Goals
- 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.
Cultural Diversity and a Connecticut State Identity
- Analyze various sources to identify symbols, slogans, and mottos that represent Connecticut.
- What is Connecticut’s state identity and in what ways is that identity inclusive of all residents?
- How have various groups contributed to Connecticut’s identity?
The Impact of Science, Technology, and Innovation on the Development of Connecticut Towns and the
State
- How have science, technology, and innovation affected the development of towns and cities in Connecticut (aerospace, insurance, manufacturing, etc.)?
Patterns and causes of population development in Connecticut towns and cities
- In what ways has our town and Connecticut changed and/or stayed the same over time?
The Influence of Geography on the Social, Political, and Economic Development of Connecticut Towns and the State
- How does the geography of Connecticut affect the social, political, and economic development in local communities?
- In what ways do the rivers in Connecticut influence economic development?
- Why is your town/city/state shaped the way it is?
Using Evidence to Learn About the Past
- Evaluate the reliability of different types of sources of information about state and local history (written documents, photos, online, newspapers, film, museums, fiction, music, art).
- Compare and contrast conflicting sources and use these sources to draw conclusions about state and local history.
The Indigenous Peoples of Connecticut
- What are the histories of the towns, landmarks, and geographical features that are named after indigenous peoples in Connecticut?
- How have indigenous peoples affected the history and culture of Connecticut?
- How were indigenous peoples in Connecticut similar to indigenous peoples in surrounding regions? How were they similar?
The Impact of Geography on Population Patterns and Economic Development
- Identify how various groups and industry controlled the use of land and resources in Connecticut and/or your local town.
- How did various groups use the rivers and other geographic features in Connecticut to develop communities and economic systems?
- How has geography affected the growth and development of your own town and of Connecticut in general? Overall, have geographic factors aided or hindered economic growth in Connecticut and in your town?
The Structure and Function of State and Local Government
- Identify key features and structures of government in the state of Connecticut and in your town. In your town, who makes the important decisions concerning community and educational issues?
- How can citizens affect decisions made by state and local officials?
The Role of Local Towns and Connecticut in the United States (American Revolution, Industrial Revolution, immigration, Civil War, Westward Expansion, etc.)
- What was the significance of Connecticut’s contribution to America’s story? Are there specific events and/or periods in America’s history where Connecticut played a major role?
- Analyze how your local community has contributed to Connecticut’s story, past and present. Are there specific events and/or periods in Connecticut’s history where your town played a major role?
- What historical monuments and memorials exist in your town? Why were the events and individuals that these monuments and memorials were created for significant for your community?