Overview

The 5th grade Social Studies program focuses on the concept of nation, and centers on the founding of the United States. Students study the following themes: exploration, settlement and colonization of North America; the American Revolution; the United States Constitution.

 

European exploration and settlement in North America is followed by a more specific study of the similarities and differences of the 13 British colonies along the Atlantic seaboard. Examination of the escalation of discord between Britain and its colonies culminates in study of the Declaration of Independence and the establishment of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The five themes of geography and appreciation of differing cultures are two threads running through the curriculum. Critical and organizational thinking are encouraged through exercises in sequencing, cause-and-effect, and both inferential and deductive reasoning. Students also make connections between the past and present through current events as they relate to historical concepts, events and figures. Historical studies are supplemented by studies of United States icons, such as presidents, national parks and notable landmarks.

 

A Current Event article is due each Wednesday. This should be done on a piece of lined paper (or plain paper if typed) and the actual article must be stapled to the assignment. Articles can be from a newspaper (photocopies are ok), weekly magazine, or the internet. The article must be current (within a week). Since the Current Event is due on Wednesday, any article from the previous Wednesday or newer will be accepted. Students are only allowed to do one sports article per month. Articles must be done in the following format and order:

Who?

What?

When?

Where?

Why?

How?

Wow!

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