Unit Plan 34 (Grade 3 Social Studies): Taking Action in Our Community
Guide students to identify a community issue, create a simple action plan, practice responsible citizenship, and share their project through clear, student-made communication products.
Focus: Plan and carry out a simple civic or environmental project that shows responsible citizenship and shares ideas with others.
Grade Level: 3
Subject Area: Social Studies (Inquiry • Civics/Action)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students move from learning about their community to taking action within it. Building on prior work with stewardship and community rules, they identify a simple civic or environmental issue (e.g., litter, kindness, hallway care, crosswalk safety), then plan and carry out a small-scale class project. Throughout the week, they practice responsible citizenship—showing respect, inclusion, and care for shared spaces—while also creating a communication product (poster, slide deck, letter, or announcement) to share what they are doing and why it matters.
Essential Questions
- What does it mean to be a responsible citizen in our classroom, school, and neighborhood?
- How can kids take action to improve their community or environment?
- How can we communicate our ideas so others understand the problem and want to help?
- Why is it important to work together respectfully when planning and carrying out a project?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Identify a community or environmental issue that matters to them (e.g., litter, hallway behavior, inclusion, safety).
- Work with classmates to create a simple Action Plan that includes a goal and 2–3 realistic steps.
- Demonstrate responsible citizenship during planning and project time (listening, sharing, including others, caring for spaces).
- Produce a communication product (poster, slides, letter, or audio announcement) that explains the issue, evidence, and actions.
- Reflect on what they did, how it felt to take action, and what they might do next as active citizens.
Standards Alignment — 3rd Grade (C3-based custom)
- 3.C3.Inq.5 — Communicate conclusions and propose informed actions (posters, slides, letters, podcasts).
- Example: Create a class PSA about crosswalk safety with two evidence-based reasons.
- 3.C3.Civ.5 — Demonstrate responsible citizenship (respect, inclusion, digital and physical care of shared spaces).
- Example: Draft a “Hallway Care” pledge and monitor progress.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can help my class choose an issue that affects our school or community.
- I can work with others to create a simple action plan with clear steps.
- I can show responsible citizenship by being respectful, including others, and caring for shared spaces.
- I can create and share a poster, slide, letter, or announcement that explains our project and invites others to help.
- I can explain what our project did and what I learned about taking action in my community.