Then and Now

The traditional approach to social studies in elementary schools was to focus the you, the student.  The the topics would expand and explore to include the family, community, state, and nation.  This is no longer sufficient to prepare you for your future.  We will be learning those things listed, but will also focus on civics, economics, geography and history. 

Sequence of Topics for 5th grade

Quarter 1 / Geography 

Enduring Understandings:
  • The geography of the US is very diverse and has many characteristics influenced where groups lived and how they adjusted to the environment.

​Our Essential Questions:
  • How does geography affect the lifestyle ofthose living in the US?

Quarter 3 / 13 Colonies

Enduring Understandings:
  • Europeans from multiple countries came to the Americas for various reasons like economic opportunity and religious freedom.
  • The Thirteen Colonies shared many social, political, and economic similarities and differences.

Our Essential Questions:
  • How are we still experiencing the impact of Eurpean explorers?
  • To what extent was America a land of opportunity?

Quarter 2 / Earliest Americans

Enduring Understandings:
  • The Native Americans that inhabited North America before European settlement shared many similarities but also had many differences.

Our Essential Questions:
  • To whar extent were Native American groups sili;ar and different?​

Quarter 4 / The American Revolution

​Enduring Understandings:
  • The American Revolution took place because of  the actions and ideas of several individuals and groups.  This includes famous leaders, as well as women, African Americans, forgein allies, and just everyday colonists. ​
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Our Essential Questions:
  • How can the actions and ideas of individuals drive change?

See Some Examples

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