First Grade Social Studies Projects

Social studies projects teach kids about the world.

The goal of a social studies lesson is to expand a child's understanding of the world around him. A social studies project provides a child an opportunity to gain understanding through experience and independent research. When choosing a project for your first grader, keep a child's interests in mind. If the project is interesting to him, it will seem much less like work.

Start a Small Business

Walking dogs can be an economics lesson and a hobby.

Suggest a pet services business to a child who loves animals. This could include walking, feeding and playing with neighborhood dogs. If your child spends her spare time making friendship bracelets, maybe she could sell them to friends or at a local gift shop. Help your child write out a business plan with goals for the venture and report the results for the Social Studies project.

Family History

Grandparents can assist in a personal history lesson.

Interview grandparents about their childhoods. Where did they grow up? What was grandpa's favorite book when he was 6 years old? What did he want to be when he grew up? What is different for kids today? What is the same? Collect a couple of photos if possible for a poster.

Career study

Bring a community helper to class to answer questions.

Profile a career your child finds interesting. Ask a local police officer what a typical day is like and why she decided to become an officer. Find out what type of education is required for the chosen profession. Consider bringing the professional to class to answer questions.

Volunteer

Make meals to hand out to the needy, pick up trash at the park or collect pennies for the cause of your child's choice. Explain why the project was chosen and how this project benefits the community. Take photos or video of your child volunteering to share with the class.

References

• "What Your 1st Grader Needs To Know"; E.D. Hirsh Jr.; 1993

Resources

• Online Learning Haven: Easy Projects