Get your social studies learners ready for success by teaching the basic themes of social studies and history- Geography, Economics, Government & Civics, and Culture & Society. Great for 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, and 4th Grade Social Studies classrooms, but can be used in later grades, too. Also included is an ‘Intro. to Social Studies’ mini-unit to explain how and why history is studied.
This is a No-Prep, No-Textbook needed bundle that covers more than 4 months of instruction. Reading comprehension, hands-on learning, research, and other 21st century learning skills are emphasized with these units. Great for whole-class instruction, or independent learning.
Add a ‘COMMUNITIES‘ unit to tie everything together!
Please note: Resources are not editable. For a better understanding of the lessons provided in this bundle, please click “View Preview” near the thumbnails at the top of the page and continue reading below, where specific topics in each unit are described. You can get more information and a suggested order of units/pacing guide by clicking HERE!
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**INCLUDED:
– 2 Full Units
– 2 Read & Research Units
– 1 Mini-Unit
– 1 ‘Comparing Cultures’ activity to deepen learning.
– Classroom posters for Social Studies themes and Reading Skills (aligned with this bundle).
**UNITS & TOPICS:
SOCIAL STUDIES BASICS (7-10 day lesson):
- Topics: What is Social Studies (5 Themes, types of Social Scientists). Think like a Social Scientist: 1. Perspective, 2. Fact v. Opinion, 3. Reliable Sources (Primary & Secondary).
GEOGRAPHY (Read & Research Unit):
Topics:
1- What is Geography?
- Definitions
- Geography Basics
- Map Reading Basics
2- Location:
- Definition, How it is important to geography
- Examples (Hemispheres, Continents & Oceans, Regions)
3- Landforms:
- Definition, How they are important to geography
- Examples (Mountain, Hill, Plain, Plateau, Canyon, Valley, Peninsula, Island)
4- Bodies of Water:
- Definition, How they are important to geography
- Examples (Ocean, River, Lake, Sea, Bay, Gulf, Strait)
5- Climate:
- Definition, How it is important to geography
- Examples (Climate Zones- Tropical, Dry, Temperate, Continental, and Polar)
6- Resources:
- Definition, How they are important to geography
- Examples (Fossil Fuels, renewable v. non-renewable, plants, animals, precious metals & stones)
7- Humans & Geography:
- Human interactions with the environment
- Examples (Landmarks, Farming & Industry, Community-building, Pollution, Deforestation, Climate Change)
ECONOMICS (Full Unit):
Lesson 1- Economics: The Basics:
- What is economics?
- Goods & Services, Producers & Consumers
- Microeconomics v. Macroeconomics
Lesson 2- Resources:
- Natural Resources
- Human Resources
- Capital Resources
Lesson 3- Supply & Demand:
- What is Supply and Demand?
- Needs v. Wants
- Surplus v. Scarcity
- Free Market
Lesson 4- Financial Literacy:
- What is Financial Literacy?
- Capital, Money, and Banks
- Balancing a Budget
- Owning a Business; Entrepreneurship
GOVERNMENT & CIVICS (Full Unit):
Lesson 1- Introduction to Government & Civics:
- What is government?
- Types of Government- Democracy
- The importance of Citizens and Civics
Lesson 2- Government:
- Purpose of Government: Rules & Laws, Services
- Levels of Government (Federalism): Federal, State, Local
- Separate Powers- The Three Branches of Government: Executive, Legislative, Judicial
- Checks and Balances
Lesson 3- Civics:
- Citizenship: Citizens of many communities
- The Common Good
- Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens: Bill of Rights, Social Contract
- Voting and Elections
Lesson 4- Social Responsibility:
- What are human rights?
- Discrimination and Prejudice
- Getting involved in Social Change
CULTURE & SOCIETY (Read & Research):
Topics:
1- What is Culture & Society?
- Definitions
- “Melting Pot” culture
2- Food:
- Definition, How it connects people in a society
- Global Examples
3- Language:
- Definition, How it connects people in a society
- Global Examples
4- Beliefs:
- Definition, How it connects people in a society
- Global Examples
5- Traditions:
- Definition, How it connects people in a society
- Global Examples
6- Art & Entertainment:
- Definition, How it connects people in a society
- Global Examples
7- Advancements:
- Definition, How it connects people in a society
- Global Examples
SOCIAL STUDIES THEMES: CLASSROOM AND STUDENT BINDER POSTERS
READING SKILLS & COMPREHENSION- CLASSROOM AND STUDENT BINDER POSTERS
**Friendly Reminder: LICENSING TERMS: This purchase includes a license for one teacher only for personal use in their classroom. Licenses are non-transferable, meaning they cannot be passed from one teacher to another. No part of this resource is to be shared with colleagues or used by an entire grade level, school, or district without purchasing the proper number of licenses. If you are a coach, principal, or district interested in transferable licenses to accommodate yearly staff changes, please contact me for a quote at tonythetourist1@gmail.com. Thank you for respecting my terms!
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This bundle aligns perfectly with my:
ANCIENT WORLD CULTURES YEAR-LONG BUNDLE
“Tony the Tourist” is part of a growing series that offers a fun and interactive way to teach social studies to upper elementary and middle school students. FOLLOW ME, and you will be the first to know about new resources, freebies, and where Tony is going next!
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