Elementary History and Social Studies Curriculum
The History and Social Studies Standards of Learning for elementary students start their introduction to the social sciences by beginning at the community level and working to understand the state, the nation, and the world. This journey includes basic history and social science skills, the lives of leaders in the history of Virginia and the United States, and the heritage of the Indigenous peoples. Students study the economic concepts of goods and services, consumers and producers, and economic choices, learn to apply the traits of a responsible citizen and recognize that communities in Virginia have local governments. The students will recognize that the United States is a land of people who have diverse ethnic origins, customs, and traditions, who make contributions to their communities, and who are united as Americans by common principles. The worldview focuses on an introduction to the heritage and contributions of the peoples of ancient China, Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the West African empire of Mali. Students will develop the skills needed to analyze, interpret, and demonstrate knowledge of important events and ideas in our history and will understand the contributions made by people of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Ideas that form the foundation for political institutions in Virginia and the United States will be included as part of the story of Virginia. The elementary program ends with a deeper study of North American Geography, which focuses on the five themes of geography; students will learn of the five United States regions and explore neighboring countries of Canada, Mexico, Central American nations, and the Caribbean Islands.
Pacing and Unit Guides
Kindergarten
Kindergarten History and Social Science Pacing and Units of Study
Prince William County Public Schools students will learn the 2015 History and Social Studies Standards of Learning set by the Virginia Department of Education.
Quarter 1
Unit 1: Good Citizenship
A large part of the learning experience in kindergarten is socialization. Children are learning to cooperate and share with peers, take part in group activities and talks, and take responsibility for their actions and learning.
Includes Standards K.10 (a – g)
Unit 2: Patriotism
Overview: A good civic education enables one to identify or give the meaning or significance of things that are tangible, such as the flag, national monuments, or civic and political events. It also enables one to give meaning to or significance to intangibles, such as ideas or concepts, including patriotism, majority and minority rights, civil society, and constitutionalism. This unit is a foundational piece in understanding our country by introducing kindergarten students to the symbols and ideals of the United States.
Includes Standards K.11 (a-d)
First Grade
First Grade History and Social Science Pacing and Units of Study
Prince William County Public Schools students will learn the 2015 History and Social Studies Standards of Learning set by the Virginia Department of Education.
Quarter 1
Unit 1: Good Citizens
Overview: A large part of the learning experience in first grade is socialization. Children are learning to cooperate and share with peers, to take part in group activities and talks, and to take responsibility for their own actions and for their own learning. From NCSS: Young learners do not become responsible, participating citizens automatically. They need to engage in frequent opportunities to make daily decisions about democratic concepts and principles that are respectful of the dignity and rights of individuals and the common good. They need to participate in learning experiences that involve core values of democracy, including freedom of speech and thought, equality of opportunity, justice, and diversity.
Includes Standards 1.10 (a-f)
Unit 2: Patriotic Symbols
Overview: To answer the question, "What are the foundations of the American political system?" a graduate of PWCS must have an understanding of the historical, philosophical, and economic foundations of the American political system; the distinctive characteristics of American society and political culture; and the values and principles basic to American constitutional democracy, such as individual rights and responsibilities, concern for the public good, the rule of law, justice, equality, diversity, truth, patriotism, federalism, and the separation of powers. Laying this foundation begins in kindergarten and the primary grades with units on citizenship, patriotism, and American symbols. A good civic education enables one to identify or give the meaning or significance of things that are tangible, such as the flag, national monuments, or civic and political events. It also enables one to give meaning to or significance to intangibles, such as ideas or concepts, including patriotism, majority and minority rights, civil society, and constitutionalism.
Includes Standards 1.11, 1.12 (a-b)
Second Grade
Second Grade History and Social Science Pacing and Units of Study
Prince William County Public Schools students will learn the 2015 History and Social Studies Standards of Learning set by the Virginia Department of Education. Students will experience the following units in this course:
Quarter 1
Unit 1: Good Citizenship
Overview: Socialization is a large part of the learning experience in early elementary school. Children are learning to cooperate and share with peers, to take part in group activities and talks, and to take responsibility for their own actions and for their own learning. Second graders generally have a firm grasp on what does and what does not constitute good behavior. They should recognize the rights of others, know that they should work and play by the rules, and make decisions concerning right and wrong with increasing independence.
Includes Standards 2.11 (a-f)
Unit 3: Economics
Overview: Economic wants are desires which can be satisfied by consuming a good, service, or leisure activity. Economists include basic needs in the broad category of economic wants because they, too, can be satisfied by consuming a good or service. When students learn about economic wants, they break the category down into wants and needs. Students distinguish between what people want (i.e. things they would like to have but can live without) and basic needs (for example, the amount of food, shelter, and clothing required to keep people alive, healthy, and safe.) Needs are those wants that are essential to life. Wants are unlimited, but the resources to produce goods and services to satisfy those wants are limited. Therefore, scarcity exists and forces people to make choices.
Includes Standards 2.8, 2.9, 2.10
Third Grade
Third Grade History and Social Science Pacing and Units of Study
Prince William County Public Schools students will learn the 2015 History and Social Studies Standards of Learning set by the Virginia Department of Education.
Quarter 1
Unit 1: Good Citizenship
Overview: Socialization is a large part of the learning experience in early elementary school. Children are learning to cooperate and share with peers, to take part in group activities and talks, and to take responsibility for their own actions and for their own learning. In general, third graders have a firm grasp of what does and does not constitute good behavior. They should recognize the rights of others, know that they should work and play by the rules, and make decisions concerning right and wrong with increasing independence.
Includes Standards 3.11 (a-f)
Unit 2: Geography and Map Skills
Overview: Geography is a way of thinking, asking questions, and observing and appreciating the world around us. It gives us the tools to move about in the world, make wise decisions about our environment, and relate more meaningfully to people from other lands and cultures. Teachers can help students learn geography by offering them interesting and fun activities and by encouraging them to ask questions about their surroundings. Use maps as often as possible so students can begin developing their own mental maps.
Includes Standards 3.6 (a-g)
Fourth Grade
Fourth Grade Virginia Studies Pacing and Units of Study
Prince William County Public Schools students will learn the 2015 History and Social Studies Standards of Learning set by the Virginia Department of Education.
Quarter 1
Unit 1: Virginia Geography
Overview: The study of VA history begins with the indigenous people and the geography of what is now Virginia. In studying Virginia’s five geographic regions and the archaeological evidence that illustrates how the American Indians used the environment to meet their needs, students understand the influence of geography on Virginia’s people and history.
Includes Standards VS.2 (a-c)
Unit 2: Virginia Native Peoples
Overview: The study of VA history begins with the indigenous people and the geography of what is now Virginia. After studying Virginia’s five geographic regions in the previous unit, students learn about the archaeological evidence that illustrates how the American Indians used the environment to meet their needs. Students will see how geography influences how people live.
Includes Standards VS.2 (d-g)
Fifth Grade
Fifth Grade North American Geography Pacing and Units of Study
Prince William County Public Schools students will learn the Prince William County Public Schools Local Course set by the Prince William County School Board in 2010. Students will experience the following units in this course:
Quarter 1
Unit 1: Map and Globe Skills
Overview: Spatial thinking allows students to understand and analyze incidents related to the places and spaces around them—and at scales from what they can touch and see in a room or their neighborhood to a world map or globe. Spatial thinking is one of the most important skills that students can develop as they learn geography, the Earth, and environmental sciences. It also deepens and gives a more complete understanding of history and is linked to success in math and science. Young students also enhance their language skills by collaborating and communicating about spatial relationships. Students who develop robust spatial thinking skills will be at an advantage in our increasingly global and technological society.
Includes Standards NAG 5.1 (a-f) NAG 5.2 (a-b)
Unit 2: The American Northeast
Overview: In this unit, students will explore the Northeast region of the United States. They will learn to locate the region on a map and identify key political features. Additionally, students will delve into the physical and climate characteristics of the Northeast, analyze its natural resources and economic activities, and describe the historical and cultural aspects of the population. Finally, they will examine life in the Northeast today, focusing on significant features and representative landmarks. The goal is for students to be able to develop a mental map of the Northeast region and explain how where we live influences how we live in the context of the Northeast region.
Includes Standards NAG 5.3 (a-e)
Unit 3: The American Southeast
Overview: In this unit, students will explore the Southeast region. They will learn to locate the region on a map, identify key political features, and understand the physical and climate characteristics unique to the Southeast. Additionally, students will analyze the region’s natural resources and economic activities. They’ll delve into the population’s history, including early settlements, historically significant events, and cultural characteristics. Finally, students will examine life in the Southeast today, focusing on significant features and representative landmarks. The goal is for students to be able to develop a mental map of the Southeast region and explain how where we live influences how we live in the context of the Southeast region.
Includes Standards NAG 5.4 (a-e)