thematic units

The following list contains the units I like to use within each month, however, I usually do not do each unit every year, and sometimes not in the month listed !

September: Names, School Beginnings, Citizenship,

October: Columbus Day, Native American Day, Maps

November: Thanksgiving, Veteran's Day, American Symbols

December: Christmas, Water and Ice

January: Martin Luther King, Earth Systems

February: 100th Day, Presidents Day, Rocks, American Symbols

March: Energy and Matter (kites and magnets), Weather

April: Eggs, Living Things,

May: Plants

South Dakota State Standards Lesson Plans

Gander Academy--very thorough and relevant links to science and social studies units and ideas

South Dakota State Standards Thematic Units

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Science

Physical Science

Describe structures and properties of and changes in matter

1.P.1.1 Students are able to categorize objects by physical attributes such as color, size, and shape
1.P.1.2 Students are able to compare objects in terms of heavier or lighter
1.P.1.3 Students are able to predict how common materials interact with water

Analyze forces, their forms, and their effects on motions

1.P.2.1 Students are able to describe relative positions of objects

Analyze interactions of energy and matter

Life Science

Understand the fundamental structures functions, classifications and mechanisms found in living things

1.L.1.1 Students are able to discover life needs of green plants
1.L.1.2 Students are able to identify the parts of a plant
1.L.1.3 Students are able to list life needs of people and animals

Analyze various patterns and products of natural and induced biological change

1.L.1.2 Students are able to describe physical similarities and differences between parents and offspring

Analyze how organisms are linked to one another and the environment

1.L.3.1 Students are able to relate characteristics of plants and animals that allow them to live in specific habitats

Earth/Space Science

Analyze the various structures and processes of the Earth system

1.E.1.1 Students are able to recognize changes in weather over time
1.E.1.2 Students are able to describe rocks in terms of properties

Analyze essential principles and ideas about the composition and structure of the universe

Social Studies

History

1.US.1.1. Students are able to use timelines from birth to present to relate self and family to changes over time.
1.US.2.1. Students are able to connect people and events honored in commemorative holidays.

First Grade U.S. History Performance Descriptors

Advanced

First grade students performing at the advanced level:

create and explain a personal timeline
explain why people and events are honored in commemorative holidays.

Proficient

First grade students performing at the proficient level:

use timelines from birth to present to relate self and family to changes over time;
connect people and events to commemorative holidays.

Basic

First grade students performing at the basic level:

recognize that events on a timeline are recorded in chronological order;
participate in classroom holiday activities.

Geography

1.G.1.1. Students are able to construct a simple map using a map key and at least three symbols.
1.G.1.2. Students are able to use a picture map to locate an address.
1.G.1.3 Students are able to identify a continent as a large land mass and an ocean as a large body of water

First Grade Geography Performance Descriptors

Advanced

First grade students performing at the advanced level:

describe why a map key is a necessary part of a map
draw a map of their own neighborhoods.

Proficient

First grade students performing at the proficient level:

create a simple map using at least three symbols on the map key;
use a picture map to locate an address;
identify a continent as a large land mass and an ocean as a large body of water.

Basic

First grade students performing at the basic level:

identify symbols on a map key;
identify a map as a tool.

Civics

1.C.1.1. Students are able to identify American symbols and landmarks.
1.C.2.1. Students are able to list rules in different groups for different situations.

1.C.2.2. Students are able to identify the attributes of good citizenship.

First Grade Civics (Government) Performance Descriptors

Advanced

First grade students performing at the advanced level:

create a set of rules for a group;
invent a new American symbol;
demonstrate the attributes of good citizenship in their classroom interactions.

Proficient

First grade students performing at the proficient level:

list rules in different groups for different situations;
name three American symbols or landmarks;
identify the attributes of good citizenship.

Basic

First grade students performing at the basic level:

name three classroom rules;
name an American symbol or landmark;
participate in classroom citizenship activities.

Economics

1.E.1.1. Students are able to define goods and services.
1.E.1.2. Students are able to explain choices families have to make when buying goods and services.

First Grade Economics Performance Descriptors

Advanced

First grade students performing at the advanced level:

describe a service they recently used;
tell why financial choices are necessary in family life.

Proficient

First grade students performing at the proficient level:

define goods and services;
explain choices families have to make when buying goods and services.

Basic

First grade students performing at the basic level:

name a good or service;
participate in classroom economic activities.