Social Studies Assessments Third Grade
H3.0.1 Identify questions historians ask in examining the past in Michigan (e.g., What happened? When did it happen? Who was involved? How and why did it happen?)
1. In what year did the Toledo War occur?
A. 1835 B. 1995 C. 1761 D. 2009
Answer: A
2. Which of the following was not a Native American tribe from Michigan?
A. Ojibway B. Potawatomi C. Ottawa D. Seminole
Answer: D
3. Which is a type of home that Michigan Native Americans used?
A. Wigwam B. Teepee C. Birchbark D. Brick
Answer: A
4. What year did the Erie Canal open?
A. 2005 B. 1555 C. 1825 D. 1972
Answer: C
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 1 5. What do archeologists do?
A. Do checkups on people B. Study the way people lived long ago C. Make laws D. Study animals and their habitats
Answer: B
6. What could historians learn about Michigan from reading a diary from Henry Ford?
A. The automobile industry B. How Michigan became a state C. Michigan’s involvement in the Underground Railroad D. The agricultural industry
Answer: A
7. What could Michigan archeologists learn about Michigan Native Americans by finding arrowheads and old bones?
A. They had a lot of spare time to make arrowheads. B. They hunted for food. C. Brass was plentiful. D. They lived in tepees.
Answer: B
8. Why do historians ask questions about Michigan’s past?
A. To solve mysteries about the past B. To entertain each other C. To create music D. To create Michigan adventure stories
Answer: A
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 2 H3.0.2 Explain how historians use primary and secondary sources to answer questions about the past.
1. “I am besieged by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna—I have sustained a continual Bombardment & cannonade for 24 hours & have not lost a man—The enemy has demanded a surrender...” – from a letter written by William Barret Travis at the Alamo
The passage above is an example of
A. a limited resource. B. a secondary source. C. a third person source. D. a primary source.
Answer: D
2. Pretend your instructor gives you an assignment to write about Henry Ford. You are also asked to include at least one secondary source for your research. Which of these would be an example of a secondary source?
A. A speech given by Henry Ford B. A diary entry written by Henry Ford C. A letter written by Henry Ford to his mother D. A textbook about Henry Ford
Answer: D
H3.0.3 Describe the causal relationships between three events in Michigan’s past (e.g., Erie Canal, more people came, statehood).
1. Before Michigan became a state, in the 1820’s, population began to grow rapidly. Which of the following best explains why?
A. The crops and soil for planting were good B. The opening of the Erie Canal C. The start of the automobile industry D. The hot weather Michigan has all year round
Answer: B
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 3 2. What happened after Great Britain got control over Michigan territory in 1763?
A. Chief Pontiac started a rebellion. B. The British gave up everything including the land. C. The French were in full control again. D. The Native Americans left.
Answer: A
3. Which of the following was the result of white settlers moving into Native American lands in the 17th and 18th Centuries?
A. Native Americans signed treaties for the right to stay on their land. B. Settlers refused to trade with Indians so Indians died because they had no food. C. Many Indians died because the settlers brought diseases. D. Settlers had no immunity to the diseases found in Native American society.
Answer: C
4. When people started moving into the Michigan Territory, the population quickly grew. After a short time, it was large enough for Michigan to apply for statehood. The government then wanted the Native Americans to give up their land to make room for settlers from the East.
Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between settlers and Native Americans?
A. Settlers from the East made sure Native Americans held onto their land. B. Native Americans could keep their land only until settlers needed it. C. Settlers used up the natural resources in Michigan and then moved on. D. Native Americans and settlers signed treaties for land.
Answer: B
H3.0.4 Draw upon traditional stories of American Indians (e.g., Anishinaabeg – Ojibway (Chippewa), Odawa (Ottawa), Potawatomi; Menominee; Huron Indians) who lived in Michigan in order to make generalizations about their beliefs. Non-testable.
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 4 H3.0.5 Use informational text and visual data to compare how American Indians and settlers in the early history of Michigan adapted to, used, and modified their environment.
1. The tribes of Michigan used sugar a lot in their diet. What was one way for the tribes to get sugar?
A. They often tapped maple trees for syrup to make sugar. B. They grew most of their sugar on their farmland. C. They traded with the Europeans for sugar. D. They received left over sugar from the Europeans.
Answer: A
2. The French had several trading posts in Michigan in the early years of exploration. Why did they put their forts on rivers and lakes?
A. Travel through Michigan’s thick forests was difficult. B. The Indians would only lease them land along rivers. C. The French feared the British would attack over land. D. The British controlled Michigan’s rivers and streams.
Answer: A
3. The Potawatomie lived in southern Michigan in villages usually built along streams. Their houses were made of poles covered with bark. They grew corn, beans, and squash. They also hunted deer, elk, and beaver. Sap from maple trees was used to make syrup, women made pottery, and men made canoes out of birch bark. John Allen and Elisha Rumsey founded the city of Ann Arbor, Michigan in January 1824. They bought land from the federal government to resell to settlers and make money. The area had a source of water and plenty of trees needed to run a saw mill. The men bought 640 acres of land and told settlers about their new town. Today, more than 100,000 people live in Ann Arbor. The two paragraphs above describe two settlements in Michigan in the early 1800s. Which of the following statements is true?
A. People could make money by creating a new town and selling land to settlers. B. Settlers wanted to live in Indian villages instead of building a new town. C. Native Americans tried to attract new settlers by building new towns. D. Settlers had to hunt and fish and borrow from the Native Americans to survive.
Answer: A
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 5 4. What activities were common among the Native Americans and the first European explorers in Michigan?
A. Mining B. Hunting and trapping C. Manufacturing D. Lumbering
Answer: B
H3.0.6 Use a variety of sources to describe interactions that occurred between American Indians and the first European explorers and settlers in Michigan.
1. Many of the tribes of Michigan tried to make a living by trading with the Europeans. Some members of the tribes died after they came in contact with the Europeans. What explanation explains why this happened?
A. The Europeans stole all of their food and supplies. They ended up starving. B. They were killed by the Europeans’ horses and cattle. C. The cold winter weather was too much for them to handle. D. The Europeans brought diseases from Europe.
Answer: D
2. Who was the Ottawa chief who led a rebellion in order to capture the Great Lakes region from the British?
A. Chief Adam B. Chief Pontiac C. Chief Tecumseh D. Chief Ottawa
Answer: B
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 6 3. The land that is now called Michigan was once owned by the French. The French used this land for hunting, trapping, trading, and also for agriculture. At that time, the French and the British were not getting along. Both countries wanted the land in North America that included Michigan and the areas around it, all the way into parts of Canada. This started the French and Indian War. The French and Indian War was a war fought between the French and the British for land in North America, but the American Indian tribes fought along with them. That is how it gets its name “French and Indian War.” As a result of this war, the French were forced to give up their North American colonies east of the Mississippi River to the British, including Michigan. According to the passage, why did the French lose control of Michigan?
A. The French were paid by the British to take over. B. They lost the area in the French and Indian War. C. The French had no interest in gaining Michigan. D. The American Indians fought the French to win control of Michigan.
Answer: B
4. Many of the tribes in Michigan had good relationships with the French because the tribes traded
A. clothes. B. food. C. secrets of hunting. D. fur.
Answer: D
H3.0.7 Use a variety of primary and secondary sources to construct a historical narrative about daily life in the early settlements of Michigan (pre-statehood).
1. Which of the following describes what life was like for women in Michigan when it was a territory?
A. Women usually raised enough crops like corn or squash to feed their families. B. Women were hunters and trappers in the fur trade. C. There were lots of jobs available for women who wanted to work. D. There were not a lot of women because they were scared of attacks by outsiders.
Answer: A
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 7 2. American Indian houses were usually made of poles that were tied together and covered with tree bark and deerskin. Settler’s houses were often built of logs. What is the reason for this difference?
A. American Indians did not know how to cut down trees. B. Settlers built sturdy houses because they planned to stay for a long time. C. American Indians built houses like tents because they did not travel. D. Settlers could not kill enough deer to make deerskin wigwams.
Answer: B
3. Which of the following was the result of white settlers moving into Native American lands in the 1600s and 1700s?
A. Native Americans signed treaties guaranteeing them the right to stay on their land. B. Settlers refused to trade with Indians so Indians died because they had no food. C. Many Indians died because of the diseases settlers brought with them. D. Settlers got many diseases because they had no immunity.
Answer: C
4. What would be the most likely method of transportation for an early settler?
A. Horse B. Train C. Airplane D. Covered wagon
Answer: D
H3.0.8 Use case studies or stories to describe how the ideas or actions of individuals affected the history of Michigan.
1. Stevens T. Mason was the first governor of the state of Michigan. Before this, he served as Territorial Governor of Michigan until 1835. President Andrew Jackson decided to replace him when he would not give up the Toledo Strip. Why did Andrew Jackson fire Stevens T. Mason?
A. He wanted to claim more land in Illinois and Indiana. B. He supported the expansion of slavery into Michigan Territory. C. He led 1000 soldiers into Canada to take over the Detroit River. D. He would not give up claims to land also claimed by Ohio.
Answer: D
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 8 2. Both Michigan and Ohio hired people to mark the boundary between them. One of them, William Harris, marked the boundary according to the Ohio Constitution. The other, John Fulton, marked the boundary according to the Northwest Ordinance. The land in between was known as the Toledo Strip. It was claimed by both Michigan and Ohio. What was the result of having two boundary lines?
A. Michigan invaded Ohio and put soldiers along the border to keep Ohioans out. B. Ohio had to give up claims to the Toledo Strip and rewrite its constitution. C. Statehood for Michigan was delayed until Michigan gave up claims to the land. D. Ohio gave up claims to the disputed land and got land from Indiana instead.
Answer: C
3. Michigan gave up its claim of the Toledo Strip. What did Michigan receive in exchange for it giving up the Toledo Strip?
A. Grand Rapids because of its furniture making ability. B. Detroit because of its car making ability. C. The upper peninsula because of its natural resources. D. Lansing because it was our capital.
Answer: C
4. Henry Ford was born July 30, 1863. He started the Ford Motor Company in 1903 and built the first Model T in 1908. In 1913 Ford opened the first assembly line in Highland Park, Michigan. By 1918, half of all cars in America were Model Ts. Why were more than half of the cars in America Model Ts in 1918?
A. People liked the color. B. Henry Ford made them affordable for the average worker. C. No other company made vehicles at this time. D. Ford paid people to buy his vehicles.
Answer: B
H3.0.9 Describe how Michigan attained statehood.
1. Michigan became a state on January 26, 1837. Michigan had to give up something to attain statehood. What did they give up?
A. The Upper Peninsula B. Lake Huron C. Lake Erie D. The Toledo Strip
Answer: D
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 9 2. Which of the following things did Michigan voters have to do to become a state?
A. Give up rights to the Canadians B. Vote on a new state constitution C. Pay money to government D. Abolish slavery in the territory
Answer: B
3. The Toledo War was fought between Michigan and Ohio over a strip of land along their borders. The border was important because it would allow people to be close to the Lake Erie shoreline. Being close to water was very important for trading. Michigan agreed to give up the Toledo Strip if it could have the Upper Peninsula. Michigan compromised to become a state. Which of the following statements is true about the compromise?
A. Michigan was helped because the Upper Peninsula was rich in copper. B. Michigan sold bad land back to other states and bought land in Indiana. C. Michigan had to give up land in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois to become a state. D. Michigan gave up very dry land in Ohio to get control of Lake Huron.
Answer: A
4. What caused Michigan to want to get statehood?
A. Land B. Money C. Power D. Automobile industries
Answer: A
H3.0.10 Create a timeline to sequence early Michigan history (American Indians, exploration, settlement, statehood).
1. What European country was the first to control Michigan?
A. Spain B. Great Britain C. France D. Portugal
Answer: C
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 10 2. According to the timeline, what was the first European settlement in Michigan?
A. Detroit B. Sault Ste. Marie C. Sterling Heights D. Marquette
Answer: B
3. Chief Pontiac was the leader of which Michigan Native American tribe?
A. Huron B. Myan C. Ottawa D. Menominee
Answer: C
4. According to the timeline, when did Michigan become a state?
A. 1668 B. 1837 C. 1763 D. 1671
Answer: B
G1.0.1 Use cardinal directions (north, south, east, west) to describe the relative location of significant places in the immediate environment.
1. Which state is east of Tennessee?
A. North Carolina B. Kentucky C. Missouri D. Alabama
Answer: A
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 11 2. Which state is south of Arkansas?
A. Oklahoma B. Missouri C. Tennessee D. Louisiana
Answer: D
3. Which state is on the northern border of Alabama?
A. Florida B. Mississippi C. Georgia D. Tennessee
Answer: D
4. Which state is east of Kansas?
A. California B. Utah C. Missouri D. Nebraska
Answer: C
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 12 G1.0.2 Use thematic maps to identify and describe the physical and human characteristics of Michigan.
1. Which of these states in the Great Lakes Region borders Lake Michigan?
A. New York B. Illinois C. Minnesota D. Pennsylvania
Answer: B
2. Look at the map. Where do most people in Michigan live?
A. Near the spot marked X B. Near the spot marked Y C. Near the spot marked Z D. Near the spot marked W
Answer: C
3. Look at the map below. Which of these is true about the cities in Michigan?
A. There are more cities in the Upper Peninsula than in the Lower Peninsula. B. Detroit is the largest city in Michigan because it is on Lake Superior. C. Mountains make it hard for most people to live in Michigan. D. Michigan’s biggest cities are near rivers or one of the Great Lakes.
Answer: D
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 13 4. Look at the map below. Which Michigan City has the highest number of African Americans?
A. Detroit B. Grand Rapids C. Lansing D. Bay City
Answer: A
G2.0.1 Use a variety of visual materials and data sources to describe ways in which Michigan can be divided into regions.
1. Look at the map. Michigan is split into regions based on how many feet above sea level the land is. Which area of Michigan is the highest?
A. Northern B. Western C. Eastern D. Southern
Answer: B
2. What two regions can the state of Michigan be divided into?
A. The Midwest and the Northwest B. The upper and lower peninsula C. The Great Lakes region and the non Great Lakes region D. Rural region and urban region
Answer: B
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 14 3. Look at the map below. Which of these regions has the highest population of people?
A. The Lower Peninsula B. The Upper Peninsula C. The Lake Michigan Region D. The Lake Huron Region
Answer: A
G2.0.2 Describe different regions to which Michigan belongs (e.g., Great Lakes Region, Midwest).
1. The State of Michigan is in an area called the Great Lakes Region. The Great Lakes Region is made up of parts of eight U.S. states and the Canadian province of Ontario. Which of these is true about the Great Lakes Region?
A. Michigan owns The Great Lakes Region. B. All of Lake Ontario and Lake Huron are part of Canada. C. The United States owns all of the water in the Great Lakes. D. Lake Superior is part of the border between the U.S. and Canada.
Answer: D
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 15 2. Michigan is one of the states in the Great Lakes Region because it borders the Great Lakes. What is another state in this region?
A. Wisconsin B. Missouri C. West Virginia D. Iowa
Answer: A
3. Michigan is part of which region?
A. Midwest B. West C. Southeast D. Southwest
Answer: A
4. Michigan is one of 12 states that make up the Midwest. The French explored the area in the 1600s. Americans settled in the Midwest when the government gave land away for free. Many settlers became farmers because of the good soil. As more people moved in, cities grew. Today, almost one-fifth of all Americans live in the Midwest. Many people live in large cities such as Chicago, Detroit, and Indianapolis. Based on the passage above, which of these sentences is true?
A. Only miners were allowed to move to the Midwest. B. People had to be Russian citizens to move to the Midwest. C. Many people moved to the Midwest to become farmers. D. There was very little water and the soil was poor, so farming was hard.
Answer: C
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 16 G4.0.1 Describe major kinds of economic activity in Michigan today, such as agriculture (e.g., corn, cherries, dairy), manufacturing (e.g., automobiles, wood products), services and tourism, research and development (e.g., Automation Alley, life sciences corridor, university communities), and explain the factors influencing the location of these economic activities.
1. Southeast Michigan is home to Automation Alley. How does this location influence economic activities in Michigan?
A. It helps the local government control businesses. B It helps preserve the cultural heritage of the southeast. C. It helps save natural resources in Southeast Michigan. D. It helps businesses grow in Southeast Michigan.
Answer: D
2. Automation Alley is a group that brings businesses, consumers, and entrepreneurs together to
A. harvest new agriculture. B. study human migration. C. grow natural resources. D. create new technologies.
Answer: D
3. In Michigan, cherries are a major crop. How do cherries help Michigan’s economy?
A. They can be sold to other states. B. They are useful human resources. C. They can be grown in all regions. D. They are productive capital resources.
Answer: A
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 17 G4.0.2 Describe diverse groups that have come into a region of Michigan and reasons why they came (push/pull factors).
1. Michigan is one of 12 states that make up the Midwest. The French explored the area in the 1600s. Americans settled in the Midwest when the government gave land away for free. Many settlers became farmers because of the good soil. As more people moved in, cities grew. Today, almost one-fifth of all Americans live in the Midwest. Many people live in large cities such as Chicago, Detroit, and Indianapolis. Based on the passage above, which of these sentences is true?
A. The government gave land in the Midwest away for free. B. People had to be German citizens to move to the Midwest. C. Many people moved to the Midwest from the Southwest. D. Farming was difficult because of the lack of experienced farmers.
Answer: A
2. The Huron Indians (also called Wyandot) lived near Lake Huron. The Huron began having trouble when the Europeans came to America. The Europeans brought diseases that caused many deaths among the Huron. Also, enemy American Indians attacked the Huron, which caused many more problems. These events caused the Huron to move to different places. Many Huron came to southern Michigan. Southern Michigan had a climate that allowed the Huron to farm. According to the passage, which of these was a push factor for the Huron to come to southern Michigan?
A. The water in Lake Huron was not very good for fishing. B. Europeans brought diseases to where the Huron Indians had lived. C. Southern Michigan had land that the Huron could farm on. D. Michigan was far away from any European settlers.
Answer: B
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 18 3. The Huron Indians (also called Wyandot) lived near Lake Huron. The Huron began having trouble when the Europeans came to America. The Europeans brought diseases that caused many deaths among the Huron. Also, enemy American Indians attacked the Huron, which caused many more problems. These events caused the Huron to move to different places. Many Huron came to southern Michigan. Southern Michigan had a climate that allowed the Huron to farm. According to the passage, which of these was a pull factor for the Huron to come to southern Michigan?
A. Michigan was closer to people who were the Huron’s friends. B. Europeans brought diseases to where the Huron had lived. C. Southern Michigan had land that the Huron could farm on. D. Different American Indian tribes attacked the Huron.
Answer: C
4. Which of these best completes the chart?
A. There were not many jobs left in the South. B. The economy of the South had gotten better. C. Michigan was friendlier to African Americans. D. Michigan had a harsher climate than the South.
Answer: A
G4.0.3 Describe some of the current movements of goods, people, jobs or information to, from, or within Michigan and explain reasons for the movements.
1. Michigan farmers grow many different products like corn, soybeans, cherries, wheat, and cotton. These products are
A. only used in the state of Ohio. B. only used by the people in Michigan. C. used in the state and sent other places. D. mostly sold to peasants.
Answer: C
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 19 2. People come from all over the world to visit Michigan to see the Great Lakes. Some go boating while others like to fish and hunt. These people help support the industry called
A. tourism. B. agriculture. C. mining. D. manufacturing.
Answer: A
3. Michigan imports (brings in) products from other places like spices, pineapple, and tea. Why must these products come from outside Michigan?
A. People in Michigan do not drink tea. B. Michigan does not specialize in these products. C. Michigan farmers don’t like growing spices. D. Michigan only manufactures products in winter.
Answer: B
4. In recent years, Michigan has led the country in research and development which mostly impacts the movement of
A. mining. B. tourism in the state. C. agricultural products. D. ideas and technology in the state.
Answer: D
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 20 G4.0. 4 Use data and current information about the Anishinaabeg and other American Indians living in Michigan today to describe the cultural aspects of modern American Indian life; give an example of how another cultural group in Michigan today has preserved and built upon its cultural heritage.
1. Dream catchers come from the Ojibway (Chippewa) American Indian culture. The dream catcher is said to catch bad dreams in its net and let only good dreams get through. Today, many people know about dream catchers. Dream catchers are used by people who are not Ojibway. Some people think this is good. Other people feel it is bad for Ojibway culture. What is true about dream catchers today but was not true when they were first made?
A. They are used by people who are not Ojibway. B. They do not work as well as they did in the past. C. They are only known about by the Ojibway. D. They are made with metal and diamonds.
Answer: A
2. An Anishinaabeg meeting took place from August 13–15, 2008. It happened in the city of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. At this event, different Anishinaabeg groups came together. They talked about the Anishinaabeg creation story, which is part of their culture. Then, they talked about treaties that Anishinaabeg people had signed with the United States and with Canada. In some of these treaties, the United States promised that the Anishinaabeg could keep their land and their beliefs. The Anishinaabeg talked about what effects these treaties still have today. Why would Anishinaabeg tribes want to discuss treaties that were made in the past?
A. The treaties are too old and need to be written again. B. The treaties are the same in the U.S. and Canada. C. The treaties protect Anishinaabeg land and culture. D. The treaties are long, and no one understands them.
Answer: C
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 21 3. An Anishinaabeg meeting took place from August 13–15, 2008. It happened in the city of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. At this event, different Anishinaabeg groups came together. They talked about the Anishinaabeg creation story, which is part of their culture. Then, they talked about treaties that Anishinaabeg people had signed with the United States and with Canada. In some of these treaties, the United States promised that the Anishinaabeg could keep their land and their beliefs. The Anishinaabeg talked about what effects these treaties still have today. Which part of this event shows that the Anishinaabeg still consider their cultural traditions important?
A. They discussed the Anishinaabeg creation story. B. They gathered in traditional long houses. C. They gathered in the city of Mackinaw City, Michigan. D. They discussed treaties signed with Canada.
Answer: A
4. American Indian groups in Michigan preserve and celebrate their heritage with festivals, pow-wows, art, and other cultural expressions. Which of these is the best example of a different cultural group in Michigan preserving its heritage?
A. A fast food restaurant that serves tacos and burritos. B. An English newspaper that describes world events. C. A dance school that teaches Celtic Irish dances. D. A national park that protects Michigan’s forests.
Answer: C
G5.0.1 Locate natural resources in Michigan and explain the consequences of their use.
1. Wood products such as furniture are made in Michigan mostly because
A. the state buys wood from other places. B. only Michigan has skilled carpenters. C. the government makes people do it. D. wood is a natural resource in the state.
Answer: D
2. Grand Rapids is known for making furniture. Explain how the location of Grand Rapids impacts this economic activity.
A. It uses sandstone from the northern border. B. It uses the waters of western Michigan. C. It is near the Grand River and large forests. D. It is near farmlands in the Southeast Lower Peninsula.
Answer: C
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 22 3. About 25 percent of the iron ore produced in the nation comes from Michigan. Iron ore is an important natural resource because it is used to make
A. steel. B. furniture. C. fabric. D. windows.
Answer: A
4. The map shows locations where corn is grown in Michigan. Where is Michigan’s best soil for growing corn?
A. The Upper Peninsula B. Southern Michigan C. Northern Michigan D. Northeast Michigan
Answer: B
G5.0.2 Describe how people adapt to, use, and modify the natural resources of Michigan.
1. Look at the list below. This list shows which of the following. Recreation A. Ways people use Michigan’s forests Drinking water B. Ways people use the Great Lakes Water for crops C. How people have adapted the soil Transportation D. How people have changed their lives to fit Michigan’s cold climates
Answer: B
2. Look at the map below. Which area of Michigan most likely attracts tourists who want to see forests?
A. Detroit B. Upper Peninsula C. The thumb area of the state D. Lower Peninsula
Answer: B
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 23 3. Many of Michigan’s cities were built along rivers because
A. they provided transportation of goods. B. rivers are fun to use for recreation. C. the only good soil was near the rivers. D. the soil is extremely dry, which is good for building homes on.
Answer: A
4. According to the chart of Resources Used as Christmas Trees in Michigan, which natural resource Resources Used as Christmas Trees in Michigan is used the most in the Christmas tree Tree Acres Planted industry? Scotch Pine 9,000 A. Scotch pine Douglas fir 7,600 B. Douglas fir C. Oak tree Fraser fir 7,600 D. Balsam fir Colorado blue spruce 6,900
Answer: A Balsam fir 2,300
Black Hills spruce 1,950
White spruce 1,700
White pine 1,450
C1.0.1 Give an example of how Michigan state government fulfills one of the purposes of government (e.g., protecting individual rights, promoting the common good, ensuring equal treatment under the law).
1. The government in Michigan is responsible for making and enforcing laws, keeping people safe, providing services, and
A. making sure people practice religion. B. making sure everyone has a home. C. helping people find the perfect mate. D. helping people accomplish common goals.
Answer: D
2. What belongs in the empty box?
A. Protect the rights of individuals B. Keep cities from growing quickly C. Help families buy cars and bikes D. Host soccer games for schools
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 24 Answer: A 3. One purpose of the Michigan government is
A. to ensure everyone thinks the same thing. B. to encourage people to buy products. C. to establish order and safety. D. to decide what houses people live in
Answer: C
C2.0.1 Describe how Michigan state government reflects the principle of representative government.
1. Which of these government bodies decides if someone breaks a law on the state level?
A. Michigan Legislature B. Michigan Supreme Court C. U.S. Supreme Court D. U.S. House of Representatives
Answer: B
2. What two groups are Michigan lawmakers divided into?
A. State Senate and State House of Representatives B. State Senate and Legislators C. House of Representatives and Legislators D. Supreme Court and Legislators
Answer: A
3. What are the three parts of Michigan Government?
A. State Senate, Legislators, and Governor B. Courts, lawmakers, and law enforcers C. Judges, Supreme Court, and police officers D. Governor, mayor, and president
Answer: B
4. Why is Michigan’s State Government divided into three parts?
A. So more people can have jobs. B. So people can make more money C. To separate the powers so that one branch does not have all of the power. D. So police officers can work.
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 25 Answer: C C3.0.1 Distinguish between the roles of state and local government.
1. The President is the leader of
A. Detroit. B. the country. C. Michigan. D. the town.
Answer: B
2. The police chief works in which level of government?
A. County government B. State government C. City government D. United States government
Answer: C
3. Which of these government bodies decides if someone breaks a law on the county level?
A. Michigan Supreme Court B. Michigan Legislature C. The County Court D. U.S. Supreme Court
Answer: C
4. Jessica and John are neighbors. They have a six-foot fence between their backyards. John’s dog is very big and sometimes jumps over the fence into Jessica’s backyard. Jessica wants to make the fence two feet higher, but John does not. They go to court to argue about the fence. The court rules that Jessica can build a fence that is two feet higher than the current fence.
In this story, which level of government is most likely settling this argument?
A. The world government B. The state government C. The national government D. The local government
Answer: D
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 26 C3.0.2 Identify goods and services provided by the state government and describe how they are funded (e.g., taxes, fees, fines).
1. Which of these is an example of a government service provided by someone at a Michigan park?
A. Workers who walk through the park and take care of the wildlife B. Workers who fix the lights in the park C. People who ride their bikes in the park D. People who walk their dogs in the park
Answer: B
2. Michigan’s government provides services. Which of these is an example of a service provided by the Michigan state government?
A. Repairing roads and highways B. Supplying food for families C. Providing quality phone service D. Building new shopping malls
Answer: A
3. Michigan’s state government takes care of public places like state parks. How does the government pay for these services?
A. Through taxes B. Through donations C. By selling things they own D. By fund-raising
Answer: B
4. Which of these is an example of a service that the Michigan state government provides?
A. Amusement parks B. Movie theaters C. Grocery stores D. Public schools
Answer: D
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 27 C3.0.3 Identify the three branches of state government in Michigan and the powers of each.
1. In Harrison Park, there is only one path for runners and bikers. Many people who run in the park have gotten hurt by the bikers riding very quickly around sharp turns. A small group of people went to the city council meeting to try to solve this problem. They suggested that a separate bike path be built in Harrison Park. That way, runners and bikers will not run into each other, and the park will be safe for everyone. The council takes a vote, and the building of a bike path is passed.
In this story, which level of government is protecting the rights of the runners in the park?
A. The president B. Michigan government C. Local government D. United States government
Answer: C
2. What is the job of the judicial branch of Michigan’s state government?
A. To make the laws for Michigan B. To give money to the people C. To decide if the laws are fair D. To make people follow laws by hiring great police officers
Answer: C
3. Which level of government is the Michigan Senate part of?
A. City B. School C. County D. State
Answer: D
4. Which of these government bodies decides if someone breaks a law on the state level?
A. Michigan Legislature B. Michigan Supreme Court C. Supreme Court D. Michigan’s House of Representatives
Answer: B
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 28 C3.0.4 Explain how state courts function to resolve conflict.
1. Which Michigan branch of government makes people follow the laws?
A. Executive B. Judicial C. Legislative D. Senate
Answer: B
2. Jessica and John are neighbors. They have a six-foot fence between their backyards. John’s German shepherd is very big and sometimes jumps over the small fence into Jessica’s backyard. Jessica wants to make the fence two feet higher, but John does not. They go to court to argue about the fence. The court rules that Jessica can build a fence that is two feet higher than the current fence.
In this story, which level of government is most likely settling this dispute (argument)?
A. World government B. Local government C. National government D. State government
Answer: B
3. Which of these government bodies decides if someone breaks a law on the state level?
A. Michigan Supreme Court B. Michigan Legislature C. U.S. House of Representatives D. U.S. Supreme Court
Answer: A
4. Which of these government bodies decides if someone breaks a law on the county level?
A. County Court B. Michigan Supreme Court C. U.S. Supreme Court D. Michigan Legislature
Answer: A
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 29 C3.0.5 Describe the purpose of the Michigan Constitution.
1. Why does Michigan have a state constitution?
A. To protect the freedoms of citizens B. To allow people to have opinions about their government C. To decide which laws are unfair D. To make laws for people to follow
Answer: A
2. What is one purpose of the Michigan Constitution?
A. Buy groceries for all citizens B. Give citizens the right to drive over the speed limit C. Protect freedom of religion D. Give citizens the right to steal from each other
Answer: C
3. What is not a purpose of the Michigan Constitution?
A. The right to bear arms B. To protect freedom of religion C. To provide equal protection without discrimination D. To treat citizens unequally
Answer: D
4. The right to a fair trial is protected by which is the following?
A. The Michigan Constitution B. The Declaration of Independence C. The Bill of Rights D. Your neighbor
Answer: A
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 30 C5.0.1 Identify rights (e.g., freedom of speech, freedom of religion, right to own property) and responsibilities of citizenship (e.g., respecting the rights of others, voting, obeying laws).
1. Josh never misses a day of school. He listens to the teacher, does his homework, and studies hard. Josh knows he has a responsibility to
A. play with his friends. B. get an education. C. read a sports magazine. D. listen to his mom and dad.
Answer: B
2. Andrea is a responsible citizen. She watches the evening news every weeknight. Why does Andrea watch the evening news on television?
A. She wants to keep up with current events. B. She wants to see what new foods are being introduced. C. She wants to be a journalist. D. She wants to find a new place to live.
Answer: A
3. Which of these is an example of someone being a responsible citizen?
A. Carrie throws her garbage in the ditch. B. Tina pours her used oil onto the ground. C. Herb pays his income tax on time. D. Paul steals from a neighbor.
Answer: C
4. Which is an example of a civic responsibility?
A. Throwing a candy wrapper on the street. B. Stopping your bike at a stop sign. C. Hunting in your back yard. D Stealing food from a store.
Answer: B
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 31 E1.0.1 Explain how scarcity, opportunity costs, and choices affect what is produced and consumed in Michigan.
1. People, businesses, and countries make choices because
A. they have too many natural resources. B. they want to be entrepreneurs. C. they are part of the local government. D. they can’t have everything they want.
Answer: D
2. Scarcity causes Michigan producers to
A. specialize in certain products. B. stop selling in the market. C. find more human resources. D. grow everything they need.
Answer: A
3. Which of these impacted Michigan’s early economic development the most?
A. Services and tourism B. Natural resources C. Research and development D. Opportunity costs
Answer: D
4. Ben is a farmer. He is trying to decide what to grow this year. His corn crops last year sold very well. This year he is thinking of trying soybeans. If he tries soybeans, the corn crops are
A. a responsibility. B. a human resource. C. an opportunity cost. D. an incentive.
Answer: C
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 32 E1.0.2 Identify incentives (e.g., sales, tax breaks) that influence economic decisions people make in Michigan.
1. Which of these is an incentive?
A. Goods and services B. A sale on clothing C. A consumer choice D. A capital resource
Answer: B
2. Tax breaks are a type of
A. location. B. scarcity. C. responsibility D. incentive.
Answer: D
3. Why would a company want to start a business in Michigan?
A. Scarcity B. Tax incentive C. Responsibility D. Good weather
Answer: B
4. Why is it cheaper to purchase something in Michigan than in Hawaii?
A. The sales tax is less B. We have more products to sell C. Michigan products are made better D. We have more money to buy things with
Answer: A
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 33 E1.0.3 Analyze how Michigan’s location and natural resources influenced its economic development (e.g., how waterways and other natural resources have influenced economic activities such as mining, lumbering, automobile manufacturing, and furniture making).
1. How did Michigan’s location control the furniture making industry?
A. It had brine. B. It had forests with many different kinds of wood. C. It had many roads to transport lumber. D. It had several types of vehicles to transport brass.
Answer: B
2. Which natural resource influenced Michigan’s mining industry the most?
A. Wood B. Wind C. Iron D. Corn
Answer: C
3. Mark is a farmer. He is trying to decide what to grow this year. His corn crops last year sold very well. This year he is thinking of trying pumpkins. If he tries pumpkins, the corn crops are
A. an opportunity cost. B. an incentive. C. a responsibility. D. a human resource.
Answer: A
4. Which industry in Michigan depends on forests the most?
A. Lumber industry B. Technology industry C. Mining industry D. Automobile industry
Answer: A
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 34 E1.0.4 Describe how entrepreneurs combine natural, human, and capital resources to produce goods and services in Michigan.
1. Farmers grow fruits along the shores of Lake Michigan because
A. the lake makes the growing season longer. B. the lake is better for tourism and recreation C. the lake provides more water than other lakes. D. the lake keeps the farmer’s warmer in winter.
Answer: A
2. Why did the Dow Chemical Company start their business in Michigan?
A. The owner grew up in Michigan. B. The owner liked the weather in Michigan. C. Michigan had so much brine or salty water. D. Michigan was the cheapest place to start a business.
Answer: C
3. What has Grand Rapids become well known for manufacturing?
A. Cereal B. Cars C. Cherries D. Furniture
Answer: D
4. What are Michigan Sugar Beets used to manufacture?
A. Saran Wrap B. Cars C. Sugar D. Furniture
Answer: C
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 35 E1.0.5 Explain the role of business development in Michigan’s economic future.
1. How does business development impact Michigan’s economic future?
A. It will help Michigan’s economy grow. B. It will hurt Michigan’s existing businesses. C. It will use up important natural resources. D. It will end the need for specialization.
Answer: A
2. Will Kellogg was one of Michigan’s famous entrepreneurs who created the first
A. type of flaked cereal. B. assembly-line production. C. Model-T automobile. D. steam engine turbine.
Answer: A
3. Toward the end of the 19th century many natural resources in Michigan were being used up. This caused the forest industry and mining industries to drop. This led to the rise of
A. manufacturing industries. B. computer technology industries. C. research and development. D. agricultural industries.
Answer: A
4. What industry in Michigan impacts the international economy the most?
A. The cereal industry B. The sugar industry C. The furniture industry D. The automobile industry
Answer: D
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 36 E2.0.1 Using a Michigan example, describe how specialization leads to increased interdependence (cherries grown in Michigan are sold in Florida; oranges grown in Florida are sold in Michigan).
1. Sally lives in Lansing, Michigan and works as a furniture maker. She has a woodshop in her basement. Sally designs very expensive, custom-made tables and chairs. A young man and woman who are experts at cutting the wood work for Sally. Sally tells them what she needs cut. When they are done, Sally puts the last touches on the chairs and tables. Three other people also work for her. Their job is to carefully box up the furniture and ship it customers in other states. Based on the story above, which of the following is an example of interdependence?
A. Sally’s furniture company is the only one like it in the city of Lansing. B. Sally designs a table for her woodworkers in exchange for their skills. C. Sally’s customers are often so pleased that they order from her many times. D. Sally buys teak wood from Sweden and makes furniture to sell in the U.S.
Answer: B
2. Sally lives in Lansing, Michigan and works as a furniture maker. She has a woodshop in her basement. Sally designs very expensive, custom-made tables and chairs. A young man and woman who are experts at cutting the wood work for Sally. Sally tells them what she needs cut. When they are done, Sally puts the last touches on the chairs and tables. Three other people also work for her. Their job is to carefully box up the furniture and ship it customers in other states. Based on the story above, why doesn’t Sally cut the wood and have the man and woman design the furniture?
A. Because the woodworkers might start their own business designing furniture. B. Because they are expert wood cutters and Sally is an expert designer. C. Because Sally has unlimited money and can spend it all on hiring employees. D. Because Sally does not really like to work with wood products.
Answer: B
3. The state of Michigan is the largest carmaker in the United States. Since Michigan makes so many cars
A. the cars do not cost very much money. B. it sells them to other countries. C. there are only American cars in Michigan. D. cars are given away for free to most people.
Answer: B
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 37 4. Sam lives in Royal Oak, Michigan. On weekends, Sam likes to bake a batch of cornbread for his family. The cornmeal he buys is from corn grown in Indiana. He buys it at a local grocery store. What is the most likely reason Sam does not grow his own corn to make the cornbread?
A. Corn grown in Michigan probably wouldn’t taste as good as corn from Indiana. B. It is cheaper and easier for Sam to buy corn than to grow his own. C. The recipe only calls for cornmeal from corn grown in Indiana. D. Sam does not have a tractor, and you need one in order to grow corn.
Answer: B
E3.0.1 Identify products produced in other countries and consumed by people in Michigan.
1. Michigan makes a lot of cars. Oil is needed to make the cars run. Why does Michigan need to get oil for its cars from other countries?
A. Oil from other countries works better. B. The cars cannot run on Michigan’s oil. C. Oil is not a natural resource in Michigan. D. The oil in Michigan is too expensive.
Answer: C
2. Which of these is a food that people in Michigan eat but is not grown here?
A. Corn B. Potatoes C. Apples D. Bananas
Answer: D
3. Which of the following products is imported to Michigan from another country?
A. Cars B. Apples C. Tobacco D. Cherries
Answer: C
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 38 4. Many of the clothes we buy in Michigan are produced in other countries for what reason?
A. People in other countries have better style. B. Michigan does not have enough workers to make clothes. C. Michigan does not have the machines to make clothes. D. Labor and raw materials are cheaper in other countries.
Answer: D
P3.1.1 Identify public issues in Michigan that influence the daily lives of its citizens.
1. Which of these public policy issues influences the daily life of citizens in Michigan the most?
A. Jailing a Macomb County couple over property rights B. Continuing the State Children’s Health Insurance Program C. Lifting a ban on drilling for oil in the Great Lakes D. Stalling the public sale of the Silver Dome in Pontiac
Answer: B
2. The chart below shows all the groups that own Michigan’s forests. The government passes laws about how forests must be managed. Which is the largest group impacted by these laws?
A. Private farmers B. Private non-industry owners C. Forest industry owners D. Federal and state citizens
Answer: B
3. Which of these consumer issues is also a public policy issue in Michigan?
A. Food safety at farmer’s markets B. Business hours for grocery stores C. Deciding which type of clothes to buy D. The costs of milk and cheese
Answer: A
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 39 4. Welfare is a public policy issue in Michigan because
A. the government has nothing to do with the public. B. the government is in charge of welfare programs. C. the government has three different branches. D. the government has no policies.
Answer: B
P3.1.2 Use graphic data and other sources to analyze information about a public issue in Michigan and evaluate alternative resolutions.
1. Look at the chart. Which Michigan assistance program is needed the most?
A. Food Assistance B. Foster Care C. Child Support D. Child Day Care
Answer: C
2. Using the chart, besides child support which Michigan assistance program is needed the most?
A. Foster Care B. Food Assistance C. Mileage D. Child Day Care
Answer: B
3. The chart shows the top reasons why businesses in Michigan move to other places. Which solution below would address the top reason?
A. Increase tax breaks B. Increase utility taxes C. Attract new tourism D. Attract new companies
Answer: A
Adapted from http://www.mackinac.org/article.aspx?ID=7684 Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 40 4. Using the graph, which is the least likely reason why an employer would relocate their business outside of Michigan?
A. Employee costs B. Skills shortage C. Location costs D. Competing industries
Answer: B
Adapted from http://www.mackinac.org/article.aspx?ID=7684
P3.1.3 Give examples of how conflicts over core democratic values lead people to differ on resolutions to a public policy issue in Michigan.
1. Mary is the lead singer of a band that practices in her garage every weekend. Sometimes the noise bothers Mr. Robertson, her neighbor. He likes to relax by sitting in his backyard, listening to the wind in the trees. To solve his problem, Mr. Robertson worked to change the city’s law about noise. Now, people like Mary can not make a loud noise after 10 p.m. This conflict is over the democratic value of
A. rule of law. B pursuit of happiness. C. popular sovereignty. D. common good.
Answer: B
2. A chemical plant near Lake Ontario pollutes the water. The lake is used by towns nearby as a water supply and for tourism. Local people argue about solutions. Some want to shut down the chemical plant. Others want to keep their jobs at the chemical plant. The pollution in the water threatens
A. the common good. B. people’s back yard. C. our constitution. D. the manufacturing of vehicles.
Answer: A
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 41 3. Every day, Sarah watches children play on her street. Cars often speed up and down the street. Sarah is worried that children will get hurt. What core democratic value does this interfere with?
A. The common good B. Truth C. Equality D. Justice
Answer: A
4. Which person’s action is working against the common good?
A. Tim is helping her father wash dishes. B. Maria is working at a car wash. C Jessica is practicing her bike marathon. D. Paul is throwing his garbage in the park.
Answer: D
P3.3.1 Compose a paragraph expressing a position on a public policy issue in Michigan and justify the position with a reasoned argument.
P4.2.1 Develop and implement an action plan and know how, when, and where to address or inform others about a public issue.
P4.2.2 Participate in projects to help or inform others. Non-testable (in a multiple choice format)
Third Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009 42