LESSON 1.1 · SS.3.G.1.1–SS.3.G.1.6
Map Tools and Map Purposes Learning goal: Choose and read the map that best answers a geographic question.
What to know A title tells the map’s subject; a legend explains symbols and colors. A compass rose shows cardinal and intermediate directions, while scale estimates real distance. Political maps show boundaries; physical and elevation maps show landforms; population maps show where people live. A globe keeps Earth’s round shape, while every flat map distorts some size, shape, direction, or distance. Use the map to locate Canada, the United States, Mexico, nearby islands, and surrounding oceans.
CIA World Factbook · public domain · image source ↗ 🧭 Use the evidence To plan a drive, use a road map and its scale. To find a mountain range, use a physical or elevation map. The best map depends on the question.
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LESSON 1.2 · SS.3.G.1.3 · SS.3.G.2.1
North America and the Caribbean Learning goal: Locate continents, oceans, and key countries and commonwealths near the United States.
What to know North America includes Canada, the United States, Mexico, and the nations and islands of the Caribbean. The Atlantic Ocean lies east of the United States and the Pacific Ocean lies west. Grade 3 map work includes Puerto Rico, Cuba, The Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica. Relative-location words—north of, southwest of, beside—help explain where a place is. Use the map to locate Canada, the United States, Mexico, nearby islands, and surrounding oceans.
CIA World Factbook · public domain · image source ↗ 🧭 Use the evidence Florida is southeast of most U.S. states, between the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of America, and northwest of Cuba and The Bahamas.
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LESSON 1.3 · SS.3.G.2.2–SS.3.G.3.2
Five U.S. Regions Learning goal: Compare the location, physical features, climate, vegetation, landmarks, and resources of U.S. regions.
What to know The five commonly taught regions are Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, and West. Regions group places that share characteristics, but boundaries can vary with the map’s purpose. Landforms, climate, vegetation, and natural resources help make regions different. Charts, maps, graphs, and photos provide evidence for comparisons. Use the map to locate Canada, the United States, Mexico, nearby islands, and surrounding oceans.
CIA World Factbook · public domain · image source ↗ 🧭 Use the evidence The Southwest is often drier than the Southeast. That climate difference affects vegetation, water use, farming, and where communities grow.
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LESSON 1.4 · SS.3.G.4.1–SS.3.G.4.4
People Adapt to Environments Learning goal: Explain how environments influence settlement and how cultures adapt and contribute.
What to know People often settle near water, transportation, jobs, useful land, and natural resources. Adaptation means changing how people live to meet environmental opportunities or challenges. Native peoples developed homes, foods, clothing, travel, and traditions suited to different regions. Many cultural and ethnic groups have contributed languages, foods, music, knowledge, and community traditions. Use the map to locate Canada, the United States, Mexico, nearby islands, and surrounding oceans.
CIA World Factbook · public domain · image source ↗ 🧭 Use the evidence In dry places, communities conserve and move water. In snowy places, steep roofs and warm clothing help people respond to winter conditions.
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Unit 1 learning map The school’s learning goals are connected to Florida’s Grade 3 Social Studies benchmarks so ideas are learned in context.
SS.3.G.1.1–SS.3.G.1.6 Map Tools and Map PurposesSS.3.G.1.3 · SS.3.G.2.1 North America and the CaribbeanSS.3.G.2.2–SS.3.G.3.2 Five U.S. RegionsSS.3.G.4.1–SS.3.G.4.4 People Adapt to Environments
Sources, curriculum references, and media credits Crystal Lake Elementary — Grade 3 Social Studies outline The four local units, essential questions, and learning goals.
Florida DOE — State Academic Standards for Social Studies Current Grade 3 standards used for lesson and practice alignment; Grade 3 begins on PDF page 26.
CIA World Factbook · public domain Physical and political map of North America
