Basedon the C3 Framework,withclassroom-readylessons, instructional supports, and embedded literacy strategiestohelp studentslearnhistory and civics.
Charlotte, NC (Wednesday, July8, 2026) —Today, Discovery Education releasedSocial Studies Essentials, a new K–5 supplemental program designed togive teachers ready-to-use lessons and built-in supports that reduce planning time while makingrigoroussocial studies instruction more engagingfor students.Social Studies Essentialsisnowavailablefor implementation in districts across the United States.
Backed by research and grounded in the C3 Framework,Social Studies Essentialshelps studentsinvestigate real places, people, and events across history, geography, civics, and economicsthrough compellingprimary sources, embedded multimedia, and inquiry-driven activities.Lessonsreinforce reading comprehension, vocabulary, discussion, and writing.Editableslides, pacing guidance, scaffolds, and point-of-use teacher supportsgiveeducatorstime backto focus on instruction, not lesson prep.
“Strong social studies instruction helps young learners understand their communities and see themselves as active participants in the world around them,” saidBrian Shaw, CEOofDiscovery Education. “Social Studies Essentialsmakesit possible to bringthat kind of instruction into elementary classrooms every day withengaging,ready-to-teach lessons that give teachers time back.As students head back to school after celebrating the country’s 250thanniversarythis summer,we’regiving teachers the tools to turn that curiosity intorealquestions, thoughtful inquiry, and learning that lasts.”
Discovery Education developedSocial Studies Essentialsbased on educator feedbackwith an explicit goal:tomake rigorous, inquiry-based social studies instruction moreaccessible for teachers and students.Social Studies Essentialssupportseducators at every experience level with the following features:
- Ready-to-UseLessonsand Teacher Supports: Editableslideshow lessons, pacing guidance, scaffolds, and point-of-use educatornoteshelp teachersmake the most of shortsupplemental blocks.
- Embedded Literacy in Every Social Studies Lesson: Reading comprehension, vocabulary, discussion, and writing strengthen essential literacy skills.
- Primary Sources and Inquiry-Driven Exploration: Compelling primary and secondary sources, multimedia, and inquiry-based activities inspire students to explore history, civics, geography, and economicsthrough discussion, writing, and hands-on learning.
- Differentiation and Assessment:Integrated scaffolds, checks for understanding, performance tasks, and reflection opportunities help educatorsmonitorprogressandadjust instructiontosupportsuccess ingrade-level social studies for all learners.
Educators can downloadfree classroom resources to commemorate the U.S.’s 250thanniversary, including sampleSocial Studies Essentialslessons.Social Studies Essentialsis available now for the 2026–2027 school year.
To learn more, visitwww.discoveryeducation.com/solutions/social-studies/essentials/.
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About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is a global education technology leader whose innovative solutions empower educators and progress student learning. Discovery Education’s solutions have served more than 100 million students globally, supporting effective teaching and learning in 45% of U.S. K–12 schools and in 100+ countries and territories. The company’s portfolio includes award-winning core and supplemental curriculum, high-quality standards-aligned content, and AI-enabled teaching and learning tools. Solutions span math, science, literacy, social studies, and career-connected learning, including instructionally aligned content developed through one-of-a-kind partnerships with industry leaders to bring real-world relevance into every lesson. Learn more atwww.discoveryeducation.com.
Contact
Ali Koper
Discovery Education
akoper@discoveryed.com
