Social Studies Curriculum

South
America

National
Standards for
Geography:
Standards #1 - #18
(See National
Standards
Document)

Alaska State
Geography
Content
Standards
Addressed:
Standards A-F
(See Alaska State
Geography
Standards
Document)

1. The five themes of geography allow us to explore patterns in location, place, human environment interaction, movement, and regions.
2. Geography has a range of helpful tools that can assist us in understanding our earth and its patterns.
3. South America is powerfully influenced by the legacies of cultural assimilation and colonization.
   • To what extent are the cultures of South America influenced by colonization?
   • How would the Americas have been different without European contact?
4. South America is rich in cultural diversity, a feature that both benefits and challenges its people.
   • How are South America’s cultures diverse?
   • How has cultural diversity benefited and challenged the people of South America?
5. The cultures of indigenous populations in South America reflect both ancient traditions and ways of life as well as contemporary lifestyles.
   • How are ancient traditions and ways of life reflected in the lives of indigenous South American populations?
   • How do indigenous populations use traditional knowledge in their daily lives?

Europe …
Eastern and Western

***(Russia can be covered in this unit or the Asia unit or both. The information will be in the Asia unit.)

1. The five themes of geography allow us to explore patterns in location, place, human environment interaction, movement, and regions.
2. Geography has a range of helpful tools that can assist us in understanding our earth and its patterns.
3. Culture and experience influence people’s perceptions of places and regions.
   • To what extent is Europe a heterogeneous culture? To what extent do European nations share common cultures, histories, and perceptions?
   • How do Europeans perceive their geographic region in relationship to the rest of the world?
   • To what extent does the history of Europe influence its citizens’ perceptions of their relationship to the rest of the globe?
4. Force of cooperation and conflict among people influence the division and control of earth’s surface.
   • To what extent do the ideals of peace and economic strength entice people to unite? To what extent can these ideals lead to conflict or tension among regions or countries?
   • How did the European Union come about?

Ancient
Civilization
of Mesopotamia

1. Civilizations are comprised of interrelated societies with advanced levels of development collectively characterized by social, political, material, scientific, and artistic progress.
   • What is a civilization?
   • How do civilizations develop? How do they decline?
   • To what extent are universal characteristics common to all civilizations?
   • To what extent do ancient civilizations have enduring legacies that affect us today?