Colorado Academic Standards (CAS) 3rd Grade Social Studies Activities

CO.1. History

1.1. Use a variety of sources to distinguish historical fact from fiction. Students can:

1.1.a. Compare factual historical sources with works of fiction about the same topic identifying items on topics to include but not limited to historical fact and opinion

1.2. People in the past influence the development and interaction of different communities or regions. Students can:

1.2.a. Compare past and present situations and events

1.2.c. Give examples of people and events, and developments that brought important changes to a community or region

1.2.d. Describe the history, interaction, and contribution of the various peoples and cultures that have lived in or migrated to a community or region

CO.2. Geography

2.1. Use various types of geographic tools to develop spatial thinking. Students can:

2.1.a. Read and interpret information from geographic tools and formulate geographic questions

2.1.b. Find oceans and continents, major countries, bodies of water, mountains, and urban areas, the state of Colorado, and neighboring states on maps

2.2. The concept of regions is developed through an understanding of similarities and differences in places. Students can:

2.2.a. Observe and describe the physical characteristics and the cultural and human features of a region

2.2.b. Identify the factors that make a region unique including cultural diversity, industry and agriculture, and land forms

2.2.d. Characterize regions using different types of features such as physical, political, cultural, urban and rural

CO.3. Economics

3.1. Describe producers and consumers and how goods and services are exchanged. Students can:

3.1.a. Describe the difference between producers and consumers and explain how they need each other

3.1.b. Describe and give examples of forms of exchange including but not limited to trade and barter

3.1.c. Describe how the exchange of goods and services between businesses and consumers affects all parties

3.1.e. Give examples of how trade benefits individuals and communities and increases interdependency

3.2. Describe how to meet short term financial goals (PFL). Students can:

3.2.a. Identify sources of income including gifts, allowances, and earnings

3.2.d. Create a plan for a short-term financial goal

3.2.e. Describe the steps necessary to reach short-term financial goals

CO.4. Civics

4.1. Respecting the views and rights of others is a key component of a democratic society. Students can:

4.1.c. Give examples of the relationship between rights and responsibilities

4.2. The origins, structure, and functions of local government. Students can:

4.2.a. Identify the origins, structure, and functions of local government

4.2.c. Identify and explain a variety of roles leaders, citizens, and others play in local government