AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUBJECT/COURSE: Social Studies
IPG: Third Nine Weeks
GRADE LEVEL: 1
MAJOR CONCEPT #1: Traditions
Overarching Idea
Guiding Questions
Customs, symbols, celebrations and historical figures/heroes help create the traditions that make a society
unique.
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What are some of the customs and traditions that make a society unique?
Why are songs, symbols, and music important to a society’s traditions?
Why are national heroes honored as a part of a society’s traditions?
What are some of the characteristics of a national hero that influence the traditions of a society?
MAJOR CONCEPT #2: Location
Overarching Idea
Guiding Questions
The study of location requires an understanding of where we are located in relationship to the world, and why
this location is conducive to settlement.
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Where is my location in relationship to the world?
How does the use of maps and map-making skills improve the understanding of a region’s location?
How is a settlement’s location chosen and modified to fit the community?
How might the history of a settlement change the location of a community?
© Austin Independent School District, 2009-2110
1
AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUBJECT/COURSE: Social Studies
IPG: Third Nine Weeks
GRADE LEVEL: 1
MAJOR CONCEPT #3: Government
Overarching Idea
Guiding Questions
The rules, regulations and leadership that a society chooses to protect lives, rights, and property form the
government of that society.
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What are some of the characteristics that make a society’s government unique?
How do some of the early leaders of a society help influence what type of government it will
implement?
What are the symbols that represent a government?
MAJOR CONCEPT #4: History
Overarching Idea
Guiding Questions
Historical figures have influenced the community, state, and nation.
 How are the lives of historical figures similar and different?
 How have the similarities and differences of historical figures affected the community and
society?
 How have historical figures brought change to the community and society?
© Austin Independent School District, 2009-2110
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