Social Studies Grade Three

Unit 3: Interdependence

Unit Overview for Grades 1 to 5

Learning at each grade level is organized around four units of study.

Unit 1 Identity Unit 3 Interdependence

Unit 2 Heritage Unit 4 Decision Making

This curriculum uses a spiral model for organizing learning objectives. With this developmental model, concepts are introduced and developed within the context of a theme and at a level appropriate for the students in the classroom. The unit "Interdependence" is developed in the following way:

Unit Summary for Grade Three

Students will compare how communities in various parts of the world help meet human needs and wants. They will especially focus on the role of industry and agriculture in various communities.

In exploring the similarities and differences among communities, students will make connections with diversity of climate, landforms, resources, and needs/wants.

Major Concepts and Learning Objectives

Concepts

Interdependence

needs, wants, rights, responsibilities, conflict resolution, resources, industry, services, sustainable development, agriculture

Knowledge Objectives

Students will know that:

all people have needs and wants as well as rights and responsibilities. (PSVS)
conflicts may be resolved using peaceful means. (C, PSVS)
communities around the world have features that are interdependent. (CCT, N)
industries, services and agriculture help meet the needs and wants of a community. (PSVS, TL)

Skills/Abilities Objectives

Students will:

identify and evaluate basic needs and wants as well as rights and responsibilities. (C, PSVS, CCT)
learn to resolve conflicts using peaceful means. (C, PSVS, IL)
identify and compare some components of various communities. (C, CCT, IL)
make connections among needs, wants, industries, services, and sustainable development. (C, CCT, PSVS, IL, TL)

Attitudes/Values Objectives

Students will:

appreciate human needs and wants, rights and responsibilities. (PSVS, C)
value peaceful means of conflict resolution. (C, PSVS)
appreciate the different ways communities meet needs and wants. (PSVS, TL)

Citizen Action Objectives

Students may:

apply the principles of peaceful conflict resolution. (C, PSVS)
make comparisons without being judgmental. (C, CCT, PSVS)
participate in simulation activities. (C, PSVS, CCT,IL)

Suggestions for Integration

Language Arts:
Develop a theme such as "Meeting Needs and Wants Around the World" in the inquiry context or develop mini themes such as "Feeding the World's Population", or "Transportation and Communication" in the inquiry context.
Use an integrated approach to learn about celebrations. Develop a theme that reoccurs throughout the year such as "Special Days and Celebrations" in the communicative context.
Science:
Make connections between human decisions and their effect on animals.
Arts Education:
Drama in context
Student skills/abilities may be supported in all subjects.