Social Studies

3rd Grade Social Studies

Big Ideas

This list shows a broad overview of topics that will be addressed in each cluster.

Cluster 1:

Big Idea: Community and Freedom

1.   Reasons communities are formed

2..     How individuals have changed communities over time

3.       Declaration of Independence

4.       Constitution

5.       Preamble

6.       Freedom Week

7.       Bill of Rights

Cluster 2:

Big Idea: Civics and Government-

1.      Structure of government

2.      Characteristics of good citizenship and civic responsibilities

3.      Heroes and heroic deeds

Cluster 3:

Big Idea:  Geography-

1.       Landforms, natural resources, and natural hazards

2.       Adapting to or modifying environment

3.       Map skills

Cluster 4:

Big Idea: Culture

1.       Ethnic and cultural celebrations

Cluster 5:

Big Idea:  Economics

1.    Earning, saving, spending, donating

2.     Goods and services

3.     Supply and demand

4.   Scarcity

Cluster 6:

Big Idea:  History of scientific breakthroughs