Social Studies

3rd Grade Social Studies

Curriculum

Course Title: Social Studies

Department: Social Studies

Primary Resources:

· Social Studies Alive! My Community and Beyond (Teacher’s Curriculum Institute)

· Studies Weekly

Units of Study:

· Topic 1: Civics and Citizenship- Our Community, American Levels of Government

· Topic 2: Geography – The Earth, Map Reading Skills & Interactions with the Environment

· Topic 3: History- Contributions of people who helped build America.

· Topic 4: Cultures- Seasons and Celebrations

· Topic 5: Economics- Wants and Needs, Distribution of Goods and Services in Money Economy

Curriculum-Based Assessments: N/A

Standardized Assessments: N/A

Description of Course: Third grade social studies is taught throughout the year. In Civics and Citizenship, the importance of rule following and cooperation in school, home and community is emphasized. To better understand the nature of American federalism, students learn about the services provided by national, state, county, town and school governments. Geography expands student understanding of geographic literacy. This not only includes map reading but also understanding the interactions between humans and the environment. History focuses on contributions which helped to create American society. These include migrants, immigrants and settlers. Holidays and seasons are taught throughout the year when these lessons are appropriate. Economics lessons teach about wants and needs and also about the exchange of goods and services in a money economy.