Third Grade

The standards for third grade students include an introduction to the heritage and contributions of the people of ancient Greece and Rome and the West African empire of Mali. Students should continue developing map skills and demonstrate an understanding of basic economic concepts. Students will explain the importance of the basic principles of democracy and identify the contributions of selected individuals. Students will recognize that Americans are a people who have diverse ethnic origins, customs, and traditions, who all contribute to American life, and who are united as Americans by common principles.

Forming the Foundation of Government in the Classroom, School, and Community

Session 1: The Importance of Rules
Session 2: Our Rights and Responsibilities
Session 3: The Purpose of Laws
Session 4: Government of the United States
Session 5: Review
Session 6: Assessment
Additional Activities

Basic Principles Held by American Citizens

Session 1: Basic American Principles
Session 2: Immigrants Come to America
Session 3: Appreciating Differences
Session 4: Family Traditions
Session 5: Patchwork Quilt of Principles That Unite Americans
Session 6: Review
Additional Activities

Contributions of Citizens Who Defended American Principles

Session 1: Understanding the Basic Principles of a Republican Form of Government
Session 2: Contributions of George Washington
Session 3: Contributions of Thomas Jefferson
Session 4: Contributions of Abraham Lincoln
Session 5: Contributions of Rosa Parks
Session 6: Contributions of Thurgood Marshall
Session 7: Contributions of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Session 8: Review the Contributions of Famous Americans
Session 9: Days to Remember: Veterans Day
Session 10: Days to Remember: Memorial Day
Session 11: Assessment
Additional Activities