When you sit through hours of lectures during PD days, are you usually excited or bored? Most times, you are bored and struggling to stay alert! Sadly, this is how many of our students feel when they sit through each class listening to the teacher. This is why collaborative learning is essential for upper elementary students! When they can discuss and interact, they become immersed in the content. Fortunately, there are many amazing collaborative learning ideas for the history classroom. Students will love learning history through these activities.
Collaborative Activities for Middle School
The world has undergone so many changes, so there is always much to learn about during social studies lessons. However, students do not always see the importance of learning about the past. They often want to focus on the present and future without realizing how the past shapes many aspects. Learning in a collaborative format helps students change this view. These activities allow students to reflect on important events and study fascinating topics!
Think-Pair-Share – Historical Events
Before middle school students start discussing an event, they must take time to think about it. So, a Think Pair Share activity is perfect! Students can ponder historical events, discuss with a partner, and then share insights with the class.
There is so much amazing information to build discussion in the US History Complete Curriculum!
Group Timeline Projects
Studying timelines is a critical part of social studies! This aspect provides much insight into why certain things happen. So, students can work in teams to create digital timelines of a historical era using multimedia elements.
Jigsaw Exploration
There is so much to learn about in history and so little time! A jigsaw lesson is a fantastic way to fit everything in. Teachers can divide history topics among groups. Each one becomes an expert and then shares with others. Students will love collaborative learning ideas for the history classroom!
STEM Challenge – Historical Inventions
There have been so many advancements in the world! It is incredible to think about how far inventions have come. To bring this learning alive, teams can design a prototype or model inspired by a historical invention. This is a great way to showcase the evolution of inventions!
You can even check out the FREE Ancient Civilizations Curriculum Maps to highlight special STEM challenges all year.
Literature Circles – Historical Texts
Students often learn best when discussing content with each other. So, they can assume roles, such as summarizers and questionnaires, to discuss historical narratives or documents. The US History Curriculum Maps provides excellent insight into topics for literature circles. It will be fantastic to see students work together on academic activities!
Debates on Historical Decisions
Students love to debate! Now, teams can argue for/against pivotal decisions in history, like treaties or battles. This is definitely a student favorite when selecting collaborative learning ideas for the history classroom!
Interactive PowerPoints
It is vital for students to showcase their learning! They can create engaging PowerPoint presentations on historical figures with clickable elements. Everyone will love seeing the work of their class!
Students can explore the interactive elements in the Ancient Civilizations Complete Curriculum!
Digital Mapping Challenges
Maps are a huge focus in social studies! Thankfully, collaborative learning ideas for the history classroom incorporate enjoyment and learning! Teams can use digital tools to map historical explorations, migrations, or battles.
STEM Bridge-Building Activity
STEM is always exciting! So, students can collaborate to build sturdy bridges using simple materials. Best of all, they can incorporate ancient techniques to reflect the history they are learning.
Check out the Medieval Times Complete Curriculum for more great ideas!
Digital History Webquests
Students love using their computers! So, groups explore and complete digital quests related to historical events. They can even synthesize findings in a shared format.
There is so much to learn in middle school social studies! Thankfully, collaborative learning ideas for the history classroom combine historical themes with engagement. Students will love history class!
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