Social Studies Grade 3
14 Benchmarks
History
SS.3.1.1 Describe how historical and cultural events led to the development of communities in the United
States.
Describe how the history of a community helps us understand the people who live there
today
Identify the reasons why immigrants came to the United States
Compare and contrast holidays and traditions from different cultures
Sequence events on a timeline
Behavioral Sciences
SS.3.2.2 Investigate and explain what makes a community diverse.
Identify specific examples of cultural diversity in communities
Identify cultural contributions of diverse groups to our communities.
SS.3.2.3 Explain why all individuals share a responsibility for making their community a better place to
live.
Research people who have made positive contributions and explain how their
contributions have affected their community and others
SS.3.2.4 Describe cooperation and interdependence among individuals and groups in various communities.
Identify issues and problems that affect communities
Describe how individuals and communities work together to solve global issues
Research an environmental problem and solution in the local community
Civics and Citizenship
SS.3.3.5 Explain the rights, responsibilities, and behaviors of a citizen in school and within communities.
Identify ways for people to have a voice in their community.
Describe a step-by-step process for preparing to vote responsibly in an election.
SS.3.3.6 Demonstrate good citizenship behaviors in the school and within communities.
Identify specific ways of taking personal responsibility for helping the global community
o Protecting the environment
o Helping wildlife
o Helping other people
Apply the behaviors of good citizenship in your school and community
SS.3.3.7 Identify the purpose, role and responsibilities of the government within communities.
Describe the offices of the community government and the responsibilities of the
individuals within them.
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Geography
SS.3.4.8 Recognize and locate a community in relation to the world.
Locate key geographic features on a map of earth:
o Equator
o Prime meridian
o Four hemispheres
o Four oceans
o Seven continents
Identify countries on a map of North America
SS.3.4.9 Identify and use the basic elements of maps and globes
Identify cardinal and intermediate directions and use a compass rose
Use map tools:
o Scale
o Grid
o Key (legend)
o Symbols
o Title
SS.3.4.10 Compare and contrast the physical features, climate, and natural resources of various geographic
areas around the world.
Compare and contrast the physical features, climate, and natural resources of three
different cities in the United States
Identify the physical features, climate and natural resources of Milwaukee
SS.3.4.11 Compare how groups in different regions have adapted to their physical environment and used
natural resources to meet basic needs.
Analyze artifacts from different regions around the world to identify the ways in which
people meet their needs
Identify how people in Milwaukee have adapted to their environment over time
Economics
SS.3.5.12 Explain why resources and products need to be shared between various communities.
Analyze a hypothetical pattern of global trade.
Describe how global trade has changed life in a world community.
SS.3.5.13 Describe the ways in which global trade affects communities.
Identify and describe the goods and services that contribute to the economies of local and
global communities
Describe a way in which global trade has changed life within a global community
SS.3.5.14 Determine the effects of supply and demand on local goods and services.
Explain the effects of supply and demand on prices and predict changes.
Hypothesize reasons for high and low prices on items in the local community.
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