I can explain the relationship between early English colonists and Native Americans, including how they had different ideas about land and why their conflicts started.

I can compare the reasons different colonies were founded and learn about a person who helped start one.

I can explain why English colonists had the most influence on the language, laws, and government of the United States.

I can locate the first 13 colonies on a map and describe how their climates affected the crops they grew.

To what extent was North America a land of opportunity, and for whom?

What are the benefits and drawbacks of colonization?

What role do geography, politics, economics, and religion play in the formation of colonies?

 What is the role of government?\

 What role did slavery play in the development of the colonies?

Why were relationships between the English settlers and Native Peoples so difficult? What were some of the biggest disagreements they had?

Do you remember why a certain colony was started? What did you learn about the person who founded it?

Why do we speak English and have a government similar to England's, even though other European countries explored America too?

Looking at a map of the 13 colonies, how did the weather and land in the North, South, and Middle colonies affect how people made a living?

I can explain the main reasons for the American Revolution, including "no taxation without representation," the Boston Tea Party, and the Boston Massacre.

I can describe the roles of important people during the Revolution, like George Washington, King George III, and Paul Revere.

I can explain the main ideas in the Declaration of Independence and how they changed the American colonies.

I can describe what it was like for soldiers during the war and how the Patriots won the war with help from other countries.

I can describe what it was like for people on the "home front" during the Revolution.

Why did most Native Peoples side with the French against the British in the French and Indian Wars?

Were the colonists justified in rebelling against Great Britain in the American Revolution?

What were the main reasons the colonists wanted to break away from England? What do you think would have been a fair solution?

Who were some of the key people on both sides of the American Revolution, and what were their roles?

What does "all men are created equal" mean in the Declaration of Independence? How do you think that idea has changed over time?

What was life like for a soldier in the war, and what challenges did they face?

How was the war a challenge for families who were not soldiers, and how did they help the war effort?

I can identify the Massachusetts Constitution, its author, and the basic rights it gives to citizens.

I can explain the reasons for the adoption and failure of the Articles of Confederation.

I can describe Shays' Rebellion and explain why it was a crucial event that led to the Constitutional Convention.

I can identify leaders of the Constitutional Convention and describe the major issues they debated, such as the distribution of political power, individual and state rights, the Great Compromise, and slavery.

I can describe the responsibilities of government at the federal, state, and local levels.

I can describe the basic principles of American democracy and explain how the Constitution and Bill of Rights protect them.

I can identify the three branches of the U.S. government, describe their functions, and explain what made the Constitution's features unique at the time.

I can identify the rights in the Bill of Rights and explain why it was added to the Constitution.

I can explain how citizens participate in and change their government.

 Is the government necessary?

 What are the roles and responsibilities of a citizen?

 What are the Three Branches of Government and their purpose?

 Why did our Founding Fathers create the United States Constitution?

 Why was it important to have amendments, such as the Bill of Rights?

Why are Checks and Balances important ?

What were the main problems with the Articles of Confederation and what event showed everyone that a new government was needed?

What are the three parts of our government and what does each part do?

Why is the Bill of Rights so important for protecting our freedom?

How can we, as citizens, be a part of our government?

I can use timelines to understand historical events.

I can distinguish between different types of maps, such as political, topographical, and specialized maps.

I can identify changes in voting qualifications from 1787 to 1820 and compare voting rights in the U.S. to other countries.

I can explain the events leading up to and the significance of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803.

I can describe the Lewis and Clark expedition.

I can describe the significance of the abolition of slavery in Northern states and the 1808 law that banned the importation of slaves.

I can explain the causes of the War of 1812 and how it contributed to a sense of American nationalism.

I can explain the importance of the China trade and whaling to 19th-century New England.

I can explain why pioneers moved west and describe their lives on the frontier.

I can identify the key issues that led to the Civil War, including debates over slavery and westward expansion, and different economic interests.

What lands were included in the Louisiana Purchase?

 What were the results of early battles of the Civil War?

 What important contributions were made by Lewis and Clark?

 Why did many Americans want to go to war with Britain for a second time?

How did the United States grow so much in its early years?

Can you tell me about the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark expedition?

What caused the War of 1812 and what was its impact on the nation?

Why did so many people begin to move west during this time?

I can evaluate different theories about the origins of people in North America, and the evidence that dates their existence to about 15,000 years ago.

I can use maps and photographs to identify archaeological evidence of major civilizations, such as stone tools and mound-building.

I can explain how archaeologists conduct research to develop theories about prehistoric cultures.

I can give examples of archaeological sites in North America that are now preserved as national or state monuments.

How do archaeologists develop theories about ancient migrations?

How do archaeologists figure out when the first people came to North America?

Can you tell me about some of the oldest civilizations in North America?

What kind of things do archaeologists look for to learn about ancient cultures?

I can explain that historians use primary sources like archaeological evidence, maps, and texts to study European voyages to the Americas.

I can explain who the Vikings were and describe evidence of their early encounters with Native Peoples in North America.

I can trace European explorations on a map and explain the reasons for these voyages, such as expanding empires, finding new trade routes, and seeking new resources.

What were the reasons for European voyages across the Atlantic Ocean?

Can you name some of the first European explorers to visit the Americas?

What were the explorers looking for when they set out on their voyages?

How do we know about the Vikings' trips to North America?

I can trace the abolition of slavery in the Northern states and its expansion in the West, and explain the effects of the 1808 law that banned the importation of slaves.

I can identify the major reasons for the Civil War and its most important outcomes.

I can explain the ideas and roles of people who led the struggle against slavery and for voting and property rights for African Americans.

I can identify major military leaders and battles of the Civil War.

I can describe Abraham Lincoln's role during the Civil War, including the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments.

I can explain the consequences of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments for the rights of African Americans.

I can describe living conditions for African Americans after the Civil War during the Jim Crow era and the role of churches and civic organizations.

I can research and analyze a person, organization, event, or law from the 20th century that contributed to expanding civil rights.

I can explain how the 20th-century African American Civil Rights movement served as a model for other movements.

How does a nation's definition of "freedom" and "equality" change over time, and what actions do people take to make that happen?

How can the actions of a few influential people or groups lead to big changes for an entire country?

What were the main issues that led to the Civil War?

Can you tell me about the changes that happened for African Americans after the Civil War?

How did the actions of Abraham Lincoln and others help to end slavery?

What are some examples of important events or people from the Civil Rights movement?