Social Studies 2 A/B

Segment A of Social Studies 2 introduces students to ways of looking at where they live. They explore maps and globes and learn to differentiate between living in the city, in the suburbs, and in the country. Looking at maps leads to a study of the landforms that make up the geographical area. They also study the weather and climate in different places. As they consider the makeup of the living area, they also study the people who live in each area—what they do for a living and how they live together in community.

Segment B of Social Studies 2 focuses on the interdependency of different neighborhoods, cultures and how work builds bridges between those neighborhoods. Students also learn a little about the history of our country, and what it takes to keep a democracy such as ours going. They learn the rights and responsibilities of productive citizens.

PRE-REQUISITES: None

ESTIMATED COMPLETION TIME: 32-36 weeks or approximately 125 – 135 hours

MAJOR TOPICS AND CONCEPTS — SEGMENT A

People and Places

• Maps and Globes

• Our Communities

• Living in Cities

• Living in Suburbs

• Living in Rural Communities

• What is Citizenship?

Places Near and Far

• Landforms

• Water Resources

• Weather

• Climate

• Managing and Protecting Resources

Ways of Living

• What is Culture?

• Families from Around the World

• Sharing Cultures

• Our Landmarks

• America’s Symbols

• Holidays and Traditions

MAJOR TOPICS AND CONCEPTS — SEGMENT B

People at Work

• Needs, Wants, and Choices

• Work

• Goods and Services

• People Save Money

• From Field to Market

• People and Nations Trade

Our Country in the Past

• First Americans

• Europeans Explore the New World

• Jamestown

• Plymouth

• The Thirteen Colonies

• Our Past Heroes

Citizenship

• What is a Good Citizen?

• What is Diversity?

• How Do People Work Together to solve Problems in a Community?

• Community Helpers

• 6 Principles of the Constitution

• Intro to Government