This research aims to understand to what extent primary school pupils who stay at the Institution of Social Services and Child Protection dormitories participate in social science lessons. Data were obtained from pupils staying at the Institution of Social Services and Child Protection dormitories and attending primary schools in Istanbul and Canakkale. Thirty pupils in Istanbul and fifteen pupils in Canakkale were interviewed and observed. Qualitative research methods are used in this research. In order to analyse the data, grounded theory methodology was used. The analysis involves open, axial and selective coding processes. The research findings indicated that pupils participate in social science lessons at different levels. Pupils stated that history takes an important place in social science lessons. Therefore, using child-centred tasks will enable them to be more active in classrooms.