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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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.