Students discuss geographic concepts of location and physical and human characteristics of places. Students are introduced to the basic human needs of food, clothing, and shelter and to ways that people meet these needs. Students learn the purpose of rules and the role of authority figures in the home and school. Students learn customs, symbols, and celebrations that represent American beliefs and principles and contribute to our national identity. Students compare family customs and traditions and describe examples of technology in the home and school.
Students acquire information from a variety of oral and visual sources.
Selections may include You're a Grand Old Flag and a children's biography of George Washington. Motivating resources are also available from museums, historical sites, presidential libraries, and local and state preservation societies. The eight strands of the essential knowledge and skills for social studies are intended to be integrated for instructional purposes. A greater depth of understanding of complex content material can be attained when integrated social studies content from the various disciplines and critical-thinking skills are taught together.