Social Studies Lesson Plans

Social Studies Basketball

"My students really enjoy reviewing for a social studies test by playing this game. A basket is placed against the wall. Pieces of tape are then put on the floor, starting close to the basket and then going further back. A point value is placed on each piece of tape such as 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 100. The class is divided into two teams. I then ask a review question to a member of one of the teams. If the student answers correctly, that student gets to shoot the ball into the basket. If the ball goes into the basket, the scorekeeper puts the total on the board. I then alternate sides until all students have had a chance to answer a question. The side with the highest score at the end of the game wins. At the conclusion of the game, I give both sides a reward. The students love this game not only because they are reviewing for a test, but because they're having fun!"
Submitted by: Gary Deurlein deurleing@perry-lake.k12.oh.us , a fifth grade teacher at Perry Middle School in Perry, Ohio. This tip was published in the NEA's Weekly Tip Newsletter.