Social Studies Curriculum

The DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam social studies curriculum is designed to provide students with learning experiences which will aid in the development of knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes necessary for participation as citizens in a culturally diverse, democratic society.

Social studies is offered to students from grades Pre–K-12 in all DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam schools. High school graduation requirements include three social studies credits. One credit of U.S. History and a half credit of U.S. Government are required. DoDDS Pacific schools offer a variety of elective social studies courses that draw from the disciplines of anthropology, economics, geography, history, law, philosophy, political science, psychology, and sociology and also include advanced placement courses. Each high school’s counseling center can provide a comprehensive list of social studies courses offered at their school.

photo of students dressed in colonial garb

The social studies standard for each grade level are built on essential skills and the ten themes of social studies established by the National Council for the Social Studies.

DoDDS Pacific activities that fall within the social studies content area include:

National Geographic Bee- The National Geographic Bee is open to students in grades four through six and offers a chance for them to compete with students from all over the world for prizes at the national level which include college scholarships. The materials are prepared by the National Geographic Society, and the contest is designed to encourage teachers to develop student interest in geography as well as to increase public awareness about geography.

Model United Nations-The Far East Model UN is an annual interscholastic event that allows high school students to participate in discussions focusing on some of the most important social and economic issues facing the world today. This event provides an educational environment where students discuss, research, and prepare an analysis of these international issues.

United States Senate Youth Program- The United States Senate Youth Program was established to give high school students indoctrination into the operation of the United States Senate and the Federal Government. The program gives student delegates from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity the opportunity to spend one week in Washington, D.C., to engage in a series of seminars and briefings, meet
	government officials, and visit the Senate, House of Representatives, Pentagon, and the Supreme Court. Two students are selected to represent the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). In School Year 2004-2005, students from Yokota High School, Japan and Kadena High School, Okinawa were selected as DoDEA's student delegates. They received an all expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. , and a $5,000 college scholarship award.

National History Day (NHD) is an exciting educational opportunity for both students and teachers. It is a year long program which uses history to challenge students to improve their research, analytical, and communication skills. The goal of NHD, a highly regarded and academically challenging program, is to “promote the study of history by engaging students and teachers in the excitement of historical inquiry and creative presentation.” The first Pacific Area NHD competition was held in June 2008. Ten schools from three districts participated and will continue to expand as students, teachers, and parents see the educational benefits of this program.

A Voter Registration Initiative in all DoDEA schools focuses on providing voter information and assistance to high school students who will reach the age of 18 before graduation.