Social Studies Curriculum Framework

Social Studies Curriculum Framework

Grades 4-6

Civics and Government

5.1: PRINCIPLES AND DOCUMENTS OF GOVERNMENT

5.2: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CITIZENSHIP

5.3: HOW GOVERNMENT WORKS

5.4: HOW INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS FUNCTION

Civics and Government Standard Area 5.1: PRINCIPLES AND DOCUMENTS OF GOVERNMENT
Standard / Big Ideas / Essential Questions / Concepts
(What students need to know) / Competencies
(What students should be able to do)
5.1.6.A
Explain the purpose of government. / Citizens understand their rights and practice their responsibilities in a democratic society.
Showing respect for others and acting responsibly are necessary to promote the common good.
All citizens are equal before the law.
Active citizens understand the workings of government and use that knowledge for the common good.
An active citizen is a life-long learner.
Just because information appears on the television, radio or internet or comes from a friend or acquaintance doesn't make it true. / Why does a citizen have to do more than merely exercise his or her rights?
What are your responsibilities as an American citizen?
What are the roles of the citizen in our democracy?
What does the concept of equality mean?
How does the legal system protect all citizens?
Why do we citizens have to give back to the community?
Why is the American flag an important symbol to Americans?
How do holidays and local, state and national celebrations say who we are as Americans?
Why must the rights of the minority be respected within the rule of the majority?
How can a citizen show patriotism?
Should a society have the ability to control individuals? / Rights and civil liberties granted by the Constitutions of the United States and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are to be protected by both governments and citizens.
Conflict and disagreement can be expected in any society. Treating each other in a civil manner is an effective means of dealing with conflict and compromise.
Society can only thrive if there is confidence in the rule of law and its authority. Failure to meet the obligations of the rule of law must entail appropriate consequences.
Documents and principles define the procedures, operations and rules for the functioning of government and society.
A set of agreed upon rules and laws are necessary for individuals and governments to meet the common good.
Without rules and laws, government is ineffective and individuals become lawless, making society and the common good impossible to maintain. / Students in this age group should be able to:
Compare the Preamble of the Pennsylvania Constitution to the Preamble of the United States Constitution. Note the similarities and differences and the ideas that are to guide the behavior of citizens of Pennsylvania and the United States.
In both structured and unstructured settings, students will demonstrate respect for others by taking turns, helping others, sharing, being polite, showing respect for authority
Given a civic dilemma, students will demonstrate empathy and respect for different beliefs in the various segments of society
Recognize others right to advocate for opinions that differ from your own as measured by peer and adult interactions
Develop a chart that lists the rights of citizens in the community in which you live, of citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and of citizens of the United States. Note areas of overlap and of contradiction.
Choose a season of the calendar year and list the holidays within it. Prepare a word and picture exhibit of the history of the holidays and why they are important to what it means to be an American citizen. Note popular and personal traditions of marking such holidays.
Conduct a mock trial (historical or fictional) that illustrates how courts settle conflicts surrounding principles and ideals of government.
Design an exhibit (poster, painting, wallboard, electronic) emphasizing a right and responsibility to be used at your school's Constitution Day celebration.
Prepare an exhibit that surrounds a famous speech or article that changed America's understanding of rights and civil liberties. Include a sound file and/or text of the speech/writing, background research on the situation that motivated the speech/writing, and its effects on American society.
5.1.6.B
Explain the importance of the rule of law for the protection of individual rights and the common good in the community, state, nation and world.
5.1.6.C
Describe the principles and ideals shaping government (equality, majority rule/minority rights, popular sovereignty, privacy, checks and balances, separation of powers).
5.1.6.D
Explain the basic principles and ideals within documents of Pennsylvania government (the Charter of 1681, Charter of Privileges, the Pennsylvania Constitution, and the PA Declaration of Rights).
5.1.6.E
Explain the basic principles and ideals within documents of United States government.
5.1.6.F
Explain the meaning of the Preamble to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and compare it to the Preamble of the Constitution of the United States.
5.1.6.G
Describe the proper use, display and respect for the United States Flag and explain the significance of patriotic activities.
·  Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance
·  Standing for the National Anthem
5.1.6.H
Describe the roles played by the framers of the basic documents of governments of Pennsylvania and the United States.
5.1.6.I
Describe and compare the making of rules by direct democracy and by a republican form of government.
5.1.6.J
Describe how the government protects individual and property rights and promotes the common good.
5.1.6.K
Describe the purpose of symbols and holidays.
5.1.6.L
Explain the role of courts in resolving conflicts involving the principles and ideals of government (local, state, federal).
5.1.6.M
Explain the basic principles and ideals found in famous speeches and writings
Civics and Government Standard Area 5.2: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CITIZENSHIP
Standard / Big Ideas / Essential Questions / Concepts
(What students need to know) / Competencies
(What students should be able to do)
5.2.6.A
Compare rights and responsibilities of citizenship (political rights, economic rights, personal responsibilities of the individual and to society, civic responsibilities of the individual and to society, traits of character of individuals and to a republican form of government). / Citizens understand their rights and practice their responsibilities in a democratic society.
Showing respect for others and acting responsibly are necessary to promote the common good.
All citizens are equal before the law.
Active citizens understand the workings of government and use that knowledge for the common good.
An active citizen is a life-long learner.
Just because information appears on the television, radio or internet or comes from a friend or acquaintance doesn't make it true. / Why does a citizen have to do more than merely exercise his or her rights?
What are your responsibilities as an American citizen?
What are the roles of the citizen in our democracy?
What does the concept of equality mean?
How does the legal system protect all citizens?
Why do we citizens have to give back to the community?
Why is the American flag an important symbol to Americans?
How do holidays and local, state and national celebrations say who we are as Americans?
Why must the rights of the minority be respected within the rule of the majority?
How can a citizen show patriotism?
Should a society have the ability to control individuals? / Rights and civil liberties granted by the Constitutions of the United States and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are to be protected by both governments and citizens.
Conflict and disagreement can be expected in any society. Treating each other in a civil manner is an effective means of dealing with conflict and compromise.
Society can only thrive if there is confidence in the rule of law and its authority. Failure to meet the obligations of the rule of law must entail appropriate consequences.
Documents and principles define the procedures, operations and rules for the functioning of government and society.
A set of agreed upon rules and laws are necessary for individuals and governments to meet the common good.
Without rules and laws, government is ineffective and individuals become lawless, making society and the common good impossible to maintain. / Students in this age group should be able to:
Compare the Preamble of the Pennsylvania Constitution to the Preamble of the United States Constitution. Note the similarities and differences and the ideas that are to guide the behavior of citizens of Pennsylvania and the United States.
In both structured and unstructured settings, students will demonstrate respect for others by taking turns, helping others, sharing, being polite, showing respect for authority
Given a civic dilemma, students will demonstrate empathy and respect for different beliefs in the various segments of society
Recognize others right to advocate for opinions that differ from your own as measured by peer and adult interactions
Develop a chart that lists the rights of citizens in the community in which you live, of citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and of citizens of the United States. Note areas of overlap and of contradiction.
Choose a season of the calendar year and list the holidays within it. Prepare a word and picture exhibit of the history of the holidays and why they are important to what it means to be an American citizen. Note popular and personal traditions of marking such holidays.
Conduct a mock trial (historical or fictional) that illustrates how courts settle conflicts surrounding principles and ideals of government.
Design an exhibit (poster, painting, wallboard, electronic) emphasizing a right and responsibility to be used at your school's Constitution Day celebration.
Prepare an exhibit that surrounds a famous speech or article that changed America's understanding of rights and civil liberties. Include a sound file and/or text of the speech/writing, background research on the situation that motivated the speech/writing, and its effects on American society.
5.2.6.B
Explain the relationship between rights and responsibilities.
5.2.6.C
Explain ways citizens resolve conflicts in society and government.
5.2.6.D
Describe the importance of political leadership and public service.
5.2.6.E
Identify examples of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
5.2.6.F
Describe the impact of the consequences of violating rules and laws in a civil society.
5.2.6.G
Explain the importance of participating in government and civic life.
Civics and Government Standard Area 5.3: HOW GOVERNMENT WORKS
Standard / Big Ideas / Essential Questions / Concepts
(What students need to know) / Competencies
(What students should be able to do)
5.3.6.A
Compare the structure, organization and operation of local, state and national governments. / Citizens understand their rights and practice their responsibilities in a democratic society.
Showing respect for others and acting responsibly are necessary to promote the common good.
All citizens are equal before the law.
Active citizens understand the workings of government and use that knowledge for the common good.
An active citizen is a life-long learner.
Just because information appears on the television, radio or internet or comes from a friend or acquaintance doesn't make it true. / What is civic participation and how can I be involved?
How can I make a positive difference?
How do local governments, state governments and national governments determine how to allocate scarce resources in order to meet the unlimited wants and needs of citizens?
How do citizens effectively communicate with legislators, officers, and the legal system?
What goods and services should government provide? Who should pay for them? Who should benefit from them? Who should decide?
How do members of a community interact to help each other meet their basic needs?
What are the roles of a citizen in our democracy/republic?
How does one develop and express well-informed opinions or positions?
Why do we need government?
Is public safety or individual freedom more important in our society?
How does our current standard of living impact the lives of others around the world? / Communities are established for the common good, bringing people and resources together to confront the problems that face them.
Community and individual rights are established in constitutions (Pennsylvania and United States), laws and regulations.
Each level of government has specific operations and duties.
Each level of government has a specific process for settling conflicts.
Each level of government has a specific process for addressing the basic needs of people in a society.
In a democratic society, the rule of law establishes the foundation for fairness and cooperation.
Every citizen possesses means to influence government
Citizens must be wise consumers of the information available to them. / Students in this age group should be able to:
Describe branches and levels of government at the local, state, and national levels.
Delineate rights and obligations as a citizen in a representative democracy.
Demonstrate knowledge of Pennsylvania’s role in shaping U.S representative democracy.
Compare the Preamble of the Pennsylvania Constitution to the Preamble of the United States Constitution. Note the similarities and differences and the ideas that are to guide the behavior of citizens of Pennsylvania and the United States.
In both structured and unstructured settings, students will demonstrate respect for others by taking turns, helping others, sharing, being polite, and showing respect for authority.
Recognize others right to advocate for opinions that differ from one's own as measured by peer and adult interactions.
Given a civic dilemma, students will demonstrate empathy and respect for different beliefs in the various segments of society.
Demonstrate environmental stewardship: recycling, conservation of resources, and the reduction of waste.
5.3.6.B
Describe the responsibilities and powers of the three branches of government.
5.3.6.C
Explain how government actions affect citizens' daily lives.
5.3.6.D
Describe how local, state and national governments implement their services.
5.3.6.E
Identify major leaders of local, state and national governments, their primary duties and their political party affiliation.
5.3.6.F
Describe the voting process in Pennsylvania and the United States.
5.3.6.G
Describe how the government protects individual rights (presumption of innocence, trial by jury, right to counsel, the Bill of Rights).
5.3.6.H
Identify individual interests and how they impact government.
5.3.6.I
Describe why and how government raises money to pay for its operations and services.
5.3.6.J
Describe the influence of media in reporting issues.
5.3.6.K
Describe forms of government (limited and unlimited).
Civics and Government Standard Area 5.4: HOW INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS FUNCTION
Standard / Big Ideas / Essential Questions / Concepts
(What students need to know) / Competencies
(What students should be able to do)
5.4.6.A
Explain the concept of nation-states. / The choices we make, whether as consumers or as citizens active in politics, impact people around the globe.
America's global leadership role commits it to a number of obligations that require American citizens to understand other nations and cultures.
Political and economic ideas motivate societies to new behaviors.
Citizens are responsible for monitoring government in assuring human rights. The community of nations has the obligation to maintain human rights among its members.
Decisions of citizens and their governments are based on doing what is right for the common good. The greater the focus on doing what is right and necessary, the greater the benefit derived by society. / In a global society, how does technological innovation impact social institutions?
What tools are at the disposal of a nation in executing its foreign policy?
How does our current standard of living impact the lives of others around the world?
In what ways does the U.S. political scene impact global society?
How do ideas impact nations AND global society?
Is world peace possible or desirable?
What is the cost of world peace?
Why and how should we protect the environment?
How can an individual safeguard the sanctity of human rights? / Nations continually develop and refine foreign policy to meet their own interests and influence other nations in specific courses of action.
Diplomacy involves civil discourse and collaboration. When diplomacy fails, conflict and warfare often result.
Multinational treaties and alliances principally serve the purposes of security and economic relations.
Multinational corporations, with economic and political influence rivaling and exceeding that of nations, also play an important role in international relations.
Nations, multinational corporations, and individuals bear responsibility for the effective management and use of the earth's resources and the well-being of all earth's inhabitants.
Nations differ in their approaches to international economic and environmental issues. / Students in this age group should be able to:
Identify the presence of imported goods in your home and community
Identify major trading partners of the United States and why the relationship exists
Identify the world regions where the U.S. has economic and political interests
5.4.6.B
Describe how nation-states coexist in the world community.
5.4.6.C
Describe the governments of the countries bordering the United States and their relationships with the United States.
5.4.6.D
Describe the processes that resulted in a treaty or agreement between the United States and another nation-state.
5.4.6.E
Explain how nations work together on common environmental problems, natural disasters, and trade.

Economics