Indiana Social Studies USH.7.2
The Standard
Describe developing trends in science, media, and technology (especially social media, the Internet, and computing), and explain how they impact the lives of Americans and the democratic processes.
2026 Indiana Academic Standards: K-12 Social Studies · Students are expected to trace and analyze chronological periods and examine the significant themes and concepts in U.S. History. Students develop historical thinking and research skills using primary and secondary sources to explore topical issues to understand the cause for changes in the nation over time.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students trace changes in science, computing, the Internet, and social media since 1980. They use dated sources to explain effects on daily life and on how Americans get election news, discuss public issues, and organize.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can place personal computers, the public Internet, and social media in order. They can use evidence to explain how a development such as DNA testing changed daily life, and how online media changed campaigns, including a benefit and a risk.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may treat the Internet and social media as the same thing, or assume everyone gained access at once. They may think election claims are checked before they are posted online. Some see technology as only helpful or only harmful to democracy.
How to Assess It
- Show a 1996 web page screenshot and a 2020 campaign post. Ask students to name one change in how voters get information, one benefit, and one risk, using a detail from each source.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Build a paper timeline with a 1984 computer ad, 1995 web page, 2008 campaign post, and 2021 vaccine notice; annotate daily-life changes.
Compare a 1984 TV campaign ad with a 2020 campaign post: Who controls each message, and how can voters respond?
Match cards for DNA testing, home computers, social media, and mRNA vaccines to cards showing criminal cases, homework, campaigns, and health.
Check a local election office's registration page against a fictional post saying 'Registration closes tomorrow'; explain which date you can verify.
Free download
Printable USH.7.2 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to USH.7.2, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
Download the worksheetKeep exploring
Related Standards
- S.2.9
Discuss how innovations in science and technology affect social interaction and culture.
- USH.6.8
Describe developing trends in science and technology, and explain how they impacted the lives of Americans during the period 1945 to 1980.
- IS.1.31
Describe developing trends in science and technology and explain how they impact the lives of Hoosiers today.
- USG.3.14
Describe the influence of the media and technology on public opinion and public policy.
Turn this exact standard into a lesson
Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.
Also for this standard:Make a WorksheetMake a QuizMake a Sub Lesson