Ledyard Public Schools

Social Studies Curriculum

Unit 3: Connecticut

(Suggested amount of time to spend on unit: April - June)

FOCUS QUESTIONS

FQ1: What is a state? (EQ3)

Map skills

Geographical unit

Collection of communities

S9; PS1 Define and identify natural and human characteristics of places.

S9; PS4 Observe and describe how places and regions are identified, defined and bounded.

S12; PS3 Use maps, globes, graphs, models, computer programs and texts as appropriate.

Identify the following characteristics of Connecticut

Size
Location
Geographical properties
Jobs
Population
Unique characteristics
Services
Resources / tourism

S9; PS2 Explain how human and natural processes shape places.

S 9; PS 5 Locate places within their own and nearby communities in Connecticut.

S10; PS3 Explain the factors that affect the location, distribution and associations of features of the physical environment.

S11; PS7 Locate places within their own and nearby communities in Connecticut.

S12; PS3 Use maps, globes, graphs, models, computer programs and texts as appropriate.

S14; PS5 Describe how the price of a good or service in a market is related to how much of it there is and how many people want it.

NOTES TO TEACHER:

While a specific time has not been given for each unit, it is important the units are taught sequentially.

RESOURCES:

Provided resources:

Portrait of America - Connecticut (Unit 3. FQ2) (Teacher reference)
Desk size Connecticut outline maps
Connecticut (Unit 3. FQ2) (Teacher reference)
A Guide to the American States - Connecticut - The Constitution State (Unit 3. FQ2) Teacher reference)

Additional resources:

Encyclopedias
Connecticut Website: www.ct.now
Governmental Agencies i.e. Tourism
Address: State Dept. of Economic Development
Tourism Division
865 Brook St
Rocky Hill, CT 06067-3405

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES:

Create a 3D Map of Connecticut illustrating/depicting landforms, population and industry.

Create a collage of Connecticut including symbols with explanations.

Using magazines to cut out pictures illustrating leading farming and industrial manufacturing areas and a template of the state, identify where the areas are located.

Create a series of graphics illustrating change in population for major population areas - 1960's to present.

Create a new State flag using the information gathered during the work previously done.

Write a want ad for the job of governor of Connecticut.

ASSESSMENTS:

Essential questions
Focus questions
Performance tasks
Tests/quizzes
Teacher observations