The instructional objectives for each grade level are organized under six strands. The strands are drawn from and highlight the key elements about the purpose of the social studies program as expressed in the philosophy. The strands also provide the contexts in which the goals can be achieved. Learning experiences under each of the strands provide opportunities to engage learners in activities which explore topics. These explorations Will facilitate the attainment of the program's goals. Finally, the strands provide the guide posts to direct the perspectives of the various disciplines contributing to the social studies. These disciplines provide the content basis for examining instructional objectives under each strand.

The American Heritage strand refers to those aspects of the past that help to make the American people unique among the peoples of the world while at the same time recognizing what we hold in common with other people. What is it that makes us Americans? What common experiences, traditions, and habits do we share? How have we been shaped by the geography of the United States and by its political and economic systems? How have we been influenced by other cultures?

The People in Societies strand recognizes that the United States and the world encompass many different racial, ethnic, and religious groups. It also recognizes that factors such as gender and class provide people with different perspectives on issues. In the United States, all of these groups live together in one society. How do we come to appreciate the contributions of each other? How do we learn to work together for the common good?

The United States has never been completely isolated from the rest of the world, but its interactions with other nations have increased dramatically in recent decades. Economic, cultural, and intellectual contacts as well as political contacts are made daily through activities such as financing, tourism, reporting, and diplomacy. Some contacts may be intentional, such as cultural exchanges, and others may be unintended, such as the spread of disease. The World Interactions strand explores the links people make around the world as they attempt to address common problems. How do activities here create or reflect contacts with the rest of the world? How do we respond to the challenges of acting in an interdependent world?

The Decision Making and Resources strand focuses on decisions individuals and societies make in addressing wants. What are potential resources and where are they to be found? How are resources utilized and transformed to satisfy wants? What constraints or directions exist when making decisions?

As Americans, we celebrate the fact that we live in a democratic society. But what does that mean? The Democratic Processes strand examines the principles of democracy and explores the extent to which governments reflect those principles. What are the purposes of government? How should a democratic government strive to accomplish those ends? How well do the practicalities of governing in the United States reflect the challenges of democratic rule?

Finally, the strand of Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities provides a context for examining and engaging in those activities that are part of an adult's public life. How do we work together to accomplish common ends? How can an individual be more effective in a public setting? Why is one's involvement in public affairs important in a democratic society?

The instructional objectives often transcend the particular strand under which they are listed. There are connections between all of the strands and they are all integral to a complete social studies program. Weaving the strands together and showing the connections that exist will enable students to develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world.