Social Studies
History, Geography, Civics, Economics
Most of our study of the social sciences will focus on history and geography in fifth grade. Highlights will include United States history through the Revolution and Constitution, and our study of the 50 states. Beyond that, students will build upon reading skills by searching multiple sources for information, organizing their research, and presenting their findings using multimedia formats. This area of fifth grade study will include extensive use of Internet resources, as well as many other technology tools to enhance student learning and engagement.
Our study of social sciences will include several projects utilizing Project Based Learning.
Fifth graders will experience the concepts of civics and economics first hand when we visit Young AmeriTowne in the spring. Students will actually engage in a simulated town, where they will interview for jobs, collect paychecks, manage a bank account, and become consumers in a real economy.
Native Americans
Teaching a research-based unit on Native Americans allows students to delve deeply into the topic so students can learn more than where tribes were located at the time of the European arrival. A research-based unit allows students to experience the history of the tribes. Students will understand how specific geography affected food, shelter, clothing, traditions, and cultures of the tribes. Students will develop an appreciation for Native American culture: music, art, and storytelling. Students will understand how the arrival of Europeans had negative consequences for the Native Americans and be able to compare and contrast different Native American tribal regions.
European Exploration, 1400-1600
In this unit, students will learn about explorers from Europe who sailed across oceans to seek a new trade route to Asia. We begin with Marco Polo and his travels through Asia, which prompted later Europeans to begin branching out into a New World.
Several different texts will accompany the unit, namely some historical fiction pieces that compare and contrast different accounts of Columbus' voyage. For each of the explorers we cover, students will have an understanding of their objectives and accomplishments, and how these impacted the development of North America.
The unit will culminate with students teaming up to study one explorer and to create a multimedia presentation.
Colonization of America
In our study of colonization, the primary focus will be on the settlements of Roanoake, Jamestown, and Plymouth. We will discuss the reasons for the colonists coming to America to create each of these settlements. Students will compare and contrast these settlements and discuss the varying successes and failures of each, in addition to how these settlements led to further colonies.
From there, we will discuss three different regions of colonies - the New England, Middle, and Southern colonies. Students will compare and contrast the characteristics of each. By the end of the unit, students will be able to name and describe each of the original thirteen colonies.
American Revolution
We begin with an in-depth study of the causes for revolution in the thirteen colonies, starting with the French and Indian War. After that, we look at the various acts of the king and British Parliament that prompted the colonists to seek independence. This will lead us into a look at the Declaration of Independence and Thomas Jefferson.
We'll study many of the important battles of the war, with a careful emphasis on George Washington, his generals, and the British generals. By the end of the unit, students will be able to explain why the colonists were successful at winning the war and what mistakes were made by the British.
The Constitution of the United States
Students will first study and memorize the Preamble to the Constitution to determine the purpose of the document and what it promises for citizens of the United States.
We'll take a close look at the various Articles of the Constitution, particularly those that describe the three branches of government. For each branch, students will develop a thorough understanding of the need for checks and balances, shared power, and how each branch interacts with the other.
Finally, students will learn about the Bill of Rights and the basic rights guaranteed for all citizens.
Young AmeriTowne
Students will learn basic concepts of economics and civics with this year-end unit. We begin with the basic principles of economy, including buying and selling goods and services, flow of money through government, business, and residential sources, supply and demand, entrepreneurialism, advertising, and free markets. Then, we move into banking concepts, such as checking and savings accounts, flow of money between businesses and individuals via the bank, investing, budgeting, and the difference between credit and debit cards. Finally, students will learn civics through engaging in elections and philanthropy.
The culminating event will be a field trip to Young AmeriTowne, where students will work a specific job in a business, earn a paycheck, and generate an economy by buying and selling goods and services for real.