Social Studies

GEOGRAPHY

Summary and Rationale           

Physical geography, human geography, and the human environment interact to influence or determine the development of cultures, societies, and nations. In this unit, students will recognize the different elements of a community and the role our homes play in the community. They will learn about rural, suburban, and urban communities. Students will explore the key components of a map and be able to describe geographical elements such as lakes, mountains, plains, oceans, deserts, valleys, rivers, and islands.

ECONOMICS

Summary and Rationale   

Individuals, groups, and societies apply economic reasoning to make difficult choices about scarce resources. These decisions have consequences for individuals, groups, and societies. Scientific and technological developments over the course of history changed the way people live and economies and governments function. In this unit, students will match different types of food, clothing, and shelter with their sources in the environment. They will learn how goods are made and brought to us. Students will learn the steps in the production of goods. They will learn how goods are brought to consumers. Students will demonstrate understanding of service jobs and inspire learning about each service job. They will decide how to spend their money based on the costs and benefits of each choice.

HISTORY

Summary and Rationale       

Our interpretations of past events inform our understanding of cause and effect, continuity and change, and influences our beliefs and decisions about current public policy issues. The study of multiple perspectives, belief systems, and cultures provides a context for understanding and challenging public actions and decisions in a diverse and interdependent world. In this unit, students will learn about Native American culture and discover the similarities and differences between the groups. They will learn about different countries and their immigrant population's history in the United States. Students will understand how communities differ and how they change over time. They will analyze historical images from long ago through today and arrange the images along a timeline.

CIVICS

Summary and Rationale

Citizens, civic ideals, and government institutions interact to balance the needs of individuals and the common good. Economic, political, and cultural decisions promote or prevent the growth of personal freedom, individual responsibility, equality, and respect for human dignity. In this unit, students will discover problems from the past and learn how courageous leaders took action to help their communities. They will categorize types of actions community leaders can take to help communities in need. Students will determine the characteristics of a good citizen. They will compare communities by gathering information on each one.