It’s important to create and cultivate an environment where students grow in their capacity to understand the world around them.

With IMPACT Social Studies for grades K–5, students will gain building blocks for critical thinking, develop a strong reading and writing foundation, and learn what it means to be responsible, active citizens. With engaging content, geared to today’s elementary school students, IMPACT takes a fresh approach to social studies curriculum in the elementary classroom.

IMPACT Social Studies teaches the art and strategy of inquiry as teachers model how to ask questions and do research. Students learn how to analyze sources and consider multiple perspectives as they think critically about problems, events, places, and people. Each chapter inquiry project is designed to engage elementary school students by encouraging them to ask questions and look for answers, while providing opportunities for students to work together collaboratively.

Reading about people and events that shape our world is relevant. Literacy skills provide the foundation for inquiry. Students apply literacy tools—strategies for close reading, writing, and speaking and listening—to comprehend, critique, and synthesize social studies content.

A primary goal of IMPACT Social Studies is to prepare young learners to become active citizens—both locally and globally—in an ever-changing world. Throughout this elementary social studies curriculum, students are given opportunities to learn about and apply good citizenship practices. The texts and activities focus on developing civic values and democratic principles as students build an understanding of their role in the community, the nation, and the world.