3rd Grade Social Studies Standards

Introduction

The goal of social studies education is for children to develop thinking and decision-making skills that prepare them for responsible citizenship in a democratic society. Third graders continue to work toward this goal by applying the concept of community globally, understanding the impact of interaction between groups within the continent of Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania (Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia). Students explain the basic purposes and functions of differing governing bodies in the world while comparing how diverse societies govern themselves. Students illustrate the relationship between supply and demand and describe examples of economic interdependence. Students explain how the cultural aspects of a region spread beyond its borders and how culture influences how people modify and adapt to their environments. Students compare diverse world communities in terms of members, customs and traditions to their local community while explaining how world events impact Kentucky. Students also investigate how communities work together while acknowledging the different perspectives of diverse groups in today’s world.

Key Vocabulary

May include, but is not limited to: benefit, chronological, contributions, culture, customs and traditions, demand, diverse, economic interdependence, governing bodies, immigrant, incentives, influence, law, multicultural, opportunity costs, property, region, representations, rule, supply

Looking Back, Looking Ahead: Connections Grade 2 and 4

In grade 2, students apply their understanding of local and state communities to how communities work together throughout North America (Canada, Mexico and the U.S). In grade 3, students apply the concept of the community globally, understanding the impact of interaction between groups within the continent of Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania (Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia). In grade 4, students use this knowledge to examine the reasons why and how people move from one place to another through migration and settlement of Colonial America.