Welcome to Social Studies

Click on the blue headings below to explore Social Studies information. 

Social Studies Overview

The Utah Legislature affirms that a strong understanding of American history and government is essential to fostering informed, responsible citizenship. Because public schools play a central role in nurturing this understanding, students are to be taught—through an integrated curriculum—key civic and character principles including honesty, integrity, morality, civility, duty, honor, service, and obedience to law.

They are also to develop respect for and understanding of the Declaration of Independence and the United States and Utah Constitutions; gain perspective on the United States' unique form of government—a compound constitutional republic—by contrasting it with other political and economic systems; deepen their knowledge of Utah’s history from its earliest periods to the present; recognize the value of the free enterprise system; and cultivate appreciation for parents, home, family, and the dignity of honest labor. These qualities support the development of character and prepare students to uphold and defend the liberties passed down through generations.

Civic and character education are foundational to the mission of Utah’s public education system, as established under Article X of the Utah Constitution. A sustained focus on these principles helps cultivate an appreciation for representative democracy and the responsibilities of citizenship in a constitutional republic. While parents hold the primary responsibility for the education of their children, the state and local education systems exist to support and assist them in this vital task. Public schools therefore play an essential role in preparing future generations to be informed, engaged citizens who value democratic institutions and are committed to preserving the rights and freedoms that define our nation and state.

Social Studies K-6 Resource Button

K-6 Social Studies Resources

Standards aligned lesson plans organized by grade, month, and strand for grades K-6. 

Access the K-6 Resources

Note: Lessons are temporarily housed in Google Drive for easy access while migrating to eMedia for long term hosting. Please contact Social Studies Specialist JoAnna.Sorenson@schools.utah.gov for any access or content questions. 

America 250

On July 4, 2026, Utahns will join the rest of the nation to commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Communities will come together to reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look toward the future. Educational resources were created as part of the America250 Utah project and focuses on sparking deeper awareness and understanding of the history, values, and democratic processes that shape our nation.

America250 eMedia Hub America250 Writing Contest Utah America250 Website
eMedia America250 Hub Writing Contest Utah's America250 Website

 

Utah Core Standards

The Utah Standards for Social Studies reflect the content, concepts, and skills considered essential for all students.

Update: Graduation Requirements and the new American Constitutional Government and Citizenship FAQ

Social Studies Elementary Standards Pk-6

Elementary Social Studies Standards: Grades Pk-6

Elementary Standards are designed to address History, Geography, Civics, and Economics at every grade level. Vertical alignment shows how each topic is addressed throughout each grade.

K-6 Vertical Alignment of Strands

K-6 Vertical Alignment by Dispositions

K-6 Vertical Alignment by Content, Topic, or Theme

Content Integration resources show how elementary educators might integrate social studies standards across topic areas. 

Secondary Social Studies Standards

Secondary Social Studies Standards: Grades 7-12

United States Government and Citizenship

United States History I

United States History II

Utah Studies

World Geography

World History
 

Additional Courses

Anthropology

While Anthropology is not a core requirement for High School graduation it is often taught as an elective course in Utah. Course outlines created by teachers will often refer to national standards.

Economics

While Economics is not a core requirement for High School graduation, it is often taught as an elective course in Utah. Course descriptions created by teachers will often follow national standards.

Psychology

While Psychology is not a core requirement for High School graduation it is often taught as an elective course in Utah. Course descriptions created by teachers will often follow national standards.

National Standards for High School Psychology Curricula American Psychology Association

Sociology

While Sociology is not a core requirement for High School graduation it is often taught as an elective course in Utah. Course descriptions created by teachers will often follow national standards.

Educator Endorsements

There are nine separate social studies endorsements. For information on endorsement options and requirements, please refer to the following: 


Online Endorsement Courses

These courses are not the only courses that can meet the Social Studies Endorsement requirements, but they are one option that may meet endorsement candidate needs. Other courses will be added as information is available. News about available courses and how to access them will be included on this webpage and in the Social Studies Teacher ListServ.

Southwest Educational Development Center(SEDC) and Central Utah Educational Services(CUES) in partnership with Southern Utah University(SUU) is sponsoring the courses for the Social Studies Composite & History endorsements.  These courses are asynchronous, online and self directed, each course does need to be completed within the semester of enrollment (ex. If enrolled in the Summer semester, the course must be completed at the conclusion of Summer semester) Please direct questions to Andy Peterson at andy@mycues.org

Summer Semester 2026 - May 6 to August 7, 2026
For courses planned in future semesters, visit Social Studies Endorsements on MyCues.org.
Summer 2026 Enrollment Link

Course Name
Instructor

EDPD 5160: U.S. History 1

Significant events, individuals, and historical patterns from the pre-history of the North American continent to the U.S. Civil War/Reconstruction.

Joe B. Wright

EDPD 5120: World History 1

Significant events, individuals, and historical patterns in world history from pre-history to 1500 B.C.E.

Brandon Harrison

EDPD 5200: Physical Geography

The study of Earth’s seasons, climate, atmosphere, soil, streams, landforms, and oceans. Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS) and the uses of GIS as a tool for displaying and analyzing data related to positions on Earth’s surface.

James Steimle

EDPD 5220: U.S. National Government (Civics)

A familiarity with the major institutions and processes of American government and politics.

Eric Peterson

EDPD 5240 Economics 1

Brent Strate

EDPD 5250: Introduction to Psychology

Sheryl Vernon

 

Courses being offered by others:

Course Name
Institution and Dates

Topaz and the Japanese American Incarceration
This is a two (2) credit, eight (8) week online course specifically designed for elementary and secondary teachers who desire to learn more about the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.

Utah Historical Society

January 23, 2026-March 26, 2026

Limit 30 participants

Women in Utah History
This is a three (3) credit, twelve (12) week online course designed to provide an overview of themes, events, and key players in Utah women's history. Together, we will explore the varied ways women shaped Utah history as well as how themes and events in Utah history impacted the lives of women who lived here. Looking historically at their ideas and experiences, we will discover that women have been outlaws, debutantes, peacemakers, pioneers, and so much more in Utah history. We will draw from research in US women's history to discuss where Utah women historically fit within national narratives and trends, and where they did not.

Utah Historical Society

September 3, 2026-December 3, 2026

Limit 30 participants

Registration opens July 27, 2026

 

Resources

Social Studies K-6 Resource Button

K-6 Social Studies Resources

Standards aligned lesson plans organized by grade, month, and strand for grades K-6. 

Access the K-6 Resources

Note: Lessons are temporarily housed in Google Drive for easy access while migrating to eMedia for long term hosting. Please contact Social Studies Specialist JoAnna.Sorenson@schools.utah.gov for any access or content questions. 

Programs

Educators may bring students to the Capitol during the legislative session, or anytime during the school year to join in a docent led tour, or a self-guided tour and request for reimbursement of transportation costs. Requests for reimbursement can be submitted to the Capitol Preservation Board.

Field Trip Funding
To submit a request. Requests will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Schedule a Tour
Guided, self-guided, and virtual tour options available.

The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is an opportunity for student leaders to have direct contact with the highest-level elected and appointed officials in the nation. Sponsored by the Senate and funded and administered by The Hearst Foundations since 1962, the USSYP mission is to encourage the best and brightest students in America's high schools to pursue careers in public service.

Two student leaders from each state will spend a week in Washington experiencing their national government in action. All transportation, hotel and meal expenses will be provided by The Hearst Foundations. In addition, each delegate will also be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate studies, with encouragement to pursue coursework in history and political science.

High school juniors and seniors may qualify to apply through leadership positions they hold, per the USSYP official criteria, for the current academic year. All student leadership qualifying positions are subject to the judgement of the state selection administrator and will be verified and confirmed.

The application process begins each fall. To apply, students must be nominated by their school. Interested students should contact their school counselor or school administrator directly. Each Utah high school is invited and encouraged to nominate two exceptional high school juniors or seniors serving in an elected or appointed position with a strong interest in government and history. We will accept JROTC students who hold officer-level leadership positions within their cadet corps for the entire academic year as qualified to apply to the USSYP. These leadership positions, often called Cadet Corps Commanders, will be allowed as qualifying leadership positions for USSYP. Serving as a general JROTC cadet alone will NOT qualify.

Nominations for the 2025-2026 school year closed September 12, 2025.

Thursday, August 7, 2025
School nominations open.

Friday, September 12, 2025
School nominations due to the USBE (two per school).

Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Nominated students will receive an email from USBE with further instructions for applying.
Note: We will no longer require a portfolio.

Friday, September 26, 2025
Student applications due to USBE

Thursday, October 23, 2025
Student nominees will meet with judges to vie for a $10,000 scholarship and an invitation to participate in Washington Week

Saturday, March 7, 2026 – Saturday, March 14, 2026
Washington Week in Washington, D.C.

 

Contact

Meghan Everette
Secondary Social Studies Specialist (Interim)
Director of Teaching and Learning
Phone: (801) 538-7739 | Email

JoAnna Sorensen
Elementary Social Studies Specialist
Phone: (801) 538-7534 | Email

Brenda McMurtrey
Executive Secretary
Phone: (801) 538-7891 | Email 

ListServ

The Utah State Board of Education (USBE), in collaboration with the Utah Education Network (UEN), has created a Social Studies Teacher ListServ for all social studies professionals across the state. Subscribe to stay up to date on social studies resources and professional learning opportunities.