Geography

Chapter 1 - Where in the World Is Our Community?

Travel from outer space back to Earth.  Learn geography terms along the way.  Discover how to find any place on a map.

Chapter 2 - Where in the United States Is Our Community?

Find your community on a map of the United States.  Read about famous places around the country.  Find them on a map, too.

Chapter 3 - What Is the Geography of Our Community?

Discover how to describe the geography of a place.  Explore features of land and water.  Learn about climate and natural resources.  Read about the geography of three places in the United States.
 

Geography Web Links

·        Test Your Geography Knowledge – Take a quiz on any area of the world.

·        National Geographic for Kids –  Learn new facts or play games.

Immigration & Culture

Chapter 4 - How Do People Become Part of Our Country?

Learn why and how immigrants come to the United States.  Read about what life is like for an immigrant in the United States.

Chapter 5 - What Makes Our Community Diverse?

Learn what the word culture means.  Read about the foods, languages, holidays, and traditions that people share.
 

Immigration & Culture Web Links

·        Interactive Tour of Ellis Island – Visit this Scholastic site to tour Ellis Island.

·        The Big Apple – Try this PBS site to learn about New York and its amazing history.

·        Black History Month – This Time For Kids site shares great information about African American history.

United States

Chapter 6 - How Do People Improve Their Communities?

Read about four famous people who helped their communities.  Explore how one person can make a difference.
 

    United States Web Links

·        PBS U.S. History for Kids – Learn about history from way back when.

·        America Rock – Read and listen to School House Rock as they sing songs about America.

·        Stately Knowledge – Search the United States for fun facts.

·        Illinois For Kids – Learn everything you need to know about our great state, Illinois.

Diversity Around the World

Chapter 7 - How Are We Alike Around the World?

Discover what life is like in other countries.  Read about six children your age.  Learn how you are alike and different.
 

Diversity Web Links

·        Kids Web Japan – Learn about Japan’s geography, culture, and language on this neat site.

·        India for Kids – Take a trip to India and watch these fabulous slide shows.

Economy

Chapter 8 - How Does Our Economy Work?

Explore the answers to this question and others.  Read about buying and selling.  Learn why prices change in a market.

Chapter 9 - How Does Global Trade Affect Our Community?

Discover where the things you use every day come from.  Learn why countries buy and sell different things.
 

Economy Web Links

·    Econopolis – In this interactive journey, you'll practice skills with concepts such as goods and services, producers and consumers, and supply and demand.

·    Kids Bank – Learn about banking, including interest rates, checking accounts, and electronic transfers.

Government

Chapter 10 - What Are the Public Services in Our Community?

Find our what makes a service public.  Learn why these services can help make a community better.

Chapter 11 - Who Works at City Hall?

Explore a community's government.  Read about why each person and department in city hall is important.

Chapter 12 - How Do We Have a Voice in Our Community?

Learn ways that people in a community can express their ideas and feelings.  Find out how you can make your opinion count.
 

Government Web Links

·       Ben's Guide to U.S. Government – Learn about the branches of government, how laws are made, citizenship, the election process, and much more.  Also, view government documents such as the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and Constitution.

·       White House Kids – Take a tour of the White House or investigate some traditions.  Look at photos or play some games.

Environment

Chapter 13 - Whose Planet Is It, Anyway?

Read about three communities with pollution problems.  Explore the causes and solutions of pollution.  Find out what you can do to help.

Chapter 14 - How Can We Help the Global Community?

Discover how to make our world a better place.  Read about protecting the environment.  Explore ways to share our earth.
 

Environment Web Links

·       Environmental Kids Club – Learn about garbage and recycling, plants and animals, and much more.

·       E Patrol – This site explores endangered animals and ways to conserve energy.