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Elementary
Elementary Social Studies Grade 2
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In Social Studies Grade 2, students will study Who We Are as Americans. Second-grade students will investigate the impact of immigration over time in the United States, explore the geography of North America, and discover the foundations of American citizenship.
Please view the Elementary Parents Guide for Grades K-2 with guidance on helping your student transition to online learning and thrive at VLACS.
Major Topics and Concepts
Segment One
- Maps and Globes
- Oceans and Continents
- North America
- Native Americans
- Colonial America
- European exploration
- Symbols of the United States
- U.S. Government
- Primary and Secondary Sources
Segment Two
- Resources
- Supply and Demand
- Trade
- Spending and Saving
- Immigration
- Citizenship
Course Materials
To achieve success, students are expected to submit work in each course weekly. Students can learn at their own pace; however, “any pace” still means that students must make progress in the course every week. To measure learning, students complete self-checks, practice lessons, multiple choice questions, projects, discussion-based assessments, and discussions. Students and families are expected to maintain regular contact with teachers because, when teachers, students, and parents work together, students are successful.
Required Materials – Please view the list of materials before registering.
Competencies
History
I can identify terms and designations of time sequence. I can evaluate primary and secondary sources about history. I can compare the cultures of Native American tribes from different regions. I can identify contributions of Native Americans to the United States. I can explain the changes in daily Colonial life over time. I can identify reasons Europeans came to North America.
United States Government
I can identify United States Documents and the American flag as symbols of the United States. I can explain the purpose of government. I can explain the protection of the United States government of the liberty and rights of American citizens. I can identify the Constitution as the highest law of the land. I can describe the purpose of the Constitution. I can identify the three branches of the United States government.
Using Maps and Globes
I can explain elements of a map and globe. I can describe locations on a map and globe. I can identify the continents and oceans on a map or globe. I can identify the countries in North America on a map or globe. I can describe the location of the national capital. I can Identify my state and state capital.
Choices with Resources
I can explain goods and services. I can summarize the influence of limited resources on choices. I can explain supply and demand. I can compare the costs and benefits of spending money. I can compare the costs and benefits of saving money. I can explain the purpose of countries trading with each other. I can differentiate between exporting and importing.
Citizenship
I can explain ways to become a United States citizen. I can explain a right and a responsibility of being a United States citizen. I can describe being a responsible citizen. I can explain ways rules and laws make our community safer. I can describe ways Americans show patriotism to the United States.
Immigration
I can identify reasons people came to the United States. I can describe the early immigration process to the United States. I can identify places that are meaningful to United States immigrants. I can explain the reasons people immigrate today. I can describe cultural influences and contributions of United States immigrants.
