5th Grade Social Studies

State Report Useful Website:

Netstates - http://www.netstate.com/

Online Atlas - http://www.onlineatlas.us/

National Geographic Kids - https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/states/us-states-hub/

50 States - https://www.50states.com/

Mr. Nussbaum - http://mrnussbaum.com/fifty-states-for-kids/

Fact Monster - https://www.factmonster.com/explore-all-fifty-us-states

Teachers First - http://www.teachersfirst.com/share/states/

State Government Website - https://www.usa.gov/states-and-territories

Text: The United States - Making a New Nation

Harcourt, copyright 2007 (ISBN: 0-15-338503-0)

Course Description:

The objective of this class will be threefold:

1. The learners will study the development of the United States of America up to 1850, with an emphasis on the cause, course, and consequences of the early explorations through the War for Independence and western expansion. Learners will recognize that ours is a nation that has a constitution that derives its power from the people, that has gone through a revolution, that experienced conflict over land, and that experienced a westward movement that took its people across the continent.
2. The learners will study the states and capitals to provide a strong geographical foundation of the United States. Learners will also complete a research project in class on one state, write a report, and create a visual presentation for the State Fair in February. Look for more details and a timeline of due dates to be sent home early October.
3. Learners will participate in a variety of learning experiences, including group work, discussion and compromise, creativity, and critical thinking skills, as they study the history of the United States of America.  These learning experiences will range from using the textbook, taking notes, tests and quizzes to more hands-on, interactive activities such as projects, simulations, presentations, and interactive notebooks that will allow learners to produce original work to showcase their learning.

Units of Study:

The First Americans

Cultures Meet

Settling the Colonies

The American Revolution

Governing the Nation

Overnight Field Trip:  May 2-3, 2019

Learners will attend our overnight field trip to Riley’s Farm where they will re-live our nation’s great struggle for independence as the American Revolution is brought to life while students participate in several hands-on stations and activities. (NOTE: Parents interested in attending as chaperones must complete the Safe Environment training and be fingerprinted - please contact the front office for more information. Details about signing up to be a chaperone will be announced as the event gets closer.  Be sure to read future 5th Grade Newsletters for more information and a timeline of when to sign-up.)

Interactive Notebooks (IAN):

Learners will be keeping an InterActive Notebook, otherwise known as IAN.  All notes and some assignments will be completed in this notebook. Learners will use a composition book supplied by the teacher for this purpose.  We will use our IANs each day in class, so it will be stored in the classroom for safe keeping.  Learners will be allowed to take their IAN home to complete assignments or study (as needed).  Notebooks will be checked and graded throughout the year, so it is important that they have it up to date at all times.  It will be the learner's responsibility to work with the teacher in order to make up any missed entries and/or assignments.  

Grading:

Learning Assessments will be weighted as follows: