Grade 5 / Social Studies

Social Studies

Our fifth grade social studies program is an activities-based study of the History of the United States from exploration and colonization through the U.S. Constitution. In addition, this is also the time to gain a firm foundation in map skills including an identification of the continents, oceans, equator, prime meridian, latitude, longitude, and locations on the world maps, in an atlas, and on a globe. Our core program includes History Alive and various geography resources. The four main units are Age of Exploration, Colonial America, American Revolution and the U.S. Constitution.

Find online resources by searching the database below.

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Exploration

Students learn about the motivations for exploration during the 100 years of European exploration with a focus on 6 major explorers during that time period.

Early Settlers of America to Colonial America

Students explore the early settlements in America including Roanoke, Jamestown and Plymouth Rock. They also learn about the three major regions of colonial America by exploring the colonies of Massachusetts, New York and Maryland. The unit ends with an exploration of slavery during this period and life in Colonial Williamsburg.

American Revolution

Students begin this unit by exploring the growing tensions between the colonists and England and the impact of several event leading up to the Revolutionary War. They explore both patriots and loyalists points of view and the challenges of unifying the colonists behing the Declaration of Independence.

U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights

The final unit focuses on the development of the U.S Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Students compare the three branches of the government and how they create balance. They also explore key amendments in the Bill of Rights.