In 5th grade social studies, students will delve into the era of early American history, tracing the roots of the United States from its Indigenous inhabitants through the American Revolutionary War. The course integrates key concepts from history, geography, civics, government, and economics to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of this critical period in American development. To begin, students will delve into personal financial literacy (PFL), where students will learn about managing personal finances. They will differentiate between saving and investing, understand the function of banking, and explore different types of financial institutions and the services they provide. Additionally, students will learn practical skills such as keeping track of money spent and saved. Students will analyze primary and secondary sources to develop a multi-faceted understanding of early United States history. Students will explore significant historical documents such as the Proclamation of 1763, the Stamp Act, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and treaties with Indigenous Nations like the Two Row Wampum Treaty. They will examine timelines, artifacts, and visual representations to interpret the various eras and themes in North America and analyze the causes, effects, and contributions of important events and individuals throughout the early American period.   Additionally, students will use geographic tools and sources to deepen their understanding of United States geography and its influence on historical events. Students will use maps to answer questions about different regions of North America and the United States. They will explore the relationships between accessible resources and the development of local communities, as well as analyze how physical and political features shaped historical events and the adaptation of people to their environment. Additionally, students will examine the impact of cooperation and conflict among diverse groups on political, economic, and social divisions in the United States.  Students will identify productive resources and understand how they were used to produce goods and services. They will explore various methods of exchanging goods and services, such as barter and monetary exchange, and analyze the patterns and evolution of trade within early America. Additionally, students will examine the challenges faced by American colonists and how these challenges eventually led to the creation of commercial banks.  Students will explore the foundations of citizenship in the United States and the origins, functions, and structures of the United States government. Students will examine examples of individual and group actions that illustrate civic ideals in the founding of the United States. They will explore the evolution of the concept of citizenship in the early American colonies and examine the foundational documents and events that led to the establishment of the United States government. Additionally, students will gain an understanding of the political principles of American democracy and how they are reflected and preserved in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. They will also explore the structure and functions of the three branches of the United States government and the balance of power between national and state governments.   Overall, this comprehensive course on early American history provides fifth-grade students with a deep understanding of the foundations and complexities of the United States, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to become informed and engaged citizens.