Social Studies, as defined by the National Council for the Social Studies is "the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence." (external site)

The DoDDS-Europe 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.

Student Activities to Support the Social Studies

Below are descriptions of several DoDDS-Europe sponsored student activities that provide exciting opportunities for making connections between classroom instruction and application to real-world events.

MODEL U.S. SENATE (MUSS)
MUSS is a unique simulation of the American congressional process in the United States Senate. High school students are assigned to play the roles of senators and other senior members of government. The activity will be held in Heidelberg, Germany from April 21-25, 2008.

JUNIOR LEADERSHIP SEMINAR
The Junior Leadership Seminar is a 6-day event for 7th grade students. This activity identifies and develops leadership skills for use in school. JLS will be held in Oberwesel, Germany from March 20-25, 2008.

BERLIN SEMINAR
This activity is reserved for senior students and is held from February 11-15, 2008 at Teikyo University in Berlin. American and German students work together to achieve cultural understanding using Berlin as a case study.

MODEL UNITED NATIONS (MUN)
MUN (external site) students practice the art of compromise and diplomacy through realistic United Nations simulated activities. School delegations attend General Assembly and Security Council simulated sessions. MUN sessions are held in the Haag, Paris, St. Andrews, Prague, and Istanbul. The Den Haag, Netherlands Session will be held from27 January 27 - February 1, 2008.

NATIONAL HISTORY DAY
Divided into two divisions (grades 6-8 and 9-12) and 7 categories, National History Day (external site) promotes the study of citizenship, and civics through the construction of history based projects.

These projects are entered into district, area, and national contests. District contests are usually held in mid February with the state contest held March 17-19, 2008 in Heidelberg, Germany.