AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUBJECT/COURSE: Social Studies
IPG: Fourth Nine Weeks
GRADE LEVEL: 1
MAJOR CONCEPT #1: Customs and Traditions
Overarching Idea
Guiding Questions
Customs, symbols, celebrations and historical figures/heroes help make up the traditions and standards that
make a society unique.
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Overarching Idea
Guiding Questions
What are some of the customs and traditions that make a society unique?
Why are songs, symbols, and music important to a society’s customs and traditions?
Why are national heroes honored as a part of a society’s customs and traditions?
What are some of the characteristics of a national hero that influence the customs and traditions of a
society?
Why are fictional heroes honored as a part of a society’s customs and traditions?
How do fictional heroes influence the customs, traditions, and standards that make a society unique?
MAJOR CONCEPT #2: Resources
When we study the earth, we become aware of its physical characteristics, its natural resources, and the
importance of taking care and preserving our planet.
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What are some of the earth’s natural resources?
What are the problems concerning our natural resources and the earth?
What are the physical characteristics and natural resources of the earth and how are they affected by
people?
How can we take care of the earth and its resources?
© Austin Independent School District, 2009-2010
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AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUBJECT/COURSE: Social Studies
IPG: Fourth Nine Weeks
GRADE LEVEL: 1
MAJOR CONCEPT #3: Systems
Overarching Idea
Guiding Questions
Weather systems affect people and their daily lives.
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What are different systems of weather?
How do weather systems affect people and the choices they make?
MAJOR CONCEPT #4: Environment
Overarching Idea
Guiding Questions
Four seasons with distinct characteristics throughout the year impact our environment.
 How does the characteristics of the four seasons change the environment?
 How does each season influence the environment and direct our lives?
© Austin Independent School District, 2009-2010
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