Social Studies Scope and Sequence/Themes

K-6

Kindergarten:

Children find out about their roles as classmates, as family members and as neighbors. Children explore how people fulfill their basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter. Children explore concepts of place and time, using their environment to expand understanding.

First Grade:

Students explore the concept of family, school and the need for rules. Students explore the concept of teamwork, cooperation, and neighborhood. Students explore the concept of cultural identity, individual goal setting, and achievement. Student identify qualities of a leader and hero, learn the importance of rainfall, and how seasonal changes affect people’s lives. Students explore concept of environmental responsibility and working for the good of all. Students explore concept of good citizenship and global relationships.

Second Grade:

Students describe rules and responsibilities at home and school. The characteristics of a community (urban, suburb, rural) as well as their role as a member of a community are explored. Students will learn how people in North America live with, and use the water and land around them. Regions of the United States and learning about Canada and Mexico are also explored. Students will learn why people work (wants and needs) and learn about the jobs people do. Students will learn about important events and famous people in United States history. Students will learn that our nation’s people come from diverse cultural backgrounds with many traditions. Students will learn about their community, state, and national government. Students will also learn about their responsibilities as citizens.

Third Grade:

Students will learn that a community is a place where people live, work, learn, and play together. A community makes rules for living together. A community celebrates special days. Students will learn that natural resources and the environment were factors in early communities. Change occurred as a result of factories, immigration, and the automobile. Students will learn that a community’s environment determines which natural resources are in its environment. These resources play an important role in how the citizens of the community earn a living. Students will learn that some people earn money by making or selling goods. Some earn money by providing services. Students will learn that communities have traditional celebrations. Students will learn about our democratic nation by studying our local, state and national government. Students will do a study of Alaska geography.

Fourth Grade:

Students learn about geography and how people use geographic knowledge. Students also examine how the physical features, resources, and climates of the United States affect people’s lives. Students also discover what a region is and explore the regions in the United States and the world. Students will also explore the responsibilities of being a good citizen. Students will study about The Northeast (land and sea), The South (rivers and coasts), The Midwest (prairies and plains), and The West (from desert to tropics). Students will discover how regions of the United States depend on each other and other countries around the world. Students will do an in-depth study of the geography, history, culture, and economy of Alaska.

Fifth Grade:

Students will learn about the land, regions, and the environment. A study of the First Peoples, ancient American civilization, life in the eastern woodlands and life in the West will be explored. Students will learn about trading with Africa, Asia, and Europe. Explores coming to America and the Founding of the European Colonies will be studied. Student will gain an understanding of the New England Colonies, the Middle Colonies and the Southern Colonies. Students will explore the reasons for the conflict with Britain, learn about the Revolutionary War, the Declaration of Independence, and the impact of the Revolution on the country. Students will learn that in order for the new nation to survive the Constitution was written. Student will learn about the Nation Expanding (Industrial Revolution), The Civil War (Conflict and Resolution), An Industrial Country (Coping with Change), and The United States in the 20^th Century (Responsibility and Freedom).

Sixth Grade:

Students will learn that in our quest to understand our diverse world, and ourselves we study geography and culture. Students will look for patterns in these areas in order to help make sense of the complex story of world history. Students will learn that more than 5000 years ago, the world’s greatest civilizations began. Students will learn that the civilizations of the Greeks and the Romans had widespread and dynamic influences. Students will explore the growth and change in Europe from Medieval times, the Renaissance, and Age of Revolutions. Students will study about Europe in the Modern Age, Africa in the Modern Age, Asia and Australia in the Modern Age, Central and South America in the Modern Age, and North America and the Caribbean in the Modern Age.