A Year of Social Studies in Review
For many years, Graland third graders gained an abundance of knowledge about our great state through their social studies curriculum on Colorado history. New this year, we took lessons to the next level by not only teaching the basics of our history, but also telling meaningful stories of historical figures who shaped our state, as well as using interactive technology to enhance the lessons.

 

We begin in the fall by researching Colorado life zones -- unique places where animals and plants live -- and discuss the varying elevations, climates and adaptations. Special activities during this unit includes a hike up Chief Mountain in Evergreen, life zone dioramas, and well developed and comprehensive reports. Using Google Draw, students manipulate an online, interactive map to learn about Colorado geography and topography such as regions, directions, major cities, bordering states, the Continental Divide, rivers and the sites of important historical events.

 

Third graders visit the American Museum of Western Art, the Anschutz Collection, to appreciate the beauty and history of the American West. At this point in the year, students are ready to embark on a historical journey from the early 1800s through present day. 

 

Going back in history, our first stop focuses on the Ute and Plains Indians who had a significant impact on Colorado. Students understand each group’s culture and lifestyle while discussing conflicts between Native Americans and non-natives. Using iPad apps, they create a graphical representation of key historical events before making e-books of important figures like Chief Ouray, Buckskin Charley and Little Raven. Third graders learn how Native Americans are resourceful caretakers of the environment and they are able to identify parts of a buffalo and describe how each was used. The unit includes a visit to the Plains Conservation Center, an outdoor education facility.

 

Winter brings our next unit of study on Colorado Trappers and Traders. Students discuss how successful business practices were realized through constructive problem solving, communication and trading among early settlers. Using the Pic Collage app and persuasive writing, students develop posters to advertise an item for trade. Mountain man Doc Grizzly comes to Graland and spends the day demonstrating how to survive in the wilderness. Finally, we study William Bent and Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site in La Junta. After a virtual field trip to the fort, third graders create their own interactive, online fort by comparing it to Graland’s campus.

 

Next we examine westward expansion and the lives of the Colorado gold miners and pioneers. We even become prospectors ourselves and try our hands at gold panning. All this learning leads up to our trip to the Four Mile Historic Park, where our students do farm chores, play pioneer games, and make butter and quilts. They learn about the Pikes Peak gold rush, Cripple Creek gold mining and Leadville silver mining through the stories of real life settlers. To show their understanding of the dire conditions these brave men and women faced as they attempted to establish their new homes, students create iMovie trailers. Our study of early Coloradans culminates with a visit to History Colorado Center. 

 

Our final unit of study, Statehood, is kicked off with a visit to the State Capitol and Governor's Mansion. Spring finds students studying law-making, memorizing the state symbols and learning about our early leaders. The Colorado History Affinity Project takes us through the end of the school year as students choose a piece of Colorado history and research it more deeply. Third graders create a photo essay, as well as a project of their choice to demonstrate their understanding.

 

Once our third graders become experts on Colorado, they play an important role in an official Naturalization Ceremony to welcome new American citizens. This is a meaningful way to connect our updated lessons to our service-learning project.  

 

The third grade social studies curriculum tells wonderful tales of adventure, hard fought battles and courageous peacemakers. By the end of the year, third graders leave our classrooms with a new appreciation and understanding of the great state of Colorado.