NYS Social Studies K-6 Curriculum
Grade K: Self and Others
In kindergarten, students study “Self and Others.” The course is organized into five units of study—Individual Development and Cultural Identity; Civic Ideals and Practices; Geography, Humans, and the Environment; Time, Continuity, and Change; and Economic Systems. These units represent five of the unifying themes of social studies, and may be presented in any order. Each unit helps students study themselves in the context of their immediate surroundings. Students will learn about similarities and differences between children, families, and communities and about holidays, symbols and traditions that unite us as Americans. Students learn about respect for others, and rights and responsibilities of individuals.
In kindergarten, students study “Self and Others.” The course is organized into five units of study—Individual Development and Cultural Identity; Civic Ideals and Practices; Geography, Humans, and the Environment; Time, Continuity, and Change; and Economic Systems. These units represent five of the unifying themes of social studies, and may be presented in any order. Each unit helps students study themselves in the context of their immediate surroundings. Students will learn about similarities and differences between children, families, and communities and about holidays, symbols and traditions that unite us as Americans. Students learn about respect for others, and rights and responsibilities of individuals.
Grade 1: My Family and Other Families, Now and Long Ago
“My Family and Other Families, Now and Long Ago” is organized around the same five units of study that organize kindergarten Social Studies—Individual Development and Cultural Identity; Civic Ideals and Practices; Geography, Humans, and the Environment; Time, Continuity, and Change; and Economic Systems. These units represent five of the unifying themes of social studies, and may be presented in any order.
Students examine families and develop an awareness of cultural diversity within the American culture. Responsible citizenship is introduced, as well as the role of authority in making rules and laws. The students will increase their geography skills through the use of maps and directions. Family history provides the basis for examining sources of information and organizing that information. Economic terminology and principles are introduced in the context of family resources, as well as in making economic decisions.
“My Family and Other Families, Now and Long Ago” is organized around the same five units of study that organize kindergarten Social Studies—Individual Development and Cultural Identity; Civic Ideals and Practices; Geography, Humans, and the Environment; Time, Continuity, and Change; and Economic Systems. These units represent five of the unifying themes of social studies, and may be presented in any order.
Students examine families and develop an awareness of cultural diversity within the American culture. Responsible citizenship is introduced, as well as the role of authority in making rules and laws. The students will increase their geography skills through the use of maps and directions. Family history provides the basis for examining sources of information and organizing that information. Economic terminology and principles are introduced in the context of family resources, as well as in making economic decisions.
Grade 2: My Community and Other Communities
“My Community and Other Communities” is organized into five units of study—Individual Development and Cultural Identity; Civic Ideals and Practices; Geography, Humans, and the Environment; Time, Continuity, and Change; and Economic Systems. These units represent five of the unifying themes of social studies, and may be presented in any order.
Students study their local community and learn about characteristics that define urban, suburban, and rural communities. Democratic principles and participation in government are introduced. Interaction with the environment and changes to the environment and their effects are examined. The concept of change over time and examining cause and effect are introduced. Students will examine the availability of resources and the interdependence within and across communities.
“My Community and Other Communities” is organized into five units of study—Individual Development and Cultural Identity; Civic Ideals and Practices; Geography, Humans, and the Environment; Time, Continuity, and Change; and Economic Systems. These units represent five of the unifying themes of social studies, and may be presented in any order.
Students study their local community and learn about characteristics that define urban, suburban, and rural communities. Democratic principles and participation in government are introduced. Interaction with the environment and changes to the environment and their effects are examined. The concept of change over time and examining cause and effect are introduced. Students will examine the availability of resources and the interdependence within and across communities.
Grade 3: Communities around the World
In “Communities around the World,” students learn about communities around the globe and about global citizenship. Students bring with them knowledge about their communities. In this course, students make comparisons across time and space, examining different communities and their cultures. Culture includes social organization, customs and traditions, language, arts and literature, religion, forms of government, and economic systems. Students are introduced to the concepts of prejudice, discrimination and human rights, as well as to social action.
Teachers must select at least three communities that may reflect the diversity of their local community for extensive study. These communities should represent different regions of the world, types of communities (urban, suburban, and rural), and governmental structures.
The key ideas, conceptual understandings, and content specifications guide the study of communities while exploring the major themes of social studies. The various world communities, Key Ideas and social studies practices may be presented in any order.
In “Communities around the World,” students learn about communities around the globe and about global citizenship. Students bring with them knowledge about their communities. In this course, students make comparisons across time and space, examining different communities and their cultures. Culture includes social organization, customs and traditions, language, arts and literature, religion, forms of government, and economic systems. Students are introduced to the concepts of prejudice, discrimination and human rights, as well as to social action.
Teachers must select at least three communities that may reflect the diversity of their local community for extensive study. These communities should represent different regions of the world, types of communities (urban, suburban, and rural), and governmental structures.
The key ideas, conceptual understandings, and content specifications guide the study of communities while exploring the major themes of social studies. The various world communities, Key Ideas and social studies practices may be presented in any order.
Grade 4: New York State and Local History and Government
Grade 4 Social Studies is focused on New York State and local communities and their change over time, incorporating the study of geography, history, economics, and government. Teachers are encouraged to make and teach local connections throughout the course. The course is divided into seven Key Ideas that span the State’s history from before the European colonial era to the modern period. The Key Ideas allow teachers to make connections to present-day New York State and the local community.
Teachers should note that some Key Ideas and Concepts may require extra time or attention. These include Key Ideas 4.4 Government and 4.6 Westward Movement and Industrialization.
Grade 4 Social Studies is focused on New York State and local communities and their change over time, incorporating the study of geography, history, economics, and government. Teachers are encouraged to make and teach local connections throughout the course. The course is divided into seven Key Ideas that span the State’s history from before the European colonial era to the modern period. The Key Ideas allow teachers to make connections to present-day New York State and the local community.
Teachers should note that some Key Ideas and Concepts may require extra time or attention. These include Key Ideas 4.4 Government and 4.6 Westward Movement and Industrialization.
Grade 5: The Western Hemisphere
Grade 5 Social Studies is based on the history and geography of the Western Hemisphere, including the development of cultures, civilizations, and empires; interaction between societies; and the comparison of the government and economic systems of modern nations. It also incorporates elements of archaeology. The course is divided into seven Key Ideas that cover a time span from prehistory into modern times. Teachers are encouraged to make and teach local connections throughout the course, especially in the examination of citizenship related to modern political and economic issues.
Teachers should note that some Key Ideas and Concepts may require extra time or attention. These include Key Ideas 5.3 European Exploration and its Effects, 5.6 Government, and 5.7 Economics.
Grade 5 Social Studies is based on the history and geography of the Western Hemisphere, including the development of cultures, civilizations, and empires; interaction between societies; and the comparison of the government and economic systems of modern nations. It also incorporates elements of archaeology. The course is divided into seven Key Ideas that cover a time span from prehistory into modern times. Teachers are encouraged to make and teach local connections throughout the course, especially in the examination of citizenship related to modern political and economic issues.
Teachers should note that some Key Ideas and Concepts may require extra time or attention. These include Key Ideas 5.3 European Exploration and its Effects, 5.6 Government, and 5.7 Economics.
Grade 6: The Eastern Hemisphere
Grade 6 Social Studies is based on the geography and history of the Eastern Hemisphere, including the development of cultures, civilizations, and empires; interactions between societies; and the comparison of trends in government and economics. It also incorporates some elements of other social sciences.
The course begins with an examination of the Eastern Hemisphere today, using geographic skills. This provides the foundation for making connections between the past and the present throughout the course. The remainder of the course is divided into seven Key Ideas that cover a time span from pre-history into the 1300s. Students are provided the opportunity to explore belief systems across time and to examine the foundations of democracy.
Teachers should note that some Key Ideas and Concepts may require extra time or attention. These include Key Ideas 6.3 Early River Valley Civilizations in the Eastern Hemisphere; 6.6 Mediterranean World: Feudal Western Europe, the Byzantine Empire, and the Islamic Caliphates; and 6.7 Interactions Across the Eastern Hemisphere.
Grade 6 Social Studies is based on the geography and history of the Eastern Hemisphere, including the development of cultures, civilizations, and empires; interactions between societies; and the comparison of trends in government and economics. It also incorporates some elements of other social sciences.
The course begins with an examination of the Eastern Hemisphere today, using geographic skills. This provides the foundation for making connections between the past and the present throughout the course. The remainder of the course is divided into seven Key Ideas that cover a time span from pre-history into the 1300s. Students are provided the opportunity to explore belief systems across time and to examine the foundations of democracy.
Teachers should note that some Key Ideas and Concepts may require extra time or attention. These include Key Ideas 6.3 Early River Valley Civilizations in the Eastern Hemisphere; 6.6 Mediterranean World: Feudal Western Europe, the Byzantine Empire, and the Islamic Caliphates; and 6.7 Interactions Across the Eastern Hemisphere.
Helpful Online Resources
Buffalo History Portal
Buffalo History Museum
TR Site Education
TR/VR Tour
Buffalo Erie County Public Library Digital Collections
WNY HeritagE Archive
NYS ArchiveS Education
New York Heritage
Library of Congress
Rich Newberg Reports
Amistad Resources
NYPL Maps Collection
NYS Social Studies Practices K-6
| k-6_bps_social_studies_practices.pdf |
NYS Social Studies Resource Toolkit
NYS K-8 Framework Revised March 2016
| k-8-framework-revisions-march-2016.pdf |
