Social Studies
Social Studies Curriculum
According to the National Council for the Social Studies, the primary purpose of social studies is to help young people make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world.
Curriculum
The social studies curriculum in Plano ISD is aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards set by the Texas Education Agency. The link below provides more information on the standards appropriate for your student.
Resource Links for At-Home Learning or Studying for Assessments
SAVVAS Online Textbook (Students Must log in through Webdesk first)
Google Classroom (Students must log in through Webdesk first) - all posted activities and slideshows
Discovery Education (The student must be logged in through Webdesk first) - great readings and videos about related content
Unit 1 - Geography of the United States
UNDERSTANDINGS
Students will understand that …
U1 Maps tell a story.
U2 The past affects the present.
U3 Where people live influences them, the land, and their culture.
Students will know …
K1 geographic factors influence settlement patterns and economic activities.
K2 our national identity is influenced by symbols, customs, and celebrations.
Unit 2 - Exploration and Colonization
UNDERSTANDINGS
Students will understand that …
U1 A diversity of viewpoints influences change.
U2 Where people live influences them, the land, and their culture.
U3 Individuals make a difference
U4 Political, economic, and social differences can lead to conflict.
Students will know …
K1 the Founding Fathers and Patriot heroes made significant contributions during the revolutionary period.
K2 geographic factors influence settlement patterns.
K3 industry develops in regions where human and natural resources are available.
K4 the arts are influenced by the time during which they were created.
Unit 3 - American Revolution
UNDERSTANDINGS
Students will understand that …
U1 A diversity of viewpoints influences change.
U2 Government reflects the changing needs of the people.
U3 Political, economic, and social differences can lead to conflict.
U4 The past affects the present.
U5 A democratic society is based on individual rights, freedoms, and responsibilities.
Students will know …
K1 conflict between the American colonies and Great Britain led to the American Revolution and American independence from Great Britain.
K2 the Declaration of Independence declared the United States as an independent nation and it summarized the reasons the U.S. was seeking independence.
K3 the Articles of Confederation was the United States’ first plan of government, but due to its weaknesses delegates worked to write the U.S. Constitution, a written plan for our government.
K4 the U.S. Constitution set up a government with three branches, dividing power among the branches so that each branch of government would balance the power of the others.
Unit 4 - Expansion and Disunion
UNDERSTANDINGS
Students will understand that …
U1 Where people live affects how they live.
U2 A diversity of viewpoints influences change.
U3 Political, economic, and social differences can lead to conflict.
U4 Government reflects the changing needs of the people.
Students will know …
K1 people moved west due to many factors including Manifest Destiny and the Louisiana Purchase.
K2 the Civil War had many causes including sectionalism, states’ rights, and slavery and many effects including Reconstruction and the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments.
K3 American Indian groups in the United States endured many challenges and contributed to American expansion.
K4 Reconstruction caused significant changes in the United States.
K5 geographic factors influence settlement patterns.
K6 The “Star-Spangled Banner,” our national anthem, was a poem written by Francis Scott Key to tell about the battle at Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.
Unit 5 - Industrialization and Urbanization
UNDERSTANDINGS
Students will understand that …
U1 Innovation changes the way people live.
U2 Where people live affects how they live.
U3 Managing financial resources effectively can influence financial security.
Students will know …
K1 industry and the mechanization of agriculture improved American circumstances.
K2 the challenges, opportunities, and contributions of people from various immigrant groups altered the American way of life.
K3 technological advancements benefited the United States by increasing accessibility to information and resources.
K4 the Statue of Liberty is a significant landmark for United States immigrants.
Unit 6 - 20th century
UNDERSTANDINGS
Students will understand that …
U1 Culture shapes society.
U2 A democratic society is based on individual rights, freedoms, and responsibilities.
U3 Political, economic, and social differences can lead to conflict.
U4 Individuals make a difference.
Students will know …
K1 the accomplishments of individuals and groups of the 20th and 21st centuries have made contributions to society in the areas of civil rights, women's rights, military actions, and politics.
the challenges, opportunities, and contributions of various American Indian and immigrant groups impacted our lives today.
K2 scientific discoveries, technological innovations, and the rapid growth of technology industries have advanced the economic development of the U.S.
K3 scientific discoveries and technological innovations in the fields of medicine, communication, and transportation have benefited the United States.