Social Studies Curriculum

Kindergarten Social Studies Objectives 2009 – 2010

History (H & SS K:8, H & SS K:9, H & SS K: 10) How have events, multiple perspectives and values shaped the student and the student’s family?

1. Student connects the past with the present by recognizing objects from long ago and today.

2. Student connects the past with the present by describing ways that family life has changed and stayed the same.

3. Student connects the past with the present by identifying how events and people have shaped their families.

4. Student shows understanding of how humans interpret history by collecting information about the past by interviewing a parent or grandparent for a family or personal history.

5. Student shows understanding of past, present and future time by placing events from their lives in the correct sequence.

6. Student shows understanding of past, present and future time by constructing a time line of events in their own lives.

Physical and Cultural Geography (H & SSK:11, H & SSK:12, H & SSK:13)

What are the relationships between human communities? What is the relationship between human communities and the environment?

1. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by verbalizing names and addresses.

2. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by recognizing that spaces are defined by boundaries – school-based.

3. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by describing or identifying a globe, and recognizing that a globe is a model of the earth.

4. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by locating points on a map, and using vocabulary which defines location in space relative to something else.

5. Student shows understanding of human interaction with the environment over time by identifying ways they take care of or hurt the environment.

6. Student shows understanding of human interaction with the environment over time by identifying ways they adapt to their physical environment.

7. Student analyzes how and why cultures continue and change over time by identifying ways culture is expressed in their families.

8. Student analyzes how and why cultures continue and change over time by understanding that he/she is alike and different from other people in many different ways.

Civics, Government and Society (H & SS K:14, H & SS K:15, H & SS K:16) How do different societies promote individuality and interdependence?

1. Student acts as a citizen by identifying the various groups that they belong to.

2. Student acts as a citizen by demonstrating positive interaction with group members.

3. Student acts as a citizen by contributing to the life of the class and the school.

4. Student shows an understanding of various forms of government by identifying the need for rules in a variety of settings, and demonstrating appropriate behavior in a variety of settings.

5. Student examines how different societies address issues of human interdependence by practicing communication skills with individuals and groups.

6. Student examines how different societies address issues of human interdependence by identifying feelings that might lead toconflict.

7. Student examines how different societies address issues of human interdependence by giving examples of ways she/he is similar and different from others.

Economics (H & SS K:18, H & SS K:19) How are peoples wants and needs met?

1. Student shows an understanding of the interaction/interdependence between humans, environment, and the economy by participating in activities as a buyer or seller.

2. Student shows an understanding of the interaction/interdependence between humans, environment, and the economy by identifying jobs people do in the home and at school.

3. Student shows understanding of the interconnectedness between government and the economy by describing ways in which people exchange money for goods.

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First Grade Social Studies Objectives 2009 – 2010

History (H & SS 1:8) How have events, multiple perspectives and values shaped the student and the student’s classroom?

1. Student connects the past with the present by classifying objects from long ago and far away.

2. Student connects the past with the present by exploring objects and looking closely at similarities and differences.

3. Student connects the past with the present by describing ways school has changed and stayed the same over time.

4. Student connects the past with the present by identifying how events and people have shaped their schools.

Physical and Cultural Geography (H & SS1:11, H & SS1:12, H & SS1:13)

What are the relationships between human communities? What is the relationship between human communities and the environment?

1. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by writing their names.

2. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by identifying characteristics of a neighborhood or community using resources such as road signs, landmarks, models, maps, photographs, and mental mapping..

3. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by differentiating between neighborhood, town and state.

4. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by identifying locations of places within the community on a prepared map, and suggesting why particular locations are used for certain human activities.

5. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by using a simple map to find something.

6. Student shows understanding of human interaction with the environment over time by identifying ways they and people in the community take care of or hurt the environment.

7. Student shows understanding of human interaction with the environment over time by participating in taking care of the environment.

8. Student analyzes how and why cultures continue and change over time by identifying ways culture is expressed in their communities such as celebrations, legends, and traditions.

9. Student analyzes how and why cultures continue and change over time by accepting that there are differences among people.

10. Student analyzes how and why cultures continue and change over time by advocating for fairness along with the differences.

11. Student analyzes how and why cultures continue and change over time by respecting/tolerating others who are different from them.

Civics, Government and Society (H & SS 1:14, H & SS 1:15, H & SS 1:16) How do different societies promote individuality and interdependence?

1. Student acts as a citizen by identifying the various groups that they belong to.

2. Student acts as a citizen by demonstrating positive interaction with group members.

3. Student acts as a citizen by contributing to the life of the class and the school.

4. Student shows an understanding of various forms of government by identifying the need for rules in a variety of settings, and demonstrating appropriate behavior in a variety of settings.

5. Student examines how different societies address issues of human interdependence by practicing communication skills with individuals and groups.

6. Student examines how different societies address issues of human interdependence by identifying feelings that might lead toconflict.

7. Student examines how different societies address issues of human interdependence by giving examples of ways she/he is similar and different from others.

Economics (H & SS 1:18, H & SS 1:19, H & SS 1:20) How are peoples wants and needs met?

1. Student shows an understanding of the interaction/interdependence between humans, environment, and the economy by participating in activities as a buyer or seller.

2. Student shows an understanding of the interaction/interdependence between humans, environment, and the economy by identifying jobs people so in the home and at school.

3. Student shows understanding of the interconnectedness between government and the economy by describing ways in which people exchange money for goods.

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Second Grade Social Studies Objectives 2009 – 2010

History (H & SS 2:9, H & SS2:10) How have events, multiple perspectives and values shaped the student and the student’s classroom?

1. Student shows understanding of how humans interpret history by collecting information about the past.

2. Student shows understanding of how humans interpret history by differentiating among fact, opinion and interpretation of classroom situations, stories and other media.

3. Student shows understanding of past, present, and future time by placing events that occurred within the school or community in their correct sequence.

4. Student shows understanding of past, present, and future time by examining time lines of events in the history of their own or another family or of the school community.

Physical and Cultural Geography (H & SS2:11, H & SS2:12, H & SS2:13)

What are the relationships between human communities? What is the relationship between human communities and the environment?

1. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by writing their addresses.

2. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by creating a map as a representation of space.

3. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by identifying and using basic elements of a map.

4. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by using appropriate geographic resources (technology).

5. Student shows understanding of human interaction with the environment over time by identifying ways in which people in the community adapt to their physical environment and discussing how these adaptations have both positive and negative aspects.

6. Student shows understanding of human interaction with the environment over time by recognizing why family and friends move.

7. Student analyzes how and why cultures change over time by describing the contributions of various cultural groups to the community.

8. Student analyzes how and why cultures change over time by accepting that there are differences among people.

9. Student analyzes how and why cultures change over time by advocating for fairness along with the differences.

10. Student analyzes how and why cultures change over time by respecting/tolerating others who are different from them.

Civics, Government and Society (H & SS 2:14, H & SS 2:15, H & SS 2:16) How do different societies promote individuality and interdependence?

1. Student acts as a citizen by describing what it means to be a responsible member of a group.

2. Student acts as a citizen by describing what his/her role is as a member of various groups.

3. Student acts as a citizen by demonstrating positive interaction with group members.

4. Student acts as a citizen by explaining their own point of view of issues that affect themselves.

5. Student acts as a citizen by participating in setting and following the rules of the class and the school community.

6. Student shows an understanding of various forms of government by identifying rules or laws that solve a specific problem or apply to a specific situation.

7. Student shows an understanding of various forms of government by explaining why rules and laws are written down.

8. Student shows an understanding of various forms of government by identifying the consequences of not following rules or laws.

9. Student shows an understanding of various forms of government by describing characteristics of good leadership and fair-decision-making and how that affects others.

10. Student examines how different societies address issues of human interdependence by defining their own rights and needs – and the rights and needs of others – in the classroom, school, and playground.

11. Student examines how different societies address issues of human interdependence by practicing communication skills that describe personal feelings in conflict situations.

Economics (H & SS 2:18, H & SS 2:19, H & SS 2:20)) How are peoples wants and needs met?

1. Student shows an understanding of the interaction/interdependence between humans, environment, and the economy by identifying economic activities that use resources in the local region.

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Fourth Grade Social Studies Objectives 2009 – 2010

History (H & SS 4:8, H & SS4:9, H & SS4:10) How have events, multiple perspectives and values shaped the community

1. Student connects the past with the present by examining how events, people, problems, and ideas have shaped the community and Vermont.

2. Student connects the past with the present by explaining differences between historic and present day artifacts in Vermont.

3. Student connects the past with the present by identifying how the use of the object itself changes over time.

4. Student shows understanding of how humans interpret history by differentiating among fact, opinion, and interpretation in various events.

5. Student shows understanding of past, present, and future time by grouping historical events in the history of the local community and state by broadly defined eras.

6. Student shows understanding of past, present, and future time by interpreting data presented in time lines.

7. Student shows understanding of past, present, and future time by making predictions and/or decisions based on an understanding of the past and the present.

Physical and Cultural Geography (H & SS4:11, H & SS4:12, H & SS4:13)

What are the relationships between human communities? What is the relationship between human communities and the environment?

1. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by identifying characteristics of surrounding towns and the state of Vermont using resources such as road signs, landmarks, models, maps, photographs, and mental mapping.

2. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by observing, comparing, and analyzing patterns of local and state land use to understand why particular locations are used for certain human activities.

3. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by locating the physical and political regions of Vermont.

4. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by locating countries and major cities of North America.

5. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by locating major global physical divisions, such as continents, oceans, poles, equator, tropics, Arctic and Antarctic circles, tropical, mid-latitude and polar regions.

6. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by creating effective geographic representations using appropriate elements to demonstrate an understanding of relative location, size and shape of the local community.

7. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by creating a representation of a globe, including continents, oceans, and major parallels (Vermont, United States, and locations worldwide).

8. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by identifying and using basic elements of the map.

9. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by using grid lines to locate places on maps and globes.

10. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by asking appropriate questions and using geo-graphic resources to answer them.

11. Student shows understanding of human interaction with the environment over time by describing how people have changed the environment in Vermont for specific purposes.

12. Student shows understanding of human interaction with the environment over time by identifying and participating in ways they can contribute to preserving natural resources.

13. Student shows understanding of human interaction with the environment over time by describing a community or state environmental issue.

14. Student shows understanding of human interaction with the environment over time by describing how patterns of human activities i.e. housing, transportation, food consumption, employment) relate to natural resources.

15. Student shows understanding of human interaction with the environment over time by recognizing patterns of voluntary and involuntary migration in Vermont.

16. Student analyzes how and why cultures continue and change over time by identifying expressions of culture in Vermont and the U.S., such as language, social institutions, beliefs and customs, economic activities, behaviors, material goods, food, clothing, buildings, tools and machines.

17. Student analyzes how and why cultures continue and change over time by describing how Abenaki tradition reflects and influences their culture.

18. Student analyzes how and why cultures continue and change over time by describing the contributions of various cultural groups to Vermont and the U.S.

19. Student analyzes how and why cultures continue and change over time by identifying ways in which culture in Vermont has changed.

Civics, Government and Society (H & SS 4:16) How do different societies promote individuality and interdependence?

1. Student explains how different societies address issues of human interdependence by explaining different ways in which conflict has been resolved, and different ways in which conflicts and their resolutions have affected people.

Economics (H & SS 4:18, H & SS 4:19, How are peoples wants and needs met?

1. Student shows an understanding of the interaction/interdependence between humans, environment, and the economy by describing the causes and effects of economic activities on the environment in Vermont.

2. Student shows understanding of the interconnectedness between government and the economy by identifying goods and services provided by local and state governments.

3. Student shows understanding of the interconnectedness between government and the economy by explaining the relationship between taxation and government goods and services in Vermont.

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Fifth Grade Social Studies Objectives 2009 – 2010

History (H & SS 5:8, H & SS5:9, H & SS5:10) How have events, multiple perspectives and values shaped the community

1. Student connects the past with the present by explaining differences between historic and present day objects in the United States and/or the world, evaluating how the use of the object and the object itself changed over time.

2. Student connects the past with the present by describing ways that life in the United States and/or the world has both changed and stayed the same over time, and explaining why these changes have occurred.

3. Student connects the past with the present by investigating how events, people, and ideas have shaped the United States and/or the world and hypothesizing how different influences could have led to different consequences.

4. Student shows understanding of how humans interpret history by identifying different types of primary and secondary sources and understanding the benefits and limitations both bring to the study of history.

5. Student shows understanding of how humans interpret history by reading and interpreting historic maps.

6. Student shows understanding of how humans interpret history by identifying multiple perspectives in historic and current events.

7. Student shows understanding of how humans interpret history by identifying attitudes, values, and behaviors in different historical contexts.

8. Student shows understanding of how humans interpret history by identifying how technology can lead to different interpretation of history.

9. Student show understanding of past, present, and future time by

Physical and Cultural Geography (H & SS5:11, H & SS5:12, H & SS5:13)

What are the relationships between human communities? What is the relationship between human communities and the environment?

1. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by identifying characteristics of countries and continents using resources such as road signs, landmarks, models, maps, photographs, and mental mapping.

2. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by observing, comparing, and analyzing patterns of local and state land use to understand why particular locations are used for certain human activities.

3. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by locating the physical and political regions of the United States and the world.

4. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by locating countries and major cities of North America.

5. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by locating major global physical divisions, such as continents, oceans, poles, equator, tropics, Arctic and Antarctic circles, tropical, mid-latitude and polar regions.

6. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by creating effective geographic representations using appropriate elements to demonstrate an understanding of relative location, size and shape of the local community.

7. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by creating a representation of a globe, including continents, oceans, and major parallels (Vermont, United States, and locations worldwide).

8. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by identifying and using basic elements of the map.

9. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by using grid lines to locate places on maps and globes.

10. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by asking appropriate questions and using geo-graphic resources to answer them.

11. Student shows understanding of human interaction with the environment over time by describing how people have changed the environment in Vermont for specific purposes.

12. Student shows understanding of human interaction with the environment over time by identifying and participating in ways they can contribute to preserving natural resources.

13. Student shows understanding of human interaction with the environment over time by describing a community or state environmental issue.

14. Student shows understanding of human interaction with the environment over time by describing how patterns of human activities i.e. housing, transportation, food consumption, employment) relate to natural resources.

15. Student shows understanding of human interaction with the environment over time by recognizing patterns of voluntary and involuntary migration in Vermont.

16. Student analyzes how and why cultures continue and change over time by identifying expressions of culture in Vermont and the U.S., such as language, social institutions, beliefs and customs, economic activities, behaviors, material goods, food, clothing, buildings, tools and machines.

17. Student analyzes how and why cultures continue and change over time by describing how Abenaki tradition reflects and influences their culture.

18. Student analyzes how and why cultures continue and change over time by describing the contributions of various cultural groups to Vermont and the U.S.

19. Student analyzes how and why cultures continue and change over time by identifying ways in which culture in Vermont has changed.

Civics, Government and Society (H & SS 5:16) How do different societies promote individuality and interdependence?

1. Student explains how different societies address issues of human interdependence by explaining different ways in which conflict has been resolved, and different ways in which conflicts and their resolutions have affected people.

Economics (H & SS 5:18, H & SS 5:19, How are peoples wants and needs met?

1. Student shows an understanding of the interaction/interdependence between humans, environment, and the economy by describing the causes and effects of economic activities on the environment in Vermont.

2. Student shows understanding of the interconnectedness between government and the economy by identifying goods and services provided by local and state governments.

3. Student shows understanding of the interconnectedness between government and the economy by explaining the relationship between taxation and government goods and services in Vermont.

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Sixth Grade Social Studies Objectives 2009-2010

Inquiry (H & SS5-6:2, H & SS5-6:3, H & SS5-6:4, H & SS5-6:5, H & SS5-6:6, H& SS5-6:7)

1. Student initiates an inquiry by asking relevant and focusing questions that will lead to independent research based on what they have seen, what they have read, what they have listened to, and/or what they have researched.

2. Student develops a hypothesis, thesis, or research statement by predicting results, proposing a choice about a possible action, or exploring relationships between facts and/or concepts.

3. Student designs research by identifying the quality and quantity of information needed, including primary and secondary sources.

4. Student designs research by identifying tools, tasks, and procedures needed for conducting and inquiry, including a plan for citing sources.

5. Student conducts research by referring to and following a plan for an inquiry.

6. Student conducts research by locating relevant material such as print, electronic, and human resources.

7. Student conducts research by citing sources.

8. Student develops reasonable explanations that support the research statement by organizing and displaying information in a manner appropriate to the research statement through tables, graphs, maps, dioramas, charts, narratives, posters, timelines, models, simulations, and/or dramatizations.

9. Student develops reasonable explanations that support the research statements by using appropriate methods for interpreting information, such as comparing and contrasting, summarizing, illustrating, sequencing, and/or justifying.

10. Student makes connections to research by explaining how their research has led to a clearer understanding of an issue or idea.

11. Student makes connections to research by proposing solutions to problems based on their findings, and asking additional questions.

12. Student communicates their findings by developing and giving oral, written, or visual presentation for various audiences.

History (H & SS5-6:8, H & SS5-6:9, H & SS5-6:10, H & SS5-6:11)

1. Student connects the past with the present by explaining differences between historic and present day objects in the United States and /or the world, evaluating how the use of the object and the object itself changed over time.

2. Student connects the past with the present by describing ways that life in the United States and/or the world has both changed and stayed the same over time; and explaining why these changes have occurred.

3. Student shows understanding of how humans interpret history by reading and interpreting historic maps.

4. Student shows understanding of how humans interpret history by identifying multiple perspectives in historic and current events

5. Student shows understanding of how humans interpret history by identifying attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in different historical contexts.

6. Student shows understanding of past, present, and future time by interpreting data presented in time lines.

7. Student shows understanding of past, present, and future time by making predictions and/or decisions based on an understanding of the past and the present.

Physical and Cultural Geography (H & SS5-6:11,H & SS5-6:12, H & SS5-6:13)

1. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by identifying characteristics of states, countries, and continents using resources such as landmarks, models, maps, photographs, atlases, internet, video, reference materials, GIS and mental mapping.

2. Student interprets geography and solve geographic problems by observing, comparing, and analyzing patterns of state, national, and global land use to understand why particular locations are used for certain human activities.

3. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by locating the physical and political regions of the United States and the world.

4. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by locating selected cities and countries in the world of historical and current importance using absolute and relative location.

5. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by using absolute and relative location to identifying major mountain ranges, major rivers, and major climate and vegetation zones.

6. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by constructing and reading a variety of effective representations of the earth such as maps, globes and photographs.

7. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by identifying and using basic elements of a map.

8. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by using grid systems to locate places on maps and globes (e.g., longitude and latitude).

9. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by using appropriate geographic resources to answer geographic questions and to analyze patterns of spatial variation.

10. Student shows understanding of human interactions with the environment over time by describing how people have changed the environment in the U.S. and world for specific purposes.

11. Student shows understanding of human interactions with the environment over time by describing how the environment influences a particular demographic factor, such as disease/epidemic rates, life expectancy, infant morality rate, population growth rate.

12. Student shows understanding of human interactions with the environment over time by recognizing patterns of voluntary and involuntary migration in the U.S. and world.

13. Student analyzes how and why cultures continue and change over time by describing the contributions of various cultural groups to the world, both past and present.

14. Student analyzes how and why cultures continue and change over time by identifying how location influences cultural traits.

15. Student analyzes how and why cultures continue and change over time by identifying ways in which culture in the United States and the world has changed.

Civics, Government and Society (H & SS5-6: 14, H & SS5-6: 16)

1. Student acts as a citizen by demonstrating positive interaction with group members (e.g., participating in a service project).

2. Student acts as a citizen by identifying problems and proposing solutions in the local community, state, nation, or world.

3. Student acts as a citizen by explaining their own point of view on issues that affect themselves and society; being able to explain an opposing point of view.

4. Student examines how different societies address issues of human interdependence by identifying examples of interdependence among states and nations.

Economics (H & SS5-6: 20)

1. Student makes economic decisions as a consumer, producer, saver, investor and citizen by explaining what happens when people’s needs and/or wants exceed their available resources.

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Seventh & Eighth Grade Social Studies Objectives 2009 – 2010

Inquiry (H & SS7-8:1, H & SS7-8:2, H & SS7-8:3, H & SS 7-8:4, H & SS7-8:5)

1. Student initiates an inquiry by asking focusing and probing questions that will lead to independent research and incorporate concepts of personal, community, or global relevance.

2. Student develops a hypothesis, thesis, or research statement by predicting results, proposing a choice about a possible action, or exploring relationships between facts and/or concepts.

3. Student designs research by identifying the quality and quantity of information needed (primary and secondary sources).

4. Student designs research by identifying tools and procedures needed for collecting, managing, and examining information, including a plan for citing sources.

5. Student designs research by determining possible ways to present data.

6. Student conducts research by referring to and following a detailed plan for an inquiry, and by locating relevant materials such as print, electronic, and human resources.

7. Student conducts research by applying criteria from the plan to analyze the quality and quantity of information gathered.

8. Student conducts research by describing evidence and recording observations using note cards, videotape, tape recorders, journals, or databases.

9. Student conducts research by revising the research plan and locating additional materials and/or information, as needed.

10. Student conducts research by citing sources.

11. Student develops reasonable explanations that support the research statement by organizing and displaying information in a manner appropriate to the research statement (tables graphs, maps, dioramas, charts, narratives, posters timelines, models, simulations, and/or dramatizations).

12. Student develops reasonable explanation that support the research statement by determining the validity and reliability of the document or information, and by choosing appropriate methods for interpreting information (compare and contrast, summarizing, illustrating, generalizing, sequencing, synthesizing, analyzing, and/or justifying).

13. Student makes connections to research by using their research results to support or refute the original research statement.

14. Student makes connections to research by proposing solutions to problems based on their findings, and asking additional questions.

15. Student communicates his/her findings by developing and giving oral, written, or visual presentations for various audiences, and soliciting and responding to feedback.

16. Student communicates his/her findings by pointing out possibilities for continued or further research.

History (H & SS7-8:8, H & SS7-8:9, H & SS:7-8:10)

1. Student connects the past with the present by explaining differences between historic and present day objects in the United States and/or the world, evaluating how the use of the object and the object itself changed over time.

2. Student connects the past with the present by describing ways that life in the United States and/or the world has both changed and stayed the same over time; and explaining why these changes have occurred.

3. Student connects the past with the present by investigating and evaluating how events, people, and ideas (democracy, for example) have shaped the United States and the world, and hypothesizing how different influences could have led to different consequences.

4. Student shows understanding of how humans interpret history by identifying different types of primary and secondary sources (for example, visual, literary, and musical sources), and evaluating the possible biases expressed in them.

5. Student shows understanding of how humans interpret history by reading and interpreting historic maps.

6. Student shows understanding of how humans interpret history by evaluating the credibility of differing accounts of the same event(s).

7. Student shows understanding of how humans interpret history by evaluating attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in different historical contexts.

8. Student shows understanding of past, present, and future time by identifying the beginning, middle, and end of an historical narrative or story.

9. Student shows understanding of past, present, and future time by constructing time lines of significant historical developments in the nation and world, designating appropriate equidistant intervals of time and recording events according to the order in which they occurred.

10. Student shows understanding of past, present, and future time by identifying important events in the United States and/or world, and describing multiple causes and effects of those events.

11. Student shows understanding of past, present, and future time by identifying why certain events are considered pivotal and how they cause us to reorder time.

Physical and Cultural Geography (H & SS7-8:11, H & SS7-8:12, H & SS7-8:13)

1. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by identifying characteristics of states, countries, and continents using resources such as landmarks, models, different kinds of maps, photographs, atlases, internet, video, reference materials, GIS and mental mapping.

2. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by observing, comparing, and analyzing patterns of national, and global land use.

3. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by locating the physical, political, and cultural regions of the United States and the world.

4. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by locating and using absolute and relative location, and explaining why selected cities are of historical and current importance.

5. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by using absolute and relative location to identifying major mountain ranges, major rivers, and major climate and vegetation zones and the effects of these on settlement patterns.

6. Student interprets geography and solves geographic problems by interpreting a variety of effective representations of the earth such as maps, globes, and photographs and project future changes.

7. Student shows understanding of human interaction with the environment over time by describing how human activity and technology have changed the environment in the U.S. and world for specific purposes.

8. Student shows understanding of human interaction with the environment over time by generating information related to the impact of human activities on the physical environment (for example, through field studies, mapping, interviewing, and using scientific instruments) in order to draw conclusions and recommend

9. Student shows understanding of human interaction with the environment over time by evaluating different viewpoints regarding resource use in the U.S. & world.

10. Student shows understanding of human interaction with the environment over time by recognizing patterns of voluntary and involuntary migration in the U.S. and world.

11. Student analyzes how and why cultures continue and change over time by Identifying and comparing expressions of culture in Vermont, the U.S., and the world through analysis of various modes of expression such as poems, songs, dances, stories, paintings, and photographs.

Civics, Government and Society (H & SS7-8:14, H & SS7-8:15, H & SS7-8:16)

1. Student acts as a citizen by comparing the rights and responsibilities of citizenship in another country to those of the U.S.

2. Student acts as a citizen by identifying problems, proposing solutions, and considering the effects of a course of action in the local community, state, nation, or world.

3. Student acts as a citizen by explaining and defending their own point of view on issues that affect themselves and society, using information gained from reputable sources.

4. Student acts as a citizen by explaining and critically evaluating views that are not one’s own.

5. Student acts as a citizen by establishing rules and/or policies for a group, school, or community, and defending them.

6. Student shows understanding of various forms of government by describing how rules and laws are created.

7. Student shows understanding of various forms of government by identifying key documents on which U.S. laws are based and where to find them.

8. Student shows understanding of various forms of government by describing how government decisions impact and/or relate to their lives.

9. Student shows understanding of various forms of government by identifying the basic functions, structures and purposes of governments within the United States.

10. Student shows understanding of various forms of government by describing the basic principles of American democracy.

11. Student examines how different societies address issues of human interdependence by defining and defending the rights and needs of others in the community, nation, and world, after examining issues from more than one perspective.

12. Student examines how different societies address issues of human interdependence by explaining conditions, actions, and motivations that contribute to tensions and/or conflict within and among individuals, communities, and nations.

Economics (H & SS7-8:18)

1. Student shows an understanding of the interaction/interdependence between humans, the environment, and the economy by drawing conclusions about how choices within an economic system affect the environment in the state, nation, and/or world.

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