The grade 5 Social Studies curriculum in California covers a broad range of topics aimed at developing students' understanding of history, geography, civics, and economics.  More specifically, the students explore the early history of the United States, including the American Revolution and the founding of our nation.  They also delve into the geography of the United States, including, regions, and natural resources.  Civic lessons focus on the structure of government, the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and the principles of democracy. Additionally, students learn about basic economic concepts such as supply and demand, producers and consumers, and the role of government in the economy.  A historical perspective regarding commerce in general is also considered. Throughout the curriculum, emphasis is placed on critical thinking, a divergent thought process, and understanding historical perspectives.  By the end of Grade 5, students should have a solid foundation in key social studies concepts and be prepared for more advanced studies in grade 6.  

We will begin focusing more on Task Based Learning (With a student project focus and interactive learning in groups) The TCI program the students are accustomed to will remain as a back drop for enhancing our learning with some support reading and exercises.  Differentiated learning is a critical part of our Social Studies program as we account for student differences, in interests, capabilities, and comfort level with the material. For example, students might be expected to recreate a colonial-era newspaper for a language arts assignment and complete a 3D diorama to engage in thinking about how the colonists lived.  Students will learn to explore cause-and-effect relationships; compare past and present events; and make and use timelines, graphs, charts, and maps to interpret historical data. Technology is often integrated, as students use the internet to facilitate research.  

The Book is Called, Social Studies Alive, America's Past

The entire online program is called, TCI.

This book will support our studies interchangeably however, it will not be the only or significant resource the 5th-graders learn from.

Some upcoming projects will include the following:

1) A colony diorama

2) Mapping the country pre-civil war

3) Writing a newspaper using the invention of industry and how it changed our landscape, economy, and way of life.

4) A presidential research paper.

5) Mock bill passing to ensure that students understand the three branches of government and how laws are created and passed. 

6) Understanding the practice of writing their research papers in MLA format.  This practice is supported by using it in all our subjects.