The increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in daily life has led to the emergence of numerous skill sets associated with AI. AI literacy, which is becoming an important citizenship competence, has become a skill that has gained importance in recent years. It is thought that the aim of social studies to prepare students as active citizens of today and the future has made AI literacy a direct subject of social studies education. However, the literature on the relationship between social studies and AI literacy is still scarce. This study aims to explore the relationship between social studies and AI literacy and to discuss the potential role of social studies in teaching AI literacy. In this direction, the concept of AI is defined, and the teaching of AI literacy in education is examined; the teaching of this literacy within the scope of social studies is discussed, and an example of a hands-on activity-supported lesson plan, which can be used in social studies classes, is presented. This study is important in terms of pointing out the potential role of social studies in AI literacy teaching.