Grade 3 Social Studies

Semester A

Course Description

In third grade, social studies students will begin to explore the basic fundamentals of social studies including geography, civics, and economics. Learners will begin by looking at the beginning of civilization and examining the ancient Hebrew civilization, the Phoenicians, and the Kush tribe of ancient Africa. They will then move on to examining the Native American tribes of the Cherokee, Sioux, and Hopi. Students will also look at the first explorers of the Americas and learn about the beginning of the United States. In the first semester students will learn important geographical factors in the ancient civilizations, Native American tribes and in the developing United States. Students will increase their skills by creating maps and looking at the landscapes. They will take a close look at their own personal heritage by mapping their ancestry. Learners will follow a step-by-step approach for successfully completing each lesson, which includes storytelling, repetition, projects, arts and crafts, and videos.

Major Concepts

• Cultural diversity in Ancient civilizations
• Importance of Native American tribes
• Importance of exploration in relation to the US
• Geography and map making skills
• Identifying important land features

Semester B

Course Description

The second semester begins with introducing learners to economics and the role that money plays in every civilization. Students learn the difference between natural, human, and capital resources. They also examine the production of goods, trade, specialization, and interdependence, and come to understand the importance that each individual plays in a society's economy. Learners are introduced to Civics by discussing the governmental structure of the Ancient Hebrews and Phoenicians. The purpose and importance of laws and how they are enacted as well as the establishment of government are shown through stories of the Ancient Phoenicians and Native Americans. The course ends by discussing the purpose and nature of government as it relates to the United States.

Major Concepts

• Understanding important economic fundamentals
• Specialization and interdependence
• Production of goods and importance of trade
• Development of government and laws
• Important documents that shaped the United States
• Principles of a republican government

Requirements

Grade Level
3

*Materials
Basic School Supplies
Third Grade Materials Kit

*Materials listed should be acquired by the student prior to beginning work in the course.

Duration
2 Semesters

Prerequisites
None

Technology

• Internet Navigation
• Word Processing Skills
• Email Communication
  (with assistance of parent or teacher)