Here are the big units we will be learning this year along with a few of the activities we will participate in to build our understanding.
First Trimester
U.S. Government
The year
begins with a unit during which students will learn to justify the purpose of government. Third graders will design a model that explains the three branches
of government, write a class constitution, and celebrate constitution day on
September 14th. As a
culminating project, students will decide the importance of a
constitution, three branches, and levels of government while developing a
school government.
Presidential Election
Third
graders will learn to understand the role
of citizens in the USA as they are taught
democratic values. An extensive political parties simulation is the highlight
of this unit. During the simulation, students will distinguish between facts
and opinions, decide America’s most important issues, and support their stance
on these issues. By the end of the unit, students will be able to infer how
government gains its power from the people.
Second Trimester
Our Community and Beyond
Inflatable globes, interactive
Smartboard maps, and Google Earth are some of the tools that will help students
will locate Earth’s key geographic features. Creating their own
mnemonic devices for “North, South, East, West” and practicing cardinal and
intermediate directions with our classroom
will ensure students can determine directions. Large floor maps, “Stack
the States” iPad app, and constructing U.S. maps with cut-outs of the
states are some of the ways third graders will practice identifying the states.
Students will learn about the physical geography, climate,
and natural resources of the United States. The Giving Tree will be used
to introduce natural resources. We will compare rural communities, suburban
communities, and cities. Third graders will choose between creating a 3D physical
features community map or 3D product “made from” a community’s natural
resources.
Third Trimester
Economics
A literature-based unit which includes selecting natural,
human, and capital resources needed to start a business of choice and deciding our school's top 10
capital resources. Students will also take part in a supply and demand
simulation and research imports and exports.
America's Neighbors
We will finish the year learning about Canada, Mexico, and
the Caribbean. Students will discover the physical features, climate, natural
resources, landmarks, and culture of one of the countries or islands of their
choice. A postcard or commercial project with related souvenirs will
wrap-up the unit.
No comments:
Post a Comment