1st Grade Social Studies Curriculum

The 1st Grade Social Studies curriculum introduces students to their place in the world by exploring geography, community life, and citizenship on local, state, and national levels.
Key Units of Study:
● Geography Basics- Learn to use maps and globes to locate continents, oceans, and places- Understand physical and human-made features
● My Local Community- Explore how people live and work in Baltimore County- Study traditions, jobs, goods and services, and the role of community members
● My State is a Community- Examine the geography, culture, and economy of Maryland- Learn how people’s customs and responsibilities shape state life
● My Nation is a Community- Understand national symbols, transportation, and communication systems- Compare different states and learn about cultural diversity in the U.S.
Skills Developed:
- Using maps and geographic tools- Understanding community roles and responsibilities- Recognizing cultural traditions and celebrations- Exploring goods, services, needs, and wants- Comparing local, state, and national communities
This curriculum helps students see how they fit into their local and national communities while building appreciation for diversity and responsible citizenship.

2nd Grade Social Studies Curriculum

The 2nd Grade Social Studies curriculum introduces students to geography, cultures, government, and history—both locally and globally—through comparisons, map skills, and historical thinking.
Key Units of Study:
● The United States- Learn about rights, responsibilities, and leadership at local, state, and national levels- Understand how geography and community roles shape daily life
● North America- Compare the U.S., Canada, and Mexico by geography, culture, and traditions- Use maps and texts to understand similarities and differences across the continent
● Africa- Explore the geography, culture, economy, and history of Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt- Analyze how people adapt to different environments and lifestyles
● History in Action- Learn how historians use artifacts and sources to study the past- Investigate Ancient Egyptian communication and geography to “tell the story” of a civilization
Skills Developed:
- Reading maps and analyzing geographic features- Comparing cultures, traditions, and economies- Understanding civic responsibility and leadership- Asking questions and drawing conclusions from historical sources
Through storytelling, discussion, and research, students build global awareness and connect classroom learning to real-world communities and histories.

3rd Grade Social Studies Curriculum

The 3rd Grade Social Studies curriculum builds understanding of personal finance, government, geography, and history. Students explore how people shape—and are shaped by—their communities and environments at the local, state, and global levels.
Key Units of Study:
● Personal Financial Literacy- Learn how people make financial choices based on needs, wants, and resources- Create spending and savings plans and explore different types of markets
● Civics in Action- Identify local, state, and national leaders and their responsibilities- Learn how citizens, including young people, can advocate for change and participate in government
● Maryland Economics and Geography- Examine how geography impacts jobs, industry, and transportation- Explore economic centers across Maryland and their effect on how people live and work
● The World Before Colonization- Study Indigenous and African civilizations before European colonization- Build timelines and compare cultures to understand Maryland’s early history from multiple perspectives
Skills Developed:
- Financial planning and decision-making- Map reading and analysis of geographic features- Understanding civic roles and responsibilities- Historical thinking and interpreting evidence from the past- Researching and communicating ideas through writing and projects
This curriculum helps students connect local and global perspectives while developing the skills to be informed, thoughtful citizens.

4th Grade Social Studies Curriculum

The 4th Grade Social Studies curriculum explores geography, economics, early Native American cultures, and the impact of European exploration and colonization. Students investigate how people adapt to their environment, how societies form, and how history shapes the present.
Key Units of Study:
● Geography and Economics in the United States- Study Maryland’s geography and its nickname “America in Miniature”- Explore how people impact the environment and economy, especially the Chesapeake Bay
● The Earliest Americans- Investigate Native American cultures across North America- Learn how geography shaped diverse traditions and societies, including tribes in Maryland
● Age of Encounters- Understand why European nations explored new lands- Analyze the economic, cultural, and human impact of exploration and the beginnings of slavery
● The English Colonies- Examine early colonial life and settlement patterns- Discover how colonies were governed and how religion influenced their development
Skills Developed:
- Interpreting maps and geographic data- Comparing cultures and civilizations- Understanding economic choices and trade- Analyzing historical sources and timelines- Drawing connections between geography, history, and government
This curriculum helps students think like historians and geographers, developing an understanding of the past and how it shapes the communities we live in today.

5th Grade Social Studies Curriculum

The 5th Grade Social Studies curriculum examines the foundation of the United States through the lens of geography, revolution, and government. Students explore how regional differences, historic events, and civic principles shaped the early American experience.
Key Units of Study:
● The Colonial Regions- Compare New England, Middle, and Southern colonies- Study how geography shaped economic activity and daily life- Understand the role of slavery and interdependence among regions
● Revolution!- Analyze the causes and major events of the American Revolution- Explore the impact of key individuals and founding ideas- Examine how colonies united in the fight for independence
● A New Government- Study the creation and structure of the U.S. Constitution- Learn how foundational principles shape American democracy- Understand the lasting effects of the American Revolution
Skills Developed:
- Analyzing primary and secondary sources- Sequencing historical events and using timelines- Developing arguments using evidence and reasoning- Understanding cause and effect in historical context- Exploring civic responsibility and democratic values
This curriculum encourages students to think critically about the development of the United States and their role as informed citizens in a democratic society.