FTCE Social Science 6-12 study plan
FTCE Social Science 6-12 · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Geography
Define and give one real-world example for each of the five themes of geography
Locate on a blank world map all continents, major oceans, and 20 assigned countries
Explain how latitude, longitude, and time zones determine location
Distinguish among map projections and identify the distortions each produces
Your checkpoint
Completed blank-map assessment (continents, oceans, 20 countries) scored at 90% or higher, plus a one-page projection comparison table
Geography
Describe how physical processes (plate tectonics, erosion, climate) shape regional landscapes
Compare push and pull factors driving human migration with two historical and two modern examples
Interpret population pyramids and describe demographic transition stages
Explain how urbanization and resource distribution affect regional economies
Your checkpoint
Written response (500 words) analyzing a provided population pyramid and migration scenario, checked against a self-made rubric
Economics
Define scarcity, opportunity cost, and the factors of production with examples
Graph and shift supply and demand curves, labeling equilibrium changes
Distinguish among market, command, and mixed economic systems
Calculate GDP, unemployment rate, and inflation from sample data sets
Your checkpoint
Set of 10 supply-and-demand graph problems solved with all shifts and new equilibria labeled correctly
Economics & Political Science
Explain the functions of money and the role of the Federal Reserve
Differentiate fiscal from monetary policy tools and their intended effects
Compare the structure and powers of the three branches of U.S. government
Trace the checks and balances among branches with a specific example for each
Your checkpoint
One-page comparison chart of fiscal vs. monetary policy plus a checks-and-balances matrix, both completed from memory
Political Science
Summarize the content and significance of the Bill of Rights and key amendments
Explain federalism and classify powers as delegated, reserved, or concurrent
Describe the role of political parties, interest groups, and elections in U.S. politics
Outline the steps of the Supreme Court case process and cite two landmark decisions
Your checkpoint
Timed 25-question practice set on U.S. government scored at 80% or higher, with missed items corrected in writing
World History
Sequence major world civilizations and empires on a timeline from antiquity to 1500 CE
Compare the political and religious features of at least four major world religions
Explain causes and consequences of the Industrial Revolution and European imperialism
Identify causes of the World Wars and the Cold War with one primary consequence each
Your checkpoint
Completed annotated timeline (20+ events) covering 3000 BCE to 1991 CE with cause-and-effect notes
U.S. History
Sequence key eras of U.S. history from colonization through Reconstruction
Explain constitutional compromises and the causes of the Civil War
Describe major reforms of the Progressive Era and the New Deal with their effects
Analyze causes and outcomes of U.S. involvement in the World Wars and the Cold War
Your checkpoint
Completed era-by-era study guide (8 eras) with three key facts and one significance statement per era
Geography & Economics & Political Science & World History & U.S. History
Diagnose weak domains using two full-length timed practice tests
Review and correct every missed item by domain with written explanations
Recite core vocabulary and key dates across all five domains from flashcards
Simulate test-day pacing and confirm logistics for exam day
Your checkpoint
Two full-length practice tests completed under timed conditions with a domain-by-domain error log and a final one-page review sheet
Milestones
Week 2: Score 85% or higher on a 20-question geography self-quiz covering maps, migration, and population
Week 4: Score 80% or higher on a combined 30-question economics and political science quiz
Week 6: Complete the annotated world history timeline and pass a 20-question world history quiz at 80%
Week 8: Score 80% or higher on both full-length practice tests with no single domain below 75%