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High school social studies classes offer students a unique opportunity to dive into different historical periods, encouraging them to view human experiences from diverse perspectives. By incorporating dynamic group activities into your social studies curriculum, you can greatly enrich the learning process. Activities such as mock trials and gallery walks provide students with engaging ways to review historical events and deepen their understanding of the past through collaborative efforts.
1. Mock Trial Group Activities for High School
Mock trials are a favorite among high school students, as they thrive on debate and discussion. This engaging activity allows students to reenact significant historical court cases or test laws and policies relevant to their civics curriculum. By designing a mock trial around a pivotal event, students can immerse themselves in the legal process while honing their argumentative skills.
For those interested in criminal justice, consider creating a comprehensive criminology unit that culminates in a mock trial. Students can engage in forensic role-play, analyze evidence, and prepare as expert witnesses, all while applying concepts from both history and science.
Mock Trials for Government and Civics Classes: The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf
By Room 311
Grades: 7th-12th
Subject: Civics, Criminal Justice—Law, Government
This playful mock trial resource blends criminal justice with fairy tales, allowing students to put the Big Bad Wolf on trial for the alleged “murders” of the three little pigs. It includes character statements and evidence to facilitate an engaging courtroom experience.
2. High School History Escape Rooms
History-themed escape rooms provide an exciting way for students to apply their knowledge while solving puzzles and riddles. These collaborative activities require students to work together, referencing primary and secondary sources to escape a fictional historical scenario.
Escape room themes can cover any historical period, from the Middle Ages to the Cold War, allowing students to engage deeply with the material while fostering teamwork and critical thinking skills.
Harlem Renaissance Introduction Escape Room (paper) – Black History Month
By Nouvelle ELA
Grades: 7th-10th
Subjects: Literature, U.S. History
This escape room project is perfect for Black History Month or when discussing the Harlem Renaissance. Students complete tasks that reinforce their understanding of this cultural period, with options for added complexity and interdisciplinary collaboration.
3. Student-Run Model Governments
Challenge your social studies class to create their own model government. This activity encourages students to discuss their values, interests, and concerns while designing a government structure inspired by historical examples. They will learn how governance functions and how it impacts societal outcomes.
As an extension, this project can tie into career exploration, offering students a glimpse into public service or political careers.
Mayflower Compact: Self-Government & Pilgrims Worksheet & Group Activity
By Social Studies with Ms Mc
Grades: 7th-12th
Subjects: Social Studies, U.S. History, World History
Standards: CCSS RH.9-10.1, 9-10.2, 11-12.1, 11-12.2
This activity immerses students in a Colonial America unit focused on the Mayflower Compact, where they create their own government and explore the values it reflects compared to the original document.
4. Group Gallery Walks and Viewing Days
Even without a physical field trip, students can participate in a gallery walk that showcases their creativity and knowledge. Students can work in groups to create artifacts or artwork related to historical topics, turning the classroom into a museum.
Group presentations can accompany these artifacts, allowing students to teach their peers about their creations, which can enhance learning for both the presenters and the audience.
Alexander the Great Activity | Ancient Greece Gallery Walk and Reading Passages
By Mr and Mrs Social Studies
Grades: 6th-9th
Subjects: Ancient History, Social Studies, World History
Standards: CCSS RH.6-8.7
This no-prep gallery walk project allows students to explore artifacts related to Alexander the Great while providing printable and digital materials for seamless implementation.
5. Walking Tours Through Historical Eras
If a time machine isn’t available, organizing walking tours can provide a hands-on exploration of historical eras. These group projects involve role-playing and creating sets that allow students to experience different time periods actively.
Consider hosting the walking tour in a larger space, inviting other classes to participate, and encouraging students to dress in period-appropriate costumes for added authenticity.
Paleolithic and Neolithic Age Revolution Activity | Stone Age Gallery Walk
By Michele Luck’s Social Studies
Grades: 6th-10th
Subjects: Ancient History, Social Studies, World History
Standards: CCSS RH-6-8.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7; RH.9-10.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7
This resource features 26 stations covering the Paleolithic and Neolithic ages, allowing students to investigate early human life and societal development through hands-on learning experiences.
6. Collaborative Social Studies Jigsaw Activities
Jigsaw activities enable students to become both learners and teachers within their groups. By creating stations with various informational resources, each student can specialize in a topic and then return to their group to share insights. These collaborative learning experiences can cover any historical era or social studies concept.
Incorporate multimedia resources and encourage students to present their findings in creative ways to enhance engagement and retention of information.
Causes of the Great Depression Group Activity and New Deal Solutions
By Stephanie’s History Store
Grades: 8th-11th
Subject: Social Studies, U.S. History, World History
This engaging group activity explores the causes of the Great Depression and connects them with solutions offered during the New Deal, providing a comprehensive understanding of this critical period in American history.
More Group Activities for High School History
Looking for additional ideas to inspire collaboration in your history lessons? Here are some tried-and-true activities and projects:
- Have students engage in history and geography-themed board games like Risk or Settlers of Catan.
- Organize scavenger hunts for historical items or landmarks within the school.
- Divide the class into teams for board races, where they answer history questions one at a time.
- Assign groups to create murals representing significant historical events or figures.
- Encourage performances such as parody songs, skits, or reenactments based on historical themes.
Tips for Leading History Group Activities
If you’re eager to implement more group activities in your high school history class, consider the following strategies to enhance engagement and learning:
- Encourage movement, whether it’s walking around the classroom or transitioning to different areas.
- Integrate skills like art, speaking, technology, and leadership into group activities.
- Allow students to take the lead, with the teacher facilitating rather than directing.
- Incorporate career exploration by discussing social studies-related career paths.
- Align activities with NCSS standards to ensure comprehensive learning objectives.
- Collaborate with other classes, such as ELA and science, for interdisciplinary projects that enhance learning across subjects.
Bring History to Life with Well-Planned Teamwork and TPT
By supplementing traditional lectures and textbooks with engaging group activities, you create memorable and impactful learning experiences for high school students studying history. These interactive assignments serve as excellent unit or year-end projects, ensuring that students develop a lasting connection to historical events. Explore more high school social studies group activities to craft an immersive educational journey for your students.
