Elementary Social Studies Course Description (Grades 3-5)

Elementary Social Studies Course Description (Grades 3-5)

Course Overview:

The Elementary Social Studies course for grades 3-5 aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of historical inquiry, government, civic participation, economics, geography, and human systems. This course aligns with the Middle School Civics course, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity in learning. Students will engage in interactive lessons, hands-on activities, and educational field trips to enhance their understanding of social studies concepts.

Course Objectives:

  • Understand the foundations of government, law, and the American political system.
  • Recognize the roles, rights, and responsibilities of U.S. citizens.
  • Understand the structure and functions of government.
  • Develop basic economic principles and concepts.
  • Learn to use maps and other geographic representations.
  • Understand physical and cultural characteristics of places.
  • Develop critical thinking, research, and public speaking skills.
  • Engage in mathematical reasoning and problem-solving.
  • Enhance reading comprehension and writing skills.

Florida State Standards for Social Studies and Corresponding Field Trips:

Historical Inquiry and Analysis:

  1. SS.3.A.1: Historical Inquiry and Analysis
    • Standard: Analyze primary and secondary sources.
    • Field Trip: Visit a local history museum to learn about primary and secondary sources.

Foundations of Government, Law, and the American Political System:

  1. SS.3.CG.1: Foundations of Government, Law, and the American Political System
    • Standard: Explain how the U.S. Constitution establishes the purpose and fulfills the need for government.
    • Field Trip: Visit the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee.

Civic and Political Participation:

  1. SS.3.CG.2: Civic and Political Participation
    • Standard: Describe how citizens demonstrate civility, cooperation, volunteerism, and other civic virtues.
    • Field Trip: Tour local city halls or attend a city council meeting.

Structure and Functions of Government:

  1. SS.3.CG.3: Structure and Functions of Government
    • Standard: Explain how the U.S. and Florida Constitutions establish the structure, function, powers, and limits of government.
    • Field Trip: Visit the U.S. District Court in Tampa.

Beginning Economics:

  1. SS.3.E.1: Beginning Economics
    • Standard: Give examples of how scarcity results in trade.
    • Field Trip: Visit a local bank or credit union to learn about economic principles.

The World in Spatial Terms:

  1. SS.3.G.1: The World in Spatial Terms
    • Standard: Use thematic maps, tables, charts, graphs, and photos to analyze geographic information.
    • Field Trip: Visit the Map & Imagery Library at the University of Florida.

Places and Regions:

  1. SS.3.G.2: Places and Regions
    • Standard: Identify the five regions of the United States.
    • Field Trip: Visit a local nature center or geographical exhibit.

Physical Systems:

  1. SS.3.G.3: Physical Systems
    • Standard: Describe the climate and vegetation in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
    • Field Trip: Visit the Everglades National Park.

Human Systems:

  1. SS.3.G.4: Human Systems
    • Standard: Explain how the environment influences settlement patterns in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
    • Field Trip: Visit a local historical site that showcases settlement patterns.

Mathematical Reasoning and Problem Solving:

  1. MA.K12.MTR.1: Actively participate in effortful learning both individually and collectively.
    • Standard: Actively participate in effortful learning both individually and collectively.
    • Field Trip: Visit a local science museum or mathematics department at a university.

Language of Social and Instructional Purposes:

  1. ELD.K12.ELL.SI: Language of Social and Instructional Purposes
    • Standard: Communicate for social and instructional purposes within the school setting.
    • Field Trip: Participate in a cultural exchange program or visit a multicultural center.

Language of Social Studies:

  1. ELD.K12.ELL.SS: Language of Social Studies
    • Standard: Communicate information, ideas, and concepts necessary for academic success in the content area of social studies.
    • Field Trip: Visit a local library or historical society to research social studies topics.

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