History/ Social Studies Curriculum Overview

Grade 2

 

E Pluribus Unum

 

Second graders learn world and United States history, geography, economics, and government by studying more about who Americans are and where they came from. They explore their own family’s history and learn about distinctive achievements, customs, events, places, or landmarks from long ago and from around the world. The chief purpose of the grade 2 curriculum is to help students understand that American citizenship embraces all kinds of people, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, and national origin. American students come from all countries and continents in the world. A history and social science curriculum should help students acquire a common understanding of American history, its political principles, and its system of government in order to prepare them for responsible participation in our schools and civic life.  (MA History/Social Science Curriculum Framework 2003)

Civics

Geography

History

Economics

Overarching Question:

 

How can people show responsible citizenship?

 

Enduring Understandings:

 

Citizens in our country come from many different places around the world.

 

A citizen of a community has a variety of rights and responsibilities.

 

Responsible citizens show respect for the diverse traditions and cultures in their community.

 

Individuals in the past who were good leaders and responsible citizens have improved the quality of our lives today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overarching Question:

 

Why do we need maps and globes?



Enduring Understandings:

 

Maps and globes can help us learn about the world.

 

There are specific features of a map or globe that help us understand physical space (title, legend, symbols, and compass rose).

 

The United States is a country made up of people from different continents, regions, and countries

 

There are differences and similarities between maps and globes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overarching Question:

 

What is an American?

 


Enduring Understandings:

 

The passage of time can be measured and described.

 

The United States is a land of people with diverse ethnic origins, customs, and traditions.

 

Contributions of diverse people in the past affect how we live today

 

Diversity is a strength of our country

Overarching Question:

 

How do producers and consumers operate

 in our community?

 

Enduring Understandings

 

People are both producers and consumers.

 

Different businesses operate within our community.

 

There are producers and consumers in

our community.

 

We depend on others to meet our wants

and needs

 

 

 

 

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