Social Studies
Only approved facts are shown here.
Map Keys and Legends
A map key (legend) explains symbols used on a map.
Branches at Work Example
Congress passes bills; the President can sign them; courts can review them.
American Inventions
People in the U.S. have invented many things, like the light bulb and the airplane.
Local Landforms
Mountains, plains, rivers, and coasts are different landforms found in the U.S.
State Symbols
States have symbols like state birds, flowers, and trees.
Citizens Work Together
People can help their community by volunteering and being good neighbors.
Rights and Responsibilities
In a community, people have rights (like safety) and responsibilities (like following rules).
U.S. Neighbors’ Oceans
The Atlantic Ocean is to the east and the Pacific Ocean is to the west of the U.S.
Alaska and Hawaii
Alaska is the largest state by area; Hawaii is an island state in the Pacific Ocean.
Capital vs. Capitol
‘Capital’ is a city where government works; ‘Capitol’ is the building where lawmakers meet.
American Symbols
Symbols like the flag, bald eagle, and Uncle Sam represent the United States.
Capitals Have Landmarks
State capitals often have a capitol building with a dome where state lawmakers meet.
Public Libraries
Public libraries lend books and offer programs for families and students.
Rules and Laws
Rules and laws help keep people safe and fair in school and in communities.
Community Helpers
Police officers, firefighters, teachers, and nurses are community helpers.
Branches Work Together
The three branches of government check and balance each other so one doesn’t get too strong.
First National Park
Yellowstone, created in 1872, is often called the first national park in the world.
National Parks
National parks protect special places, animals, and history for everyone to enjoy.
City, State, Country
Your address shows your city (or town), state, and country.
Local Government
Cities and towns have local governments that provide services like libraries and parks.
State Capitals
Each state has a capital city where state leaders work.
Time Zones
The U.S. has several time zones from east to west.
United States Borders
The U.S. borders Canada to the north and Mexico to the south.
Maps and Compass Rose
A compass rose on a map shows directions: north, south, east, and west.
Saving Money
People save money to buy something in the future or for emergencies.
Producers and Consumers
Producers make goods or provide services; consumers buy and use them.
Wants vs. Needs
Needs help us live (like food and shelter); wants are extra things we would like to have.
Goods and Services
Goods are things we buy; services are jobs people do for others.
Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore shows the faces of four U.S. presidents carved into a mountain.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
This January holiday honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his work for civil rights.
Presidents Day
Presidents Day honors all U.S. presidents, especially George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving is a national holiday to give thanks and share a meal with family and friends.
Fourth of July
Independence Day on July 4 celebrates when the country declared independence in 1776.
Pledge of Allegiance
Many schools recite the Pledge of Allegiance to honor the flag.
President Leads the Executive Branch
The President leads the executive branch and helps enforce laws.
Three Branches of Government
The U.S. government has three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.