The following thought-provoking and comprehensive 'big ideas' were developed to relate to the political, social, cultural, geographic, and economic concepts that spiral through different periods of history. These 'big ideas' can be built upon as cognitive learning blocks to help teachers teach and students master the California history-social science content standards.

Download entire document:

H-SS Big Ideas (Pre-K - 12) - PDF

Download by grade-level groups:

H-SS Big Ideas (Pre-K - 5) - PDF

H-SS Big Ideas (Grades 6-8) - PDF

H-SS Big Ideas (Grades 10-12) - PDF

Link to Essential Questions to Stimulate Learning

Classroom posters are also available for middle grades:

H-SS Big Ideas Poster (Grade 6) - PDF

H-SS Big Ideas Poster (Grade 7) - PDF

H-SS Big Ideas Poster (Grade 8) - PDF

Download Order form for H-SS Big Ideas Posters (Grades 6-8) - PDF