Social Studies
Fifth Grade Social Studies Curriculum
Our Focus this year...
The study of human civilization reveals the ideals, beliefs, values, and institutions of its people across places and times. Fifth grade students will look at several ancient cultures throughout the world and how aspects of culture (religion, technology, govemenment, etc) shape civilizations. Students will study the beginnings of civilization as we look at Mesopotamia and the Fertile Crescent and the impact that geography has on culture, and the influence on civilization. We will then look at culture and daily life of the Ancient Egyptians and people of the Indus Valley and specifically, how their beliefs shaped their lives. We will then move to Ancient China and focus on innovation and how it shaped culture. Finally, we will wrap up the year looking to Ancient Greece and Rome and the origins of Democracy.
Benchmark Understandings:
Describe how the physical geography and natural resources of the Middle East influenced the location, development, and success or decline of early Mesopotamian civilizations.
Explain how the Egyptian culture affected individual members of society in their daily lives.
Explain the role religion played in the development of Indian society.
Identify how the people of early Chinese civilizations benefited from innovation and technology within a specialized business model and world trade.
Explain the systems of power, authority and governance used by ancient Greek and Roman civilizations which are still present in today’s U.S. government.
