Social Studies - 5th grade

History

1. Create time lines and identify possible relationships between events
2. Explain how American Indians settled the continent and why different nations of Indians interacted with their environment in different ways Native Americans
3. Explain why European countries explored and colonized North America
4. Describe the lasting effects of Spanish, French and English colonization in North America including cultural patterns evident today such as language, food, traditions and architecture.
5. Explain how the United States became independent from Great Britain. Revolutionary War
6. Explain the impact of settlement, industrialization and transportation on the expansion of the United States.

People in Societies

1. Compare the cultural practices and products of diverse groups in North America including: Artistic expressions;Religion;Language;Food;Clothing;Shelter.
2. Compare life on Indian reservations today with the cultural traditions of American Indians before the reservation system. Native Americans
3. Describe the experiences of African-Americans under the institution of slavery. Slavery
4. Describe the waves of immigration to North America and the areas from which people came in each wave.
5. Compare reasons for immigration to North America with the reality immigrants experienced upon arrival.

Geography

1. Use coordinates of latitude and longitude to determine the absolute location of points in North America. Map Skills
2. Use maps to identify the location of: The three largest countries of North America;The 50 states of the United States;The Rocky and Appalachian mountain systems;The Mississippi, Rio Grande and St. Lawrence rivers;The Great Lakes. Map Skills
3. Describe and compare the landforms, climates, population, culture and economic characteristics of places and regions in North America.
4. Explain how climate is influenced by: Earth-sun relationships;Landforms;:Vegetation.
5. Explain, by identifying patterns on thematic maps, how physical and human characteristics can be used to define regions in North America.
6. Use distribution maps to describe the patterns of renewable, nonrenewable and flow resources in North America including: Forests; Fertile soil;Oil;Coal;Running water.
7. Analyze reasons for conflict and cooperation among regions of North America including: Trade; Environmental issues; Immigration.
8. Explain how the characteristics of different physical environments affect human activities in North America.
9. Analyze the positive and negative consequences of human changes to the physical environment including:Great Lakes navigation;Highway systems;Irrigation;Mining;Introduction of new species.
10. Use or construct maps of colonization and exploration to explain European influence in North America.

Economics

1. Compare different allocation methods for scarce goods and services such as prices, command, first-come-first-served, sharing equally, rationing and lottery. Economics
2. Explain that individuals in all economies must answer the fundamental economic questions of what to produce, how to produce, and for whom to produce. Economics
3. Explain how education, specialization, capital goods and the division of labor affect productive capacity. Economics
4. Explain how regions in North America become interdependent when they specialize in what they produce best and then trade with other regions inside and outside North America to increase the amount and variety of goods and services available. Economics

5. Explain the general relationship between supply, demand and price in a competitive market. Economics

6. Explain why competition among producers/sellers results in lower costs and prices, higher product quality, and better customer service. Economics

7. Explain why competition among consumers/buyers results in higher product prices. Economics

Government

1. Explain major responsibilities of each of the three branches of the U.S. government: The legislative branch, headed by Congress, passes laws.The executive branch, headed by the president, carries out and enforces the laws made by Congress. The judicial branch, headed by the Supreme Court, interprets and applies the law.  Government

2. Explain the essential characteristics of American democracy including:

   • The people are the source of the government's authority.
   • All citizens have the right and responsibility to vote and influence the decisions of the government.
   • The government is run directly by the people or through elected representatives.
   • The powers of government are limited by law.
   • Basic rights of individuals are guaranteed by the Constitution.    Constitution
3. Explain the significance of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Constitution

Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities

1. Explain how an individual acquires U.S. citizenship: Birth;  Naturalization.

2. Explain the obligations of upholding the U.S. Constitution including: Obeying laws;  Paying taxes;  Serving on juries; Registering for selective service

3. Explain the significance of the rights that are protected by the First Amendment including: Freedom of religion; Freedom of speech;  Freedom of the press; Right of petition and assembly.

Social Studies Skills and Methods

1. Obtain information from a variety of print and electronic sources and analyze its reliability including: Accuracy of facts; Credentials of the source.
2. Locate information in a variety of sources using key words, related articles and cross-references.
3. Differentiate between primary and secondary sources.

4. Read information critically in order to identify:The author;   The author's perspective; The purpose.

5. Compare points of agreement and disagreement among sources.

6. Draw inferences from relevant information.

7. Organize key ideas by taking notes that paraphrase or summarize.

8. Communicate research findings using line graphs and tables.

9. Use a problem-solving/decision-making process which includes:

   • Identifying a problem;  
   • Gathering information;
   • Listing and considering options;
   • Considering advantages and disadvantages of options;
   • Choosing and implementing a solution;
   • Developing criteria for judging its effectiveness;
   • Evaluating the effectiveness of the solution.