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Social Studies Curriculum Social Studies - 2nd Grade (2024)
Lesson Plans

Strand 3: Civics

Students are introduced to the concept of government. Students learn about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, explain how people must work together to resolve conflict, and understand the importance of respecting differences.

Compelling Questions:

  • What are the benefits and responsibilities of being good citizens?
  • How do classrooms, communities, and families work together to resolve conflicts they face?
  • What are the traits of effective leaders?
  • How do people decide who governs us? Why is it important for citizens to learn about candidates and to vote?


Standard 2.3.3

Provide examples of ways in which responsible community members have worked together to resolve conflicts, solve problems, and create unity within their community.
  • 2nd Grade - Act. 09: A Similar Look at Another Text
    After reading stories about relationships, students will record their thoughts using a "Before" and "After" organizer.
  • American Founders and Constitution Month Constitutional Fitness
    This is an optional program for use by Utah LEAs, schools, and teachers to observe Founders Month and Consitution Day. It aligns with and supports mastery of many Utah Core Social Studies Standards in grade K-5. Standards alignment is provided, along with resources for possible use.
  • Influential People in History
    This lesson is focused on writing a biographical paragraph and creating a short film of a famous or influential person in American history. Students will research, write, and then create a movie using iMovie outlining the life of their chosen person. This unit takes 2-3 weeks to complete. Students can work in groups of two or on their own. 
  • Postc@rds from the Net
    Students develop an appreciation of the community in which they live, taking a closer look at the world just outside their doors and sharing their experiences with their classmates, near and far.


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.