Grade 5 - Social Studies

This American history unit is centered around abolition with a focus on the Underground Railroad and the Amistad event.  Students learn how enslaved people were strong and courageous in their fight against enslavement and how Farmington citizens played a role in the movement.

The unit begins with a discussion about human rights and a brief examination of the history of slavery around the world. Students learn about the ways that people have become enslaved, the ways slavery impacted their lives, and the many ways that enslaved people have resisted and fought for their freedom.

Students then focus on slavery in the United States. Using the lens of geography and economics, they examine maps and visuals to determine where slavery existed in the 1800s and how slavery was central to the growth and development of the economy in the US. As part of their study of this time period, students will analyze primary sources and secondary sources to think critically about the past. 

To dig deeper into this history, students will participate in a walking tour hosted by the Farmington Historical Society and learn about Farmington’s role in the quest for freedom.  Additional information about this opportunity will be provided. 

At the conclusion of the unit, students will discuss how slavery was abolished by learning about the American Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, Juneteenth, and the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution. In the spirit of empowerment, the class will discuss actions they can take to make our community a fair and inclusive place for everyone (such as standing up to hate speech, being an ally, and combating prejudice). To close the unit, the class will learn how African Americans have contributed and continue to contribute to American culture.

In this American history unit, students learn about the waves of immigration to the United States and migration within the United States. They will examine and analyze a variety of primary and secondary sources (both text and images) to identify and understand the push and pull factors, the challenges of starting a new life, and the effects of assimilation. As students learn about waves of immigration, they discover how the contributions of groups from all over the world have shaped American culture. Students will select a culture of their choice to research and will educate others in our community about the culture. 

We encourage you to have conversations with your child about what they are learning in this unit. These conversations could include helping your child see the connections between historical events and current events. If you have a story about immigration in your own family or that of a friend consider sharing it with your child.

Reading: There are many nonfiction and historical fiction books available for fifth graders about this topic and time period in history. Biographies of abolitionists are also available. Students can locate some of these books on Epic, in our school library, or at the Farmington Library.

Reading: There are many nonfiction and historical fiction books available for fifth graders about different immigrant stories.  Students can locate  some of these books on Epic, in our school library, or at the Farmington Library.

Maps, Atlases, or Globes:  Using geographical resources is a valuable way for your child to develop an understanding of diverse cultures around the world. If you happen to be traveling, reference maps to locate where you are going or the routes you are taking. If your family has connections with people in other states or other countries use maps to identify places where they live. Use a world map or globe to make connections to the books your child is reading. Locate where the story takes place or where the author is from.