social studies
Grade 3
Overview
This year, students will learn that culture is a set of learned behaviors that is passed down from generation to generation. It is not innate, and can change over time. Each culture has developed their own ways providing for the needs and wants of its members. Any aspect of culture that has remained the same for many generations can be considered a tradition. Students will learn about their own values and cultural background and through that research, learn that every global citizen has rights, regardless of where they live. Students will act as global ambassadors as they encourage others to learn about and take action for other cultures outside their own worlds.
Unit 1
Geography & Cultural Universals
Students will learn that culture is a set of learned behaviors that is passed down from generation to generation. Each culture has developed their own ways of providing for the needs and wants of its members. Learners will focus their critical attention to cultural universals, a common set of characteristics that span all cultures. Examples of cultural universals include food, clothing, shelter, government, transportation and, but not limited to, education. Learners will use information and communication technology to support their global awareness and competency throughout this unit.
Integrated Research Unit
Curiosity, Culture and Research
The most essential trait for all social scientists, readers, writers, and researchers is curiosity. In this unit, students will explore their curiosities about other people and the world through authentic and meaningful research. In doing so, students will define culture, ask questions about culture, and explore how cultures are fluid and ever changing. Through their research, students will be able to explain what they have learned through their inquiry, research, and synthesis.
Unit 2
Global Citizenship
Learners will connect their essential background knowledge with culture and apply that to the global citizenship unit. A global citizen is a member of the world with rights and responsibilities to those we are connected with throughout the globe. As a global citizen, learners will demonstrate their responsibility to care about issues of global significance as they explore how people live differently all over the world.