Oklahoma Social Studies 1.C.1.7
The Standard
- 1.C.1
- Analyze their role as a citizen in a community.
Identify and explain the meaning of the United States of America’s official motto, "In God we trust”.
Oklahoma Academic Standards for Social Studies (2026) · 1.C.1
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students find and name the official motto on a penny or a clear coin photo. They explain that it expresses trust in God, while Americans can hold different beliefs.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student points to the motto, not the date or LIBERTY, on a penny. They explain that trust here means believing in or relying on God.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may mistake LIBERTY or the date for the motto. They may think the motto means every American must believe in God.
How to Assess It
- Show an enlarged photo of a penny. Ask students to circle the motto and finish this sentence: “These words mean _____.”
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs pennies and magnifiers; have them find the motto and copy it onto a coin outline.
Show a penny and ask, “What does trust mean here? Does a national motto mean everyone has the same beliefs?”
Give pairs a penny photo and cards labeled motto, date, and LIBERTY; have them match each card to its spot.
Set up a pretend store with pennies as change; ask students to find the motto on a penny they receive.
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Related Standards
- 2.C.1.10
Examine the meaning of the phrase, “E Pluribus Unum” ("Out of many, one") found on the Great Seal of the United States of America.
- USG.C.1.3
Examine the founding principles of the United States of America’s constitutional republic.
- 1.C.1.5.A
Explain the purpose and meaning of The Pledge of Allegiance and the significance of the phrase “under God”.
- 1.C.1.5.F
Explain how we celebrate our nation and its history through patriotic songs (e.g., “My Country ‘tis of Thee”, “God Bless America”).
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