the: A). Process for how a bill becomes law. B). powers of the executive and judicial branches C). veto powers granted to the presidents D). difference between the appellate courts and the Supreme Courts
B). powers of the executive and judicial branches
Which of the following could be used as a secondary source for a lesson on the Texas Revolution? A).The diary of Alamo survivor Susanna Dickinson B).A section about Santa Anna in a Texas history textbook C).A poem written by one of the soldiers during the Battle of San Jacinto D).A speech written by Stephen F. Austin regarding the Texas colonization of Mexico
B).A section about Santa Anna in a Texas history textbook
A sixth-grade student is creating an article fora fictional newspaper that discusses a specific difference between Sam Houston and Mirabeau B. Lamar. Which of the following headlines would be most appropriate for the student to use? A).Proponents of Annexation B).Attitudes Toward American Indians C).Presidents of the Republic of Texas D).Peace with Mexico
B).Attitudes Toward American Indians
Which of the following was the primary significance of the Battle of the Alamo during the Texas Revolution? A). Sam Houston was able to capture Santa Ana during the Battle of the Alamo. B).It galvanized Texas resistance to Mexican forces C). The Alamo became a headquarters during the way for the Texas Army. D). Davy Crockett was able to lead a large army of volunteers to victory.
B).It galvanized Texas resistance to Mexican forces
A second-grade teacher is planning a unit and wants to address the state standard that "the student understands multiple points of view and how they shaped historical research." Which of the following would best address this standard? A-Identify various cultures within the community and what makes those particular cultures distinct B-Compare various primary and secondary sources about a single notable event C-Assign students to research the history of an important local landmark D-Take a field trip to a local museum
B-Compare various primary and secondary sources about a single notable event. Comparing various primary and secondary sources will give the student multiple points of view, across a wide range of time periods, for a particular event. This is a great strategy to introduce students to multiple points of view.
When a student is beginning a research project, which of the following is the most appropriate first step? A Write an introduction to the research project to guide the research process B Form an initial question about a research topic C Perform an initial background check on the research subject D Identify potential websites to use during the research process
B-Form an initial question about a research topic This is the best first step. Focusing the research question or topic will help to eliminate time lost on the irrelevant information, and help give direction to the study.
Ms. Fullmore intends to use a primary source document to introduce a new unit to her sixth-grade class. The text contains some challenging vocabulary. Which of the following would be the best approach to ensure her sixth-graders are able to comprehend the text? A-Verbally summarize the text in its entirety before providing time to read. B-Introduce and define unfamiliar vocabulary with the students before beginning the text. C-Plan a lesson focused on using context clues to determine word meaning, prior to reading the text. D-Provide each student with a dictionary to look up unfamiliar words as they read.
B-Introduce and define unfamiliar vocabulary with the students before beginning the text. This would be the best way to make sure that new and/or challenging vocabulary does not interfere with student comprehension.
When teaching the students about the three branches of the government and checks and balances, which of the following would be the best way to make this information relatable to the students? A-Assign the corresponding chapter in the government textbook. B-Organize a simulation with students playing roles within the different branches, and passing legislation. C-Provide news articles on current partisan conflict in government. D-Have student write biographical research papers on the lives of their local congressmen.
B-Organize a simulation with students playing roles within the different branches, and passing legislation. A simulation would be engaging for students and let them experience the process of passing laws and governing.
When a student has formed an initial question for a research topic, which of the following would be the most appropriate next step? A-Present any conclusions drawn in a presentation or paper B-Research what others have found and written about the initial question C-Begin writing a paper or creating a presentation D-Draw conclusions about the best answer to the initial question
B-Research what others have found and written about the initial question
A sixth-grade social studies class is beginning a unit on foundation documents of the United States. Which would be an appropriate primary source to use during the unit? A-a letter from George Washington to John Adams B-a reprint of the Bill of Rights C-a recording of "The Star Spangled Banner" D-a short story recounting the signing of the Declaration of Independence
B-a reprint of the Bill of Rights
Which of the following would be the best graphic to demonstrate the relationship between temperature and elevation? A-a circular diagram B-a scatterplot C-a flow chart D-a timeline
B-a scatterplot A scatterplot plots data on the X and Y axis to examine the relationship between the two sets of variables.
Which of the following would be classified as a secondary source? A-a photograph of Abraham Lincoln B-an encyclopedia article on the Battle of the Coral Sea C-a campaign speech given by Lyndon Johnson in 1960 D-a diary written by Martha Washington
B-an encyclopedia article on the Battle of the Coral Sea
A sixth-grade social studies teacher is preparing a lesson plan to help students identify the names and locations of mountain ranges and major rivers in India. He plans to project a picture of the country with mountain ranges and rivers labeled, and has prepared a short lecture explaining the impact of these land formations on life in India. Which of the following additional activities should the teacher add in order to reach all types of learners? A. Require students to read the chapter in the textbook and take notes for homework to reinforce ideas. B Provide outlines of India and two colors of playdough to each student; ask them to form and place the rivers and mountains into their correct locations. C Distribute copies of the map in addition to the projected copy; ask students to follow along during the lecture with their own map. D Show a short clip of a film about Indian culture; ask students to watch attentively.
B.Provide outlines of India and two colors of play-dough to each student; ask them to form and place the rivers and mountains into their correct locations. correct This introduces a tactile method to the lesson, as an addition to the already-included auditory and visual delivery.
The United States Constitution differed from the Articles of Confederation in which of the following ways? A).The Constitution minimized the power of the federal government. B).The Constitution gave states the right to enter into war. C).The Constitution created a separation of powers in the national government. D). The Constitution gave states the right be in charge of the value of money.
C).The Constitution created a separation of powers in the national government.
Standardized assessment exams for social studies will often require students to interpret multiple viewpoints of a topic from various authors. Which of the following skills should a social studies teacher promote to develop this skill? A-Translate various English writing styles B-Applying problem solving skills C-The ability to compare and contrast literature excerpts D-The ability to differentiate between a primary source and a secondary source
C-The ability to compare and contrast literature excerpts
Mr. Stevens has just completed a unit on analyzing native Florida cultures with his sixth-grade class. Which activity should he use as a final assessment to gauge the students' understanding of how cultures are created? A-an exit ticket where students define "culture" B-a multiple choice test about the cultures C-a project where students "create" their own new culture D-an essay where students compare and contrast two of the cultures
C-a project where students "create" their own new culture A project where students create a new culture would allow the teacher to assess their understanding of the key features and processes to developing a culture.
A sixth-grade geography teacher has introduced a unit on South America. For one assignment in the unit she asks students to choose a cultural element like art, music, or literature from the area for research. Following the research, she asks the class to write a paragraph explaining how they think the environment may have influenced their researched topics. Why does the teacher ask this question at the end? A-to demonstrate how research will be a useful skill for answering questions in their own life B-to evaluate whether the student completed a sufficient amount of research on their topic C-to provide an opportunity for students to think critically about their research D-to increase student ownership of learning by offering choices
C-to provide an opportunity for students to think critically about their research Social studies skills are particularly important in ensuring that students become critically-thinking lifelong learners, capable of researching and evaluating the answers to their questions. This activity helps them go a step beyond just collecting information, to considering how different ideas in the unit relate to one another.
What skill is covered at all levels of social studies instruction, according to the TEKS? A how geography impacts life B individual responsibility C the concept of chronology D critical thinking
D critical thinking Critical thinking is taught in various ways and at varying levels throughout all Socials Studies instruction.
During a presentation on the branches of government, a group of students state that "the executive branch is responsible for interpreting the laws created by the legislative branch." Based on this statement, which of the following feedback would be most appropriate for the teacher to provide? A-Explain the checks and balances of the judicial branch B-Commend the students for a quality presentation C-Explain the functions of the legislative branch D-Clarify the powers of the executive and judicial branches
D-Clarify the powers of the executive and judicial branches The executive branch is responsible for enforcing the laws created by the legislative branch. The judicial branch is responsible for interpreting the laws created by the legislative branch.
Read the paragraph and answer the question: 1 George Washington was the first president of the United States and the only president ever to run unopposed. 2 This is because George Washington was popular among all Americans due to his leadership during the American Revolution. 3 Washington, respected and trusted by almost every American, was the unanimous choice to lead the nation as the first president under the Constitution of 1787. 4 Washington is also the only president to not affiliate with a political party. Which of the following research topics would be most appropriate in response to the above passage? A-Was any other president elected unanimously? B-How successful was the president elected after Washington? C-Why was George Washington elected unanimously? D-How successful was the presidency of George Washington?
D-How successful was the presidency of George Washington?
Which of the following is the most important question to ask of students when using a website as a research resource? A-Does it have a high search engine ranking? B-Is the website professional looking and easy to use? C-Does the website have a professional sounding name? D-Is the author of the material reliable?
D-Is the author of the material reliable?
A social studies teacher asks her students to research the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Their initial question was "What happened on the Lewis and Clark Expedition?" After doing background research their question is now "What new things might Lewis and Clark have encountered when they first explored the terrain?" Of the following, which would be the best next step in the research process? A-Checkout the Encyclopedia Americana B-Read about it in the textbook C-Go online and checkout the web D-Locate the journals of Lewis and Clark
D-Locate the journals of Lewis and Clark
During social studies instructions, students will often encounter new, unfamiliar words. There are many ways the teacher can support student vocabulary development. Which of the following is the LEAST effective way to support student understanding of new vocabulary? A-provide direct instruction on the use of context clues to infer word meaning B-asking students to sketch a visual representation of the definition of new words C-preview new words before beginning an assigned reading D-provide dictionaries for student use during class
D-provide dictionaries for student use during class Providing dictionaries, without specific expectations or structured vocabulary instruction, would be the least effective way to support vocabulary development in a social studies class.
Ms. Michaels wants to ensure that her sixth-grade social studies assessments are written in a way to best show true student mastery of the content. Which of the following should Ms. Michaels do to make her assessments as fair and representative of true learning as possible? A Occasionally include unexpected written instructions like, "only answer the odd question," to train students to carefully read the instructions every time. B Attempt to use below grade-level vocabulary to make the questions more clear. C Repeat the same testing format for each assessment to minimize confusion. D Evaluate included examples to ensure that they are culturally accessible to all students.
D. Evaluate included examples to ensure that they are culturally accessible to all students. This is an important aspect of creating a quality assessment.
A second-grade teacher is planning a History lesson that will address the following statewide learning objective: The Students will understand that multiple points of view have shaped historical research". The best address the objective, the teacher should. A). research state symbols that represent Texas B). read about historical events written by the same author. C). create a presentation on local artists and their artworks. D. compare various primary source documents about a controversial event.
D. compare various primary source documents about a controversial event.
