Indiana Social Studies S.6.3

Social StudiesGrades 9–12Sociology of Groups

The Standard

Explore reasons for group formation; distinguish instrumental from expressive needs.

2026 Indiana Academic Standards: K-12 Social Studies

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students explain why people form or join groups. They tell the difference between joining to reach a goal and joining for friendship or support.
What Mastery Looks Like: Given a group, students name a reason people might join it and explain their choice. They can show how a study group might help members prepare for a test and feel connected.
Common Misconceptions: Students may assume a club is only about friendship because members socialize. They may also think a group can meet only one kind of need.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: Why might students join a robotics team? Give one practical goal and one social need the team could meet.

Lesson moves

Give pairs index cards showing six groups, then have them sort the cards on their desks into goals, belonging, or both.
Ask students to write: Why might a study group keep meeting after the test is over?
Read short group scenarios aloud, and have students hold up goal, belonging, or both cards and explain one choice.
Have students choose a school club flyer and write one goal members share and one social need the club might meet.

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A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to S.6.3, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

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