In all six areas of social studies, the attributes of meaningful, well-planned lessons consist of thematic focus that are interdisciplinary, engaging and interesting, have relevance for the students, allow students the opportunities to apply their knowledge, and can be extended beyond the classroom.
Lessons that are interdisciplinary connect social studies with other subjects. They are thematic based and are organized around the whole curriculum which can include components from science, mathematics, language arts, music and art. Boredom does not exist when students engage in lessons that can peak their interest and curiosity. Students are more likely to remember hands-on-learning activities when they are actively and personally involved. Making musical instruments out of straws is much more interesting than listening to teacher lecture about the mechanics of sound and vibration.
A history lesson about World War II becomes more real when they hear actual experiences from veterans. Students may even have relatives who lived during that time period and can share experiences and stories about victory gardens, war bonds, gasoline scarcity, and food rationing. After lessons in economics, students can apply what they learn to the relationship between earnings, spending, and the value of a sound workable budget to take care of necessities such as housing, food, clothing, and transportation. Lessons should provide knowledge that students can apply and extend beyond the classroom and connect them to the global world in which they live. Having understanding of diverse cultures that are representative of the world fosters better understanding and brings the world closer to home.