1. Introduction to Social Studies
Bell Work: Personal History
In the first page of your notebook write a paragraph answering the question, “What do you have that could be counted as personal history?” Label it “Personal History.”

2. Introduction to Social Studies
Bell Work: Vacation
You are talking to two friends about the vacations their families will take this summer. One friend says that his family is going to the Grand Canyon. He is very excited about seeing the spectacular landscapes in and around the canyon. Your other friend’s family is going to New York. She is looking forward to trying new foods at the city’s restaurants and touring its museums.
In your notebook, write a paragraph about which vacation sounds more interesting to you and why. Label it “Vacation.”

3. Introduction to Social Studies
Bell Work: Region
What is the region in which we live like? What common characteristics does it have that make it a region? Make a bulleted list of these characteristics. Label it “Our Region.”

4. Introduction to Social Studies
Bell Work: Continents
Without looking at a map or asking someone else (or in any other way cheating ) make a list of the seven continents. Label it “Continents.”

5. Introduction to Social Studies
Bell Work: Location
You make a new friend at school and decide to invite him/her over to your house to hang out. In addition to telling your friend the address where you live, what other landmarks and directions might you give to help your friend find your house? Label it “Location.”

6. Introduction to Social Studies
Bell Work: Geographical Features
Make a bulleted list of some of the geographical features found around the area in which we live. Label it “Geographical Features.”

7. Introduction to Social Studies
Bell Work: Map Terms
Can you match the following 5 map terms with their definitions? Write the term and corresponding letter on your paper. Label it “Map Terms.”
Title a. Shows which way north, south, east, and west lie
Compass rose b. Shows where in the world the area of the map is
Scale c. Represents the distance in miles and kilometers
Legend/Key d. Words which tell what the subject of a map is
Locator Map e. Shows what the symbols on the map represent

8. Introduction to Social Studies
Bell Work: Relative
Label this activity “Relative” and respond to the following questions:
Imagine that you are at an international conference in Europe and someone from China asks you where you are from. What would you say?
Imagine that you are visiting Disneyworld in Florida and the lady at the hotel desk asks where you are from. What would you say?
Imagine that you are at the State Fair in Blackfoot and someone asks you where you are from. What do you say?
A friend at school asks you where you live. Now what do you say?

9. Introduction to Social Studies
Bell Work: 5 Themes Review
Remember those 5 Themes of Geography we talked about awhile go? Remember the annoying song I played over and over for you? In your notebook, make a bulleted list of the 5 Themes. Label it “5 Themes Review.”

10. Introduction to Social Studies
Bell Work: Easiest/Hardest
Which of the 5 Themes of Geography do you think is the easiest to write about? Why do you think it’s the easiest? Which is the hardest to write about? Why? Write your answer in your notebook and label it “Easiest/Hardest.”

11. Introduction to Social Studies
Bell Work: Latitude/Longitude Review
Answer the following questions in your notebook and label it “Latitude/Longitude Review.”
Draw a couple lines that show which direction latitude lines run.
Do latitude measure north and south or east and west?
Draw a couple lines that show which direction longitude lines run.
Do longitude measure north and south or east and west?

12. Introduction to Social Studies
Bell Work: Culture
You live in New York City and a young cousin from out of state has come to visit. As you take her on a tour of the city, you point out the different cultural neighborhoods, like Chinatown, Little Italy, Spanish Harlem, and Koreatown. Your cousin isn’t quite sure what culture means or why these neighborhoods are so different. How can you explain what culture is?
Label it “Culture.”

13. Introduction to Social Studies
Bell Work: City
You live in one of the largest and most crowded cities in the world. You realize just how crowded it is whenever you ride the subway at rush hour! You love the excitement of living in a big city. There is always something interesting to do. At the same time, the city has a lot of crime. Heavy traffic pollutes the air. What do you like and dislike about living in a large city? Label it “City.”