- It is expected that students in the primary grades will establish a fundamental understanding of geography and the use of maps and globes.
- It is expected that elementary school students will examine the connections between local, regional, national, and global geography.
- It is expected that elementary school students will explore history, geography, civics, and economics through multiple perspectives and viewpoints.
- It is expected that elementary students will use a variety of sources to engage in activities that promote the development of research, reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills as part of the inquiry cycle.
- It is expected that elementary students will explore principles of democracy and methods of participation in society.
Perspectives and Diversity in our World
- Analyze the ways in which our school and community are diverse.
- Examine how different forms of cultural expression are used to influence and change society, including art, literature, music, film, dance, and other forms of fine and performing arts.
- Explore the different roles played by members of the community.
Democratic Principles and Values
- Identify key American democratic principles and values such as liberty, freedom, justice, and equality.
- Explore how American democratic principles and values influence how and why people make a difference in society.
Using Evidence to Learn About the Past
- Identify different types of sources of information about individuals and groups who made a difference in society.
- Identify the author of a source and the potential biases of the author.
- Compare and contrast conflicting sources and use these sources to draw conclusions.
Connecting the Past and Today
- Explore connections between the actions of people and groups in the past and the possible influence on today.
- Analyze how the types of actions of people and groups in the past are similar to, and different from, actions taken today.
People and groups who make a difference in society
- Identify how the beliefs and actions of people and groups have made a difference through their commitment to the democratic values of equality, justice, individual rights, and the common good.
- Explore the different methods used by individuals and groups to address problems in school (e.g., join clubs, vote, communicate with peers, present at meetings) and in the community (e.g., vote, write letters, march, join organizations, donate money, teach, protest).
Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens in Society
- Examine the lives of people who have promoted the common good including issues of equality, justice, and the rights of the individual.
- Explore different ways students can make a difference in their community.
How and what we remember about the past
- Distinguish between past, present, and future time.
- Analyze why we remember some individuals and groups in the past and not others.
- Identify different types of sources of information about individuals and groups who made a difference is society.
- Identify monuments and memorials that honor individuals and groups who have made a difference in society and examine how monuments and memorials tell a story.
- Identify federal holidays and explore why these holidays are celebrated and who they are intended to honor.
- Analyze how people and groups in the present are influenced by the actions and beliefs of people and groups in the past.