Comparing Communities
Learn
People live in communities all around the world! Some communities look like yours, and some look very different. Let's learn how to compare communities and see what makes each one special.
What Does It Mean to Compare?
To compare means to look at two or more things and find what is the same and what is different. When we compare communities, we look at where people live, what they eat, how they travel, and more!
Things to Compare in Communities
- Location: Where is the community? Near water, mountains, or in a desert?
- Climate: Is it hot, cold, rainy, or dry?
- Homes: What do houses look like? What are they made of?
- Food: What do people eat? What grows there?
- Transportation: How do people travel? Cars, bikes, boats, or on foot?
- Jobs: What work do people do?
- Traditions: What holidays and celebrations are special?
Communities Are Similar in Many Ways
Even though communities look different, they have things in common:
- People live in families
- Children go to school
- People need food, water, and shelter
- Communities have rules and leaders
- People celebrate and have fun together
Communities Are Different in Many Ways
Communities are different based on where they are and their culture:
- Different languages are spoken
- Different foods are eaten
- Different holidays are celebrated
- Different clothes are worn (based on weather and culture)
- Different types of homes are built
Why Is It Good to Learn About Other Communities?
Learning about other communities helps us understand people who live differently. We can learn new ideas, appreciate different ways of life, and see how big and interesting our world is!
Examples
Let's compare different communities around the world.
Example 1: A Town in the United States vs. A Village in Japan
Similar: Both have schools, families, stores, and places to worship.
Different: In Japan, people might eat rice with most meals. They might sit on the floor to eat. Many people use trains to travel.
In the U.S.: People might eat more bread. They sit on chairs. Many people drive cars.
Example 2: A City in Brazil vs. A Town in Alaska
Climate: Brazil is warm and tropical. Alaska is cold with lots of snow.
Clothes: In Brazil, people wear light clothes. In Alaska, people wear heavy coats and boots.
Similar: Both have families, schools, and community helpers.
Example 3: A Village Near the Ocean vs. A Town in the Mountains
Ocean village: People might fish for food. They might use boats to travel. They eat lots of seafood.
Mountain town: People might hike and ski. They might grow vegetables in gardens. They eat different foods.
Similar: Both communities work together and take care of each other.
Example 4: Comparing Homes
Hot desert: Homes might be made of mud or clay to stay cool.
Cold snowy place: Homes have steep roofs so snow slides off. They use heaters to stay warm.
Near a forest: Homes might be made of wood from the trees.
Same: All homes provide shelter and protection for families.
Example 5: Celebrations Around the World
United States: Thanksgiving, 4th of July, Halloween
China: Chinese New Year with dragons and lanterns
India: Diwali, the Festival of Lights
Mexico: Day of the Dead, Cinco de Mayo
Same: All communities have celebrations with family and special food!
Practice
Think about how communities are the same and different.
1. What does it mean to compare two things?
Show Answer
To compare means to find what is the same and what is different.
2. Name something that is the SAME in all communities.
Show Answer
Possible answers: families, schools, need for food and water, rules, celebrations.
3. Name something that might be DIFFERENT in communities.
Show Answer
Possible answers: language, food, weather, homes, clothes, holidays, transportation.
4. Why might homes look different in different communities?
Show Answer
Homes look different because of the climate and available materials. Hot places need cool homes. Cold places need warm homes.
5. A community near the ocean might eat lots of what food?
Show Answer
Fish and seafood because they can catch it from the ocean.
6. Why do children in Alaska wear heavier coats than children in Florida?
Show Answer
Alaska is much colder than Florida. The climate is different, so people need different clothes.
7. Name a holiday that is celebrated in the United States.
Show Answer
Possible answers: Thanksgiving, 4th of July, Halloween, Christmas, Memorial Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
8. Why is it good to learn about communities in other countries?
Show Answer
It helps us understand different people, learn new ideas, and appreciate how interesting and diverse our world is.
9. What transportation might people use in a community with many rivers?
Show Answer
Boats would be useful for traveling on rivers.
10. Even though communities are different, what do all communities have?
Show Answer
All communities have people who live together, take care of each other, and work to meet their needs.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1: What is one thing ALL communities have in common?
Show Answer
All communities have people who live together, families, and the need for food, water, and shelter.
Question 2: Why do people in different communities eat different foods?
Show Answer
People eat foods that grow in their area or that they can catch or raise. Climate, location, and traditions affect what people eat.
Question 3: If you compared your community to a village in Africa, what might be similar?
Show Answer
Similar things: families, schools, need for water, community helpers, celebrations, and people working together.
Question 4: How does location affect how people live?
Show Answer
Location affects the weather, available food, types of homes, clothes people wear, and how people travel. People adapt to where they live!
Next Steps
- Research a country: Pick a country you want to learn about. Find out what their homes, food, and celebrations are like.
- Interview someone: Talk to someone from a different community or country. Ask about their daily life!
- Keep learning: You have completed the Communities Worldwide unit! Continue exploring Social Studies to learn more about our world.