7th grade Social Studies students are bringing Iowa’s new social studies standards to life by exploring what makes our state unique! They have been learning about Iowa’s physical geography, cultural characteristics, and the communities that shape our state. One engaging activity challenged students to create their own RAGBRAI route, applying their knowledge of Iowa’s geography while considering the towns, landmarks, and places that make our state special. Through these hands-on learning experiences, students are building a deeper understanding of Iowa and the connections between its people, places, and history.
As their learning continues, students are beginning to zoom out and explore North America. They are developing map-reading skills and investigating how geography influences where people live, why they move, and how communities develop. By examining the relationships between people and their environments, students are learning to ask questions, make connections, and think critically about the world around them. These experiences reflect the goals of Iowa’s new social studies standards: helping students move beyond memorizing facts to actively exploring, understanding, and making sense of the world they live in.
