FQ1: What is a nation? (EQ1,2,3,4)

Location
Government & Military
Economy, Natural Resources & Technology
Education
Culture (birth rate, life expectancy, customs, traditions, beliefs, food, clothing, recreation, language, native or indigenous population)

S3; PS3 Describe the emergence of select governmental systems, principals and institutions.

S9; PS7 Locate natural and cultural features in their own nearby communities, in the United States and in other regions of the world, as needed, to answer geographic questions; and demonstrate how personal knowledge and experiences influence an individual's perception of places.

S12; PS4 Use maps, globes, models, graphs, charts, and databases to analyze distributions and patterns.

S13; PS1 Compare the resources used by various cultures, countries and/or regions throughout the world.

S14; PS2 Explain the all countriesÕ economics reflect a mix of market, command and traditional elements.

FQ2:What are the responsibilities of the citizens of a nation? (EQ5) Discuss such things as allegiance, voting, taxes, laws, and participation.

S3; PS2 Explain how roles and status of people have differed and changed throughout history based on gender, age, class, racial and ethnic identity, wealth and/or social position.

S6; PS1 Describe how one becomes a citizen of the United States.

S6; PS2 Explain the meaning of political rights (e.g. right to vote, right to assemble) as distinguished from personal rights (e.g. freedom of speech, freedom of movement).

S6; PS4 Identify significant characteristics of an effective citizen and know how to influence public policy by participating in the government of their school.

NOTES TO TEACHER:

When teaching Unit 1, Characteristics of a Nation use the United States as a reference point. When teaching Unit 1, FQ2, participation can mean holding political office, civil service, military, paying taxes, and staying informed. Development of classroom rules and logical consequences fits well with this unit.

RESOURCES:

Provided resources:

Latin America and Canada MacGlobe

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES:

Canada, Mexico and Brazil will be compared and contrasted to each other and the United States throughout the year.
Have small groups recommend classroom rules and responsibilities and then decide on rules as a class.
Analyze U.S. cultural data using graphs and charts.
Have students write a letter to themselves as an adult describing how they hope to demonstrate their responsibilities as citizens.

ASSESSMENTS:

Essential questions
Focus questions
Performance tasks
Tests/quizzes
Teacher observations