Social Studies

The second grade social studies curriculum is designed to reinforce the social studies concepts of geography, economics, history, culture, government/civics and service. In second grade, children will learn geography by “starting in and moving out” - looking at their neighborhood, their community and the world. The economic concepts of barter, buyer, seller and bank are introduced.

An important aspect of the second grade curriculum is America: famous Americans, national holidays and landmarks. History and culture will be addressed as children discover the contributions of diverse groups of Americans.

Students will do an in-depth study of the Pledge of Allegiance, be introduced to citizenship and the common good, as well as words that define what it means to be a good citizen including courage, freedom, honesty, leadership, loyalty and responsibility as they study the lives of famous Americans.

Children will participate in a service-learning project to develop efficacy as they become active citizens. Throughout the year students will be applying the skills of social science inquiry by thinking, reading, writing, speaking, listening, discussing, researching and utilizing technological skills.

Enduring Understandings

• Majority rule is an important concept in a democracy
• Citizens have rights and responsibilities
• The Pledge of Allegiance is important
• It is important to contribute to those in need
• Helping organizations provide services for those in need
• Maps, charts and graphs help us understand the world around us
• The Earth is made up of large bodies of waters (oceans) and large land masses (continents).
• The Earth has physical characteristics including hills, mountains, valleys, peninsulas, islands, plains, rivers and lakes
• Americans with different backgrounds have made lasting contributions to the United States
• National landmarks and national holidays help define what it means to be an American
• Money replaced bartering for a variety of reasons
• A cost-benefit analysis chart helps people make choices about spending and saving

Essential Questions

• Why is it important to know about the Pledge of Allegiance, national landmarks, national holidays and the contributions of famous Americans?
• What are the qualities of a good citizen?
• How can children make a difference in their neighborhood, community or country?
• How have immigrants and immigration contributed to the United States?
• Why do people spend and save?
• Why is it important to make good choices regarding economic concepts?