Curriculum Framework



The GCCS curriculum is organized around six historical time periods. We study the six time periods in a two-year loop, focusing on three time periods each year. All classes investigate the same time period at the same time, with content and projects becoming increasingly more sophisticated and complex as children move through the grades.

The curriculum framework provides a structure for the social studies and science content of our program. Each historical time period contains a number of "topics of investigation" which guide teachers in their expedition planning. All topics have been aligned with the New York State Learning Standards in Social Studies, Science, Technology, and Career Development.

Teachers use the framework and the standards alignment to plan each 12-week learning expedition. They design guiding questions, learning targets, final products, and assessments, then create learning activities and select fieldwork and guest experts to help them achieve their goals.

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