Social Studies
Social Studies
As outlined by the New York State Social Studies Framework, “My Community and Other Communities” is organized around five social studies themes —Individual Development and Cultural Identity; Civic Ideals and Practices; Geography, Humans, and the Environment; Time, Continuity, and Change; and Economic Systems.
Students study their local community and learn about characteristics that define urban, suburban, and rural communities. Democratic principles and participation in government are introduced. Interaction with the environment and changes to the environment and their effects are examined. The concept of change over time and examining cause and effect are introduced. Students will examine the availability of resources and the interdependence within and across communities.
Second Grade Social Studies Curriculum
Learn more about the New York State K-12 Social Studies Framework here.
My Community and Other United States Communities
Active Citizenship
In this unit, students will learn that responsible citizens show support for their country and community by being patriotic and helping others. They will also learn that citizens of a country have responsibilities. These include obeying laws, voting, and paying taxes.
Economics
In this unit, students will explore the availability of resources to meet needs and wants can vary across individuals, groups, businesses, and communities. They will learn that people make decisions to buy, sell, and use money based on their needs, wants, and the availability of resources. Additionally, they will learn that scarcity, the price of goods and services, and choice all influence economic decisions made by individuals, businesses, and communities. Lastly, students will learn that a community requires the interdependence of many people performing a variety of jobs and services to provide for needs and wants.
Rural, Urban, & Suburban
In this unit, learners will explore and learn that rural, urban, and suburban communities have distinct characteristics but they also share many similarities.
Geography of Communities
In this unit, learners will explore how geography influences the lifestyles of different communities. They will also learn how maps help people understand the geography of their surroundings. Lastly, they will develop map skills that help individuals to read maps.
Home-School Connection
