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Social Studies Curriculum Social Studies - 1st Grade (2024)
Lesson Plans

Strand 2: Geography

Students will use geographic tools and map skills to explore the ways geography, climate, and natural resources affect the way people live and work.

Compelling Questions:

  • How does food that does not grow in our state end up in our lunchroom and homes?
  • Which geographic features are made by humans, and which are natural?
  • What are some of the reasons people or animals move from place to place?
  • How do geography, climate, and natural resources affect the way people live and work (for example, crops that can be grown in Utah and why they can be grown there)?

Standard 1.2.1

Construct a simple map of a neighborhood, classroom, school, or the setting of a story.
  • 1st Grade - Act. 21: Map Maker
    Students will complete a variety of activities that focus on maps.
  • 1st Grade - Act. 25: Making Maps
    Students will create a map of their classroom that can be used to find a hidden treasure. The concept of two-dimensional objects and three-dimensional objects will be explored during this activity.
  • 1st Grade Lesson Ideas: Code & Go Mouse
    This is a list of potential ideas based off a specific technology. None of these ideas are fully developed lessons. Please make changes and adaptations as necessary for the students in your class.
  • Around the World
    Students will play continent and ocean games to learn more about maps, globes and the world.
  • Cultural Lit. 5: Expanding Map Vocabulary
    Students will be able to name the vocabulary words in Navajo, Ute and Spanish for the cardinal directions, after receiving direct instruction and carrying out activities in cooperative group settings, in 1 class period.
  • Map Making
    Students will study a map of their school and then create a map of their classroom.


UEN logo http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Robert  Austin and see the Social Studies website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer  Throndsen.

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.