AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT SUBJECT/COURSE: Social Studies IPG: Second Nine Weeks GRADE LEVEL: Kindergarten MAJOR CONCEPT #1: Environment Overarching Idea Guiding Questions The environment influences where and how people live. How does the environment influence where people live? How does the environment influence how people live? How does the environment influence the type of shelter people build? MAJOR CONCEPT #2: Government Overarching Idea Citizens of a democratic country vote for people to lead the government. Guiding Questions How does a person get elected to an office in the government? Why is it important to participate in the voting process to elect a government leader? MAJOR CONCEPT #3: Culture Overarching Idea Guiding Questions Culture influences daily lives of people. How does culture influence the daily lives of people? How does culture influence traditions and holidays and the way people celebrate? © Austin Independent School District, 2009-2010 1 AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT SUBJECT/COURSE: Social Studies IPG: Second Nine Weeks GRADE LEVEL: Kindergarten MAJOR CONCEPT #4: Needs and Wants Overarching Idea Guiding Questions All people have needs and wants. People work to help satisfy these needs and wants. What are some of the basic human needs and wants? How are needs and wants different? How has technology changed people’s wants and needs? How has time and/or technology changed the way people satisfy their needs and wants? MAJOR CONCEPT #5: History Overarching Idea Guiding Questions Many holidays can be traced back in history and tell a country’s story. How does history influence the holidays we celebrate? How is our country’s history reflected in our holidays? How do holidays educate us about our country’s history? © Austin Independent School District, 2009-2010 2