United States Unit Slides
Grade 3 Social Studies • Unit 2 Standard: NYS SS 3.1 & Next Gen ELA 3R1
🎯 I Can:
I can name our new unit and explore our big question about the United States.
19 Class Periods
The United States
of America
Our Big Question
How is the United States like other countries? How is it different?
5 Easy Steps
- 1. Land & Weather
- 2. Jobs & Goods
- 3. Leaders & Rules
- 4. Culture & Symbols
- 5. American Tall Tales
Unit 2: World Communities Slide 1 of 10
Unit Video Time Standard: NYS SS 3.1 & Next Gen ELA 3SL1
🎯 I Can:
I can watch the video and find 3 facts about our nation.
Unit 2 Video
Let's Visit Washington, D.C.
Explore our nation's capital and 50 states!
English & Spanish Watch & Listen
Look & Listen For:
1
The Land: Mountains, rivers, and farms.
2
The Capital: White House and big monuments.
3
The People: Working and helping in communities.
Class Video Guide Slide 2 of 10
4 Big Ideas Standard: NYS SS 3.1 - 3.4 & Next Gen ELA 3R2
🎯 I Can:
I can explain the 4 big ideas about living in the United States.
1. Geography
Land Shapes Our Life
Mountains, rivers, and weather change how people live and dress.
2. Economy
Needs & Wants
People work, buy, and trade to get food, homes, and goods.
3. Government
Power to the People
Citizens vote to choose leaders and follow fair laws.
4. Culture
Many People, One Team
People have different traditions but share American values.
Big Ideas of America Slide 3 of 10
Lesson 1: Geography Standard: NYS SS Framework 3.1 & Next Gen ELA 3R1
🎯 I Can:
I can name 3 regions in the United States and describe the land.
East Coast
Oceans & Hills
- Busy ocean harbors
- Big cities and 4 seasons
🏙️ People fish, ship goods, and work in cities.
The Plains
Flat Farmland
- Flat land with rich soil
- Big rivers like Mississippi
🚜 People grow corn, wheat, and raise cattle.
The West
Mountains & Parks
- Rocky Mountains
- Warm deserts & Pacific Ocean
🌲 People visit national parks and build technology.
Regions of the U.S.A. Slide 4 of 10
Lesson 2: Economy & Jobs Standard: NYS SS Framework 3.2 & Next Gen ELA 3R4
🎯 I Can:
I can tell the difference between a need and a want.
Needs
Things we MUST have to live:
- 🍎 Healthy Food
- 💧 Clean Water
- 🏠 Safe Home
- 🧥 Warm Clothes
You need these to survive!
Wants
Things that are FUN to have:
- 🎮 Video Games
- 🍦 Ice Cream Treats
- 🚲 New Skateboards
- 📱 Smart Phones
Nice to have, but not needed!
Work We Do
Goods: Things you can touch (apples, shoes, cars).
Services: Work someone does (doctor, teacher, bus driver).
We trade to help each other!
Needs, Wants & Goods Slide 5 of 10
Lesson 3: Our Government Standard: NYS SS Framework 3.3 & Next Gen ELA 3R1
🎯 I Can:
I can name the 3 branches of government and what they do.
Branch 1
Congress
JOB: MAKES LAWS
- • Senate and House
- • Elected by the people
🏛️ Capitol Building
Branch 2
President
JOB: CARRIES OUT LAWS
- • Leads the country
- • Leads the military
🏛️ The White House
Branch 3
Supreme Court
JOB: CHECKS LAWS
- • 9 Supreme Court Judges
- • Explains the Constitution
🏛️ Supreme Court
3 Branches of Government Slide 6 of 10
Lesson 4: American Culture Standard: NYS SS Framework 3.4 & Next Gen ELA 3R2
🎯 I Can:
I can identify American symbols and celebrate diverse traditions.
Many Cultures
Families in America come from all over the world, bringing:
🍕 Delicious foods from many cultures 🎵 Great music and dances 🎉 Fun holidays and celebrations
🤝 "Out of many, one!"
4 Famous Symbols
Statue of Liberty
Liberty Bell
American Flag
Bald Eagle
These symbols stand for freedom and courage!
Diverse Cultures & Shared Symbols Slide 7 of 10
Lesson 5: American Tall Tales Standard: Next Gen ELA 3R2 & 3R4
🎯 I Can:
I can find the big lesson in an American tall tale.
What is it?
A funny story with:
- 🌟 Giant exaggerations!
- 💪 Superhuman strength
- 😂 Silly, wild problems
Bigger than real life!
Famous Heroes
- Paul Bunyan: Giant lumberjack with blue ox!
- Pecos Bill: Rode a wild tornado horse!
- John Henry: Beat a steam drill machine!
The Big Lesson
What do they teach us?
✨ Never give up! ✨ Work hard together! ✨ Dream big dreams!
Grit and bravery!
American Tall Tales Slide 8 of 10
Unit Project Standard: NYS SS 3.1-3.5 & Next Gen ELA 3W2
🎯 I Can:
I can make a 3-part summary board to show what I learned about America.
U.S.A. Summary Board
Make a poster showing your favorite facts!
Easy Checklist: 1. Clear title & drawings 2. Facts in your own words 3. Colorful borders
Panel 1: Land
- • Draw a U.S. map
- • Name 1 landform
- • Weather fact
Panel 2: Rules
- • 3 Branches chart
- • 1 Job or Good
- • Why we vote
Panel 3: People
- • 1 American symbol
- • Favorite holiday
- • 1 Tall Tale hero
Summary Board Project Slide 9 of 10
Unit 2 Review Standard: NYS SS Framework 3.1 & Next Gen ELA 3R8
🎯 I Can:
I can answer our big question comparing the United States with other countries.
Our Big Question:
"How is the U.S. like other countries? How is it different?"
How We Are Alike
- Every country has rules and laws to stay safe.
- People work to earn money and buy goods.
- Families celebrate special holidays together.
How We Are Unique
- 50 states united under one Constitution.
- 3 branches of government that balance power.
- A melting pot of cultures from across the world.
Unit 2 Complete • Great Job! Slide 10 of 10