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Social Studies Curriculum Social Studies - 3rd Grade (2024)
Lesson Plans

Strand 3: Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Community Member

Students delineate their civic rights and responsibilities as members of their community and the limits to their rights when they conflict with the rights of others. Students are introduced to the concepts of civil rights, public virtue, and civic engagement.

Compelling Questions:

  • What do you like about your community? Are there changes you would like to make?
  • Who decides what your community is like?
  • How can you demonstrate respect for others in your community?
  • How has your community improved, and how can you help your community continue to improve?
  • How are your local leaders chosen, and how does your community assure that its leaders do what your community wants and/or needs?

Standard 3.3.2

Reflect upon the processes used to address needs and reach solutions within their family, their classroom, or other groups of which they are a part. Compare those to the democratic processes used to address needs and reach solutions within their communities.
  • Aldean and the Red-Tailed Hawk: A White Mesa Ute Story
    Aldean Ketchum is a White Mesa Ute tribal member. He grew up in southern Utah. He is a storyteller and flute player. He share a story about a hawk. The Ute people have a close association with nature and a respect for all living things. They share the earth with animals, and they look to them for guidance. The Utes honor the hawk in ceremonies, and they use hawk feathers in their regalia. Students will learn more about the White Mesa Ute tribe, birds of prey (raptors) and engage in strategies before, during and after reading the story. 
  • Father Sky & Mother Earth: A Navajo Legend
    Caring for the Earth is an important part of responsible decision-making and global citizenship. Our Father Sky and Mother Earth provide for our most basic needs. We need to protect and care for our environment. Through this lesson, students will strengthen thier social and emotional learning skills by reading a Navajo legend - "Father Sky and Mother Earth." Student will explore how they can be good stewards of the Earth and Sky in protecting our natural resources. 


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.