Grade+2+Social+Studies

Course Overview
The focus of the second grade social studies curriculum is the examination of world and United States history, geography, economics, government and culture. Through the use of literature, mapping projects, and large and small group discussions and activities, students learn more about themselves, their community and the world around them.

Statement of Purpose:
The second grade social studies curriculum is designed to allow students to see themselves as a small piece of a puzzle of the world around them. The curriculum was designed in a sequential order, so that each unit of study lends itself to the next with an emphasis on geography. Starting with citizenship at the start of school and finishing with a culminating cultural celebration at the close of school learn who Americans are and where they came from.

**General Resources:**
Culture Grams: http://online.culturegrams.com/ Grolier Lands and Peoples:http://go-passport.grolier.com/ Grolier Online Encyclopedia (New Book of Knowledge)http://go-passport.grolier.com/ National Geographic Maps: http://maps.nationalgeographic.com/maps

General Resources: Teachers National Geographic Lesson Plans K-2: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/gk2.html

[] great primary guide to various aspects of government. Teacher resource as well as games and activities for the students. VIDEO: A magical field trip to the mapmaker (Discovery Video) [] This website is sponsored by National Geographic. There are six games that use map skills and expose students to a variety of experiences and information. Some games require student to read and navigate the site; others are read aloud or spoken. Appropriate for grades 1-4 and excellent for differentiation in a 2nd grade classroom.
 * Pacing Guide:**
 * September:** **Discuss and examine citizenship and history**
 * October: Introduction to mapping skills**

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/activities/02/popup/orient.html A very basic game site that quizzes kids on their knowledge of the cardinal points.

National Geographic -- Explore your state with maps: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/03/gk2/exploremaps.html (Lesson Plan: Students will create maps of their state using information you show them from National Geographic's [|MapMachine]. They'll then make their own maps from memory after studying the original maps they created. Conclude with a discussion of the benefits of understanding your state map and remembering certain key features of the state's geography.) [] - good teacher resource for info about Billerica's past and current events Billerica Historical Society, photos, map
 * November: Examine Billerica and surrounding towns and Massachusetts**

http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/web_games.htm Sheppard Software has state, capitals puzzles, identification games of all sorts at all levels, beginner to advanced. America's Story Explore the states: http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/es
 * December: Examine states and United States**

[] Interactive website for students to place each of the 50 states on a blank map.

Sheppard Software North America: http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/globeweb/snapshot/Snapshot-globe-6.htm
 * January: Examine Continent of North America and it's component countries**

National Geographic Geospy: http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/Games/GeographyGames/Geospy Identify continents, countries, states and provinces. Lots of geography games and puzzles! http://www.enchantedlearning.com/geography/ Resource site with lots of links to continent and ocean information. Poorly designed, but some might find it useful if they give it some time.
 * February: Examine other continents of the world and major oceans of the world**

[] Interactive website that introduces students to 13 rivers in the US; click on river to hear its name aloud; info about the river appears in a separate box. [] Interactive website that quizzes students on each of the 13 rivers;
 * March: Introduction to 5 major rivers and 6 major mountain ranges of the world.**

Me on the map activity This lesson is designed to help students understand the definition of city, county, state, country, and continent. Students will also identify on a map and determine the population of the city, county, state, country and continent that they reside in.
 * April: Review differences between towns, states, countries, and continents**

[] Site good for teacher resource, includes kids pages. Site reviews various world cultures and traditions. Family Heritage Grolier Online http://go-passport.grolier.com/page?tn=/educators/gofelp.html&id=go-feGogFamily (lesson plan: Students will research their family histories and the countries their ancestors were from) (Grolier or NBK readings) [] video exploring various cultures k-2 Discovery Streaming. [] Examines the manners of people in a variety of countries. Multiple choice format. This website is just plain fun! [] - students can choose country they want to visit and learn about that countries traditions
 * May: Investigate ethnic heritage of students and their cultures.**
 * June: Sharing and celebrating cultures**

Economics: []= This site contains lessons, ppts, and worksheets for many areas of economics. Formats for lessons is fun and relatable for 2nd graders. Many of the ppts are interactive. Use "Find a Lesson" to narrow your search for the concept you are teaching.