2nd Grade Social Studies

Describe historical figures and compare their lives today (Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Lewis  and Clark, Sacajawea, Theodore Roosevelt, George Washington Carver, Ruby Bridges).

Describe how historical figures are influenced by time and place.

Identify and locate the student’s city, county, state, nation, country, and continent on a simple map or a globe.

Locate topographical features of the earth’s surface (continents, oceans, landforms).

Use a compass rose to identify cardinal and intermediate directions.

Describe positive character traits of historical figures.

Explain patriotism.

Identify goods and services.

Explain scarcity.

Describe how people are both producers and consumers.

Explain that people earn income by working and must make choices about spending and saving.

Interview an older family member or friend to find out what life was like when they were a child. Write a summary to compare and contrast your lives.  Click HERE for sample questions, or make up your own.

Read a book about one of the historical figures. (Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Lewis  and Clark, Sacajawea, Theodore Roosevelt, George Washington Carver, Ruby Bridges) Write about how they helped the United States grow. How did their contributions change the United States?

Create a chart identifying your continent, country, state, county, and city. 

Research mountains, deserts, valleys, and coasts. Create a chart that describes each landform, draw a picture, or create a model of each type.

Listen to these songs: Our Planet, Continents Song, Oceans Song

Practice identifying the continents and oceans of the world with the MAP GAME

Write about how you celebrate Independence Day and what it means to be a patriot. Listen to “The Star Spangled Banner,” “My Country Tis of Thee,” and “America the Beautiful.”

Throughout the week, make a chart to identify the different goods and services your family uses. 

Complete this Back to School Shopping Activity. 

As you are shopping, online or in-store, discuss why you are selecting certain items and not others. Let your child help you decide what to buy based on cost, quality, or availability.

Watch these videos on; The History of Money, Scarcity, Goods and Services, Saving, Spending, and Sharing.