Communities Around the World
The Grade 3 curriculum introduces communities throughout the world. The five
social studies standards that are the basis of study are social, political,
geographic, economic and historic characteristics of these communities.
Students learn about the diversity of the world�s peoples and cultures. They
study Western and non-Western examples from different geographic areas.
Skills Outcomes*
� Master Geography Skills with focus on communities
� Develop skills using timelines, charts and graphs
� Introduce Primary and Secondary Sources
� Develop writing skills to demonstrate knowledge of social studies
� Develop research and technical skills
Content Outcomes, covering the Political,
Economic, Social and Geographical aspects of each area*:
Cultures and civilizations around the world
� Define culture and civilization
� Historical events can be viewed through the eyes of those who were there,
as shown in their art, writings, music and artifacts
� Compare political, economic, social and geographical
similarities and differences among world communities
� Different events, people, problems and ideas make up a world community
� People create government and laws to keep order and insure safety
� Political leaders help make laws and enforce them
� Citizens have responsibilities in their communities
� Economic decisions rely heavily on geographical and environmental factors
� What goods and services should be produced and in what quantity?
� How and for whom shall goods and services be produced?
� Human needs and wants differ from place to place
� Economic choices are made due to unlimited needs and wants and limited
(scarce) resources
� Explain how and why cultures/civilizations change
� People in world communities exchange elements of their culture (cultural
diffusion)
� Values ideas, beliefs, and traditions are expressed in legends, folktales,
biographies, autobiographies, and historical narratives
� People in world communities celebrate their accomplishments,
achievements and contributions
� Families in world communities differ from place to place
� All people in world communities need to learn and they learn in different
ways
� World communities may have diversity among the groups that live together
� Explore different places people settle and why they settle there
� The causes and effects of human migration vary in different world regions
� People modify their physical environments to meet their needs
� Lifestyles of communities are affected by their environment
Use communities around the world to demonstrate the different political,
economical, social and geographical aspects and decisions made by
communities.
(This give students a global perspective by using communities outside the
U.S.)
Assessment: No NYS or districtwide assessment is used. Teacher-created tests
and performance activities are used to assess students� level of mastery
throughout the year.
Textbook: Communities: Adventures in Time and Place (McGraw Hill, 2001)
*This is a summary overview and does not include the entire curriculum. For
more information about the Social Studies Learning Standards and Core
Curriculum, see:
http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciai/social.html (NYS Education Dept.)
http://www.wappingersschools.org/SSSL/SS/SSSyllabi.html (WCSD)
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TRAVELING AROUND THE WORLD
We are taking our boarding passes and passports and traveling to many
different countries this year. We will experience different communities
through virtual tours via the CD-ROM "Many Places, Friendly Faces," library
research, hands-on activities, and cultural festivals. There will be many
exciting adventures and events to look forward to as we expand this fabulous
journey across the curriculum.