Fifth and Sixth Grade Social Studies Curriculum
In Social Studies, fifth grade students will be immersed in the events that shaped the United States of America and the contributing factors that helped determine our country’s rich history. Major units of study include the original colonies, the American Revolution, American Government, the Civil War, and events that shaped 20th century American history. Integrated within all these units are specific skill sets involving aspects of geography, current events, critical thinking, and quotation analysis. Interactive SMART board lessons, web-based activities (ie. CORE), laptops, and the use of a “Curriculum on Wheels” machine (C.O.W.) are specific areas where technology is used cohesively with the Social Studies curriculum. Read aloud historical fiction is also used to support the curriculum and Literature classes.
Sixth grade Social Studies students expand their knowledge of the world by studying the earliest civilizations in recorded history that include: Egypt, China, Greece, Rome, and Mesopotamia. A major objective is to create culturally literate students. Another objective is to have students understand how the international past has shaped American history. Students analyze and determine the different aspects of a culture and the elements needed to create a successful civilization. World geography skills and critical thinking skills are highly emphasized. The use of student debates in sixth grade allows students to hone their public speaking skills. In addition, technology is integrated throughout the units we study. Interactive SMART board lessons, web-based activities (ie. CORE), classroom laptops, and the use of Curriculum on Wheels (C.O.W.) lessons engage the students with technology and enhance the curriculum being studied. Read aloud historical fiction is also used to support the curriculum and Literature classes.
