Summary of North Carolina Social Studies Curriculum

Adopted by State Board of Education in 2001 and implemented 2003-04 school year.

Kindergarten: Self and Family/Families Around the World

Students explore themselves, their families, and other families around the world. Goals in kindergarten focus on developing positive attitudes about themselves, their families, and families of diverse cultures.

First Grade: Neighborhoods and Communities Around the World

Students learn about neighborhood and community and extend their knowledge of others throughout the world. Students explore characteristics of local government while expanding their understanding of justice, authority, and responsibility. They evaluate effects of change and develop awareness of diversity & cultural traditions.

Second Grade: Regional Studies: Local, State, United States, and World

Studies emphasize community life in a variety of contexts with a major focus on geography.  Students examine how communities may be linked to form larger political units and study cultural, political, geographic, and economic ties that help bind communities together.

Third grade: Citizenship - People Making a Difference

This study is designed to expand the concept of "leaders" in relationship to communities. Students are introduced to problems that "leaders" and communities confront and how conflicts are resolved.

Students also read literature about local, state, national, and global leaders (fictional and nonfictional) and their contributions to society.

Fourth Grade: North Carolina - Geography and History

Students explore geographic regions, landforms, climate, and resources of the state, including its social, economic, and political institutions and how these institutions respond to citizens’ needs.

Students explore economic principles and technological developments. They analyze diverse groups that have contributed to the early development of North Carolina and have the opportunity to draw parallels between contemporary issues and their historical origins.

Fifth Grade: United States History, Canada, Mexico, and Central America

The fifth grade study focuses on geographic regions of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Central America. Students learn about the people of these nations and the physical environments in which they live. As they examine social, economic, and political institutions, students analyze similarities and differences among societies. Major concepts are drawn from history and the social sciences, but the primary discipline is cultural geography.

Sixth Grade: South America and Europe

As students examine social, economic, and political institutions of South America, Europe and Russia, they will analyze similarities and differences among societies. The primary discipline is cultural geography. Students will have a framework for studying local, regional, national, and global issues that concern them, for understanding the interdependence of the world in which they live, and for making informed judgments as active citizens.

Seventh Grade: Africa, Asia, and Australia

As students examine social, economic, and political institutions of Africa, Asia, and Australia they analyze similarities and differences among societies. While concepts are drawn from history and the social sciences, the primary discipline is geography. This focus provides students with a framework for studying local, regional, national, and global issues that concern them, for understanding the interdependence of the world in which they live, and for making informed judgments as active citizens.

Eighth Grade: North Carolina - Creation and Development of the State

Students examine the roles of people, events, and issues in North Carolina history that have contributed to the unique character of the state today. The timeframe emphasizes revolutionary to contemporary times. Although history is a major emphasis, key concepts of geography, civics, and economics are incorporated. Includes continued examination of local, state, and national government structures.

Ninth Grade: World History

World History is a survey course that gives students the opportunity to explore recurring themes of human experience common to civilizations around the globe from ancient to contemporary times. An historical approach will be at the center, but includes themes of geography and cultural traits of civilizations. Students explore ways societies have dealt with continuity and change, exemplified by issues such as war and peace, internal stability and strife, and the development of institutions. To become informed citizens, students require knowledge of the civilizations that have shaped the development of the United States.

Tenth Grade: Civics and Economics

Through the study of Civics and Economics, students will acquire skills and knowledge necessary to become responsible and effective citizens in an interdependent world. It is recommended that this tenth grade course directly precede United States History to maintain continuity and build historical perspective. The course includes early American history and allows students to apply knowledge to real-life experiences. When studying the legal and political systems, students will become aware of their rights and responsibilities and put this information into practice. Goals and objectives are drawn from political science, history, economics, geography, and jurisprudence.

Eleventh Grade: United States History

This is designed as a survey course and a continuation of Civics and Economics. It begins with the post-revolutionary period. Throughout the competency goals, there will be some overlap of time periods to allow for teacher flexibility and to address the complexity of the issues and events. The overall curriculum continues to current times. The focus provides students with a framework for political, social, economic, and cultural issues, and their impact on American society.

Related Semester Electives Recommended by DPI

American Government
Contemporary Issues in North Carolina History
Contemporary Issues in Law & Justice