Social Studies
While we cover all four areas of social studies in third grade - geography, history, economics, and civics - our main focus is on Michigan.
First, we begin with the Geography of Michigan, discussing rivers, lakes, and forests, but also resources and cities.
Next, we spend a large amount of time moving through four historical periods and how they affected Michigan. We begin with the Native Americans that first lived on this land before it was even called Michigan. Then, we discuss the French Voyageurs who settled in Canada and Michigan for fur trading. Next, we visit the French and Indian War, when the British came to America and fought for the land where the French and Indians were settled, like Detroit. Finally, we cover the American Revolution, when the British colonists revolted against their homeland, Great Britain.
After we wrap up our history units, we move into a brief introduction to the concepts of Economics and Government, mostly through project based learning.
First, we begin with the Geography of Michigan, discussing rivers, lakes, and forests, but also resources and cities.
Next, we spend a large amount of time moving through four historical periods and how they affected Michigan. We begin with the Native Americans that first lived on this land before it was even called Michigan. Then, we discuss the French Voyageurs who settled in Canada and Michigan for fur trading. Next, we visit the French and Indian War, when the British came to America and fought for the land where the French and Indians were settled, like Detroit. Finally, we cover the American Revolution, when the British colonists revolted against their homeland, Great Britain.
After we wrap up our history units, we move into a brief introduction to the concepts of Economics and Government, mostly through project based learning.
Photo credit: Phillip Martin , "Geography" Creative Commons License