This unit meets many of the NCDPI competencies for social studies:

Competency Goal 1: The learner will analyze the characteristics of people of the Western Hemisphere.

1.1 Identify, locate, and describe major groups of people, past and present, in the United States, Canada, and Latin America.

1.2 Describe similarities and differences among the people of the United States, Canada, and Latin America.

1.3 Assess the role and status of individuals and groups in the United States, Canada, and Latin America, past and present.
 
Competency Goal 2: The learner will assess the influence of major religions, ethical beliefs, and aesthetic values on life in the United States, Canada, and Latin America.
 
2.1 Describe evolving art forms and aesthetic values and assess their influence on life in the United States, Canada, and Latin America.

2.2 Evaluate the influence of beliefs, individuals, and practices associated with major religions in the United States, Canada, and Latin America.

2.3 Analyze economic, social, and political situations which involve ethical and moral dilemmas.
 
Competency Goal 4:  The learner will assess the significance of physical and cultural characteristics of regions within the Western Hemisphere

4.2 Compare the physical and cultural characteristics of regions within the Western Hemisphere and within the United States, Canada, and Latin America.

Competency Goal 9: The learner will determine ways societies in the Western Hemisphere make decisions about the allocation and use of economic resources.

9.4 Describe the characteristics of economies in the United States, Canada, and Latin America and how they have changed over time.

Competency Goal 11: The learner will analyze changes in ways of living and investigate why and how these changes occurred.
 
11.1 Identify and describe changes which have occurred in ways of living in the United States, Canada, and Latin America.

11.2 Identify examples of cultural transmission and interaction within and among the regions of the Western Hemisphere.

11.3 Evaluate the effects of change on the lives of the people of the United States, Canada, and Latin America.
 
Competency Goal 12:  The learner will trace developments in the history of the United States, Canada, and Latin America and assess their impact on the lives of people today.
 
12.1 Identify people, symbols, and events associated with the heritage of the United States, Canada, and Latin America.

12.2 Associate an event or phenomenon in the history of the United States, Canada, and Latin America with a current situation or practice.

12.3 Trace an economic, political, or social development through the history of the United States, Canada, or Latin America and judge its impact on society.