Texas Social Studies Framework - Department of Geography ...

Not too long ago, social studies teachers who had a
world map, a set of textbooks, and an ample supply of
chalk were considered to be well equipped to carry out
their instructional duties. Today, maps and textbooks are
still important resources for social studies teachers, but
many other resources are also needed to provide a rich
and effective learning environment. Following is a list of
resources that should be considered for every classroom
in which social studies is taught.
Campuses should provide age and topic appropriate
variations of these instructional materials, K-12. The
Social Studies Center for Educator Development has
developed resources, both online and in print versions,
to help aid in the selection of these materials. See the
SSCED website at or use the order form in this framework to access
these resources (Appendix D).
INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES
Maps and Globes
World, USA, and State Wall Maps
Maps should:
Appendix C
The Well-Equipped
Social Studies Classroom
• be appropriate for the grade level, e.g., beginner,
intermediate, or advanced;
• be appropriate for the purpose of instruction,
e.g., political, physical, thematic, historical;
• be accurate and up-to-date; and
• provide a realistic view of the world, i.e., use an
equal area projection in order to provide
students with an accurate image of the relative
size of places and regions.
Outline Maps
Student desk maps (8.5x11 or 8.5x14) can be obtained
from most companies that produce maps and globes.
Maps appropriate for student work can also be downloaded
from electronic sources. Refer to the SSCED
website, both the general and grade level/course URLs,
for electronic sources of maps.
Atlases
Globes
• Comprehensive world reference atlas
• Comprehensive U.S. reference atlas
• Comprehensive state reference atlas
• Student desk atlases - classroom set
• 16 or 24 inch demonstration globe - May be a
political or physical or combination globe.
• 9 inch student globes - One for every two
students. May be inflatable.
Globes should:
• be appropriate for the grade level, e.g., beginner,
intermediate, or advanced;
• be appropriate for the purpose of instruction,
e.g., political, physical, or combination;
• be accurate and up-to-date; and
• be well constructed and sturdy.
Map Puzzles and Games
Map puzzles and games should be
• appropriate for the grade level and
• appropriate for the purpose of instruction.
COMPUTER HARDWARE
Hardware
• Computer and monitor for teacher use
• Computers and monitors for student use
• CD-ROM drive should be installed on all teacher
and student computers
• Expanded memory
• Access to school network