STANDARD 6.2: Social Studies

Standard 6: Social Studies

Mission: Social Studies education provides learners with the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to be active, informed citizens and contributing members of local, state and world communities.

Standard 6.2 Civics

All students will know, understand and appreciate the values and principles of American democracy and the rights, responsibilities and roles of a citizen in the nation and the world.

Big Idea: An understanding of the historical foundations and underlying values and principles of American democracy prepares learners to make informed, responsible decisions as citizens and to value participation as citizens of the nation and the world.
6.2. A Civic Life, Politics and Government
Essential Questions	Enduring Understandings
- What is government and what can it do? - Why do rules, laws and government not always preserve individual rights and the common good? What can be done about it?	- Societies require rules, laws and government. - Governments can change based on the needs of people, their society and their culture. -Citizens can influence government in many ways if they choose to participate.
Cumulative Progress Indicators	Comments and Examples
By the end of Grade 2:

1. Explain the need for rules, laws, and government.
2. Give examples of authority and recognize problems that might arise from lack of effective authority.
3. Describe how American citizens can participate in community and political life.
4. Explain that justice means fairness to all.
5. Explain that a responsibility means something you must or should do
6. Explore basic concepts of diversity, tolerance, fairness, and respect for others.

6.2. B American Values and Principles
Essential Questions	Enduring Understandings
-How have the basic values and principles of American democracy changed and in what ways have they been preserved?	- Our government was founded on the principles of fairness, equality and respect for diversity.
Cumulative Progress Indicators	Comments and Examples
By the end of Grade 2:

1. Identify symbols of American values and beliefs such as the American Flag and the Statue of Liberty

6.2. C The Constitution and American Democracy
Essential Questions	Enduring Understandings
- How does the government established by the Constitution embody the purposes, values and principles of the American dream? - How can a government decision be based on a Constitution that does not explicitly state the answer? - Why have the roles and responsibilities of U.S. citizens changed?	- The Constitution is a living document that helps in defining the roles and responsibilities of government and of citizens.
Cumulative Progress Indicators	Comments and Examples
By the end of Grade 2:

1. Identify community and government leaders (e.g., mayor, town council, President of the United States)

6.2. D Citizenship
Essential Questions	Enduring Understandings
- How can citizens and groups participate effectively in the democratic process? - Can the rights of American citizens ever cause conflict among them?	- Citizenship is a lifelong endeavor. - It is the responsibility of citizens to actively participate in government; otherwise, the country is run by a few for the few. - Protecting the common good may require sacrificing individual rights. Maintaining that fragile balance is the collective role of all citizens.
Cumulative Progress Indicators	Comments and Examples
By the end of Grade 2:

1. Identify examples of responsible citizenship in the school setting.
2. Recognize real people and fictional characters who have demonstrated responsible leadership and citizenship and identify the characteristics that have made them good examples.

6.2. E International Education: Global Challenges, Cultures and Connections
Essential Questions	Enduring Understandings
- What is the formal and informal relationship of the United States to other nations? - What social, political, and economic opportunities and problems arise when cultures interact? - How do we affirm individual and group identities and at the same time learn to respect and appreciate the identities of others?	- Nations interact with each each through trade, treaties and use of force. - The earth is a global community where the actions of one country can affect lives in other countries. - The U.S. view of global issues and challenges may not be the same as the views held by other countries and cultures.
Cumulative Progress Indicators	Comments and Examples
By the end of Grade 2:

1. Explain that the United States is a diverse nation and one of many nations in the world.
2. Identify traditions and celebrations of various cultures (e.g., Chinese New Year, Cinco de Mayo).
3. Participate in activities such as dance, song, and games that represent various cultures.

Link to Standard 6.2 Grade 3-4

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