5th & 6th Grade American History

NOTE: on my class page you will find science sections for grades 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5-6.
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This social studies class mainly addresses history standards for grades 5 & 6.  Due to the number of geographical areas (continents / countries), people (ancient and modern), causes and dates there is a lot to learn.  It takes a number of years to master the concepts.  If students show growth in the area of history, I will then add on standards such as geography and economics.

I use songs, books, video clips and hands-on activities to create an interactive learning environment to help students stay engaged. The concepts under social studies can be harder concepts for learners to grasp - it’s not as cut and dry as a science topic. Due to this, there will be a lot of hands-on learning. Students will begin to understand the world they live in and discuss what their roles and responsibilities are.


GRADES 5-6 TOPICS TO BE COVERED:

NOTE:  As the year progresses, Native American history will be discussed throughout our American history lessons where applicable.

Introduction:  5 Themes of Geography
     - Place
     - Location
     - Region
     - Movement
     - Human / Environment Interaction 

AND... Geography Needed for Background Knowledge for American History

** Land Bridge Theory:  After the “5 Themes of Geography,” we will begin the year with a quick review on the Bering Strait and Early Inhabitants.  (20,000 BCE to 1400 CE) **

3 Gs of Exploration
   --  Gold, God, Glory
Columbian Exchange
   -- New Trade Routes
   -- Joining Eastern & Western Hemispheres
Roanoke the Lost Colony
Jamestown 1st Permanent British Colony
   -- Powhatan Tribe
   -- John Smith
   -- Pocahontas & John Rolfe
Plymouth Colony
13 Colonies Under British Rule
   -- 3 Regions
   -- Government
   -- Economy
   -- Slavery 
   -- Salem Witch Trials
Causes of the Revolutionary War
   -- French and Indian War (7 Years War)
   -- King George III & Taxes
   -- Boston Tea Party
Battles of the Revolutionary War
   -- Struggle for Independence
   -- Declaration of Independence
   -- Conclusion of the War
   -- After the War
United States of America
   -- Early Presidents
   -- 3 Branches of Government
Louisiana Purchase
Manifest Destiny
Lewis and Clark Expedition
   -- Reasons to Explore
   -- Routes
   -- Sacagawea
   -- What came of the Expedition
Westward Expansion
   -- Trail of Tears
   -- Oregon Trail
   -- California Gold Rush
War of 1812
The Civil War
Reconstruction
Industrialism

** If time permits **
WWI Overview
Great Depression & WWII Overview


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2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR SCHEDULE

COMPLETED Sept to Early November:

Introduction:  5 Themes of Geography
     - Place
     - Location
     - Region
     - Movement
     - Human / Environment Interaction 

Land Bridge Theory (discussed land vs water migration)

3 Gs of Exploration
   --  Gold, God, Glory
Columbian Exchange
   -- New Trade Routes
   -- Joining Eastern & Western Hemispheres

Native American Legend:  The Three Sisters

Roanoke the Lost Colony

November 18 to December Break:

Jamestown 1st Permanent British Colony
   -- Powhatan Tribe
   -- John Smith
   -- Pocahontas & John Rolfe
Plymouth Colony
13 Colonies Under British Rule
   -- 3 Regions
   -- Slavery 


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2023-2024 school year.

HISTORY:
Native Peoples of the USA Regions
    — Cultures / Mapping Out Tribes / Nations
Age of Exploration
    — European Nations Began Exploring the World
    — Three Gs of Exploration (Gold, God, Glory)
Colonial America 
             - 13 Colonies & the 3 Regions
             - Economics of the Regions
    — Jamestown 
             - 1st English Colony
             - Why Jamestown Almost Didn't Work
    — England, French, Spain, Portugal Fighting for Land in North America
    — Affects on Native Americans
Basic Causes of the American Revolution
New Nation - United States of America
Westward Movement
    — Lewis & Clark
    — Oregon Trail**
    — Timeline for 50 States**

GOVERNMENT:
What Does Freedom Mean?
US Constitution
    — Rights / Freedoms Under the Bill of Rights
    — What is Checks & Balances?**
    — How a Bill Becomes a Law**

2023 - 2024 STANDARDS SCHEDULE:

Week of Sept. 3: Introductions, Notebook, Timeline Book
                             Hunter-Gatherers - Land Bridge Theory
Week of Sept. 10: Land Bridge Theory
Week of Sept. 17:  Indigenous Migration Part 1
Week of Sept. 24:  Indigenous Migration Part 2
Week of Oct. 1:  Pre-Columbus Mound Builders North America Map

 —- OCT 8-14: Columbus Day & Fall Break

Week of Oct 15: Post-Columbus Native American Regions on Map
Week of Oct 22:  Timeline:  Pre-Columbus vs Post-Columbus Native Americans
Week of Oct 29:  Pre-Columbus Anasazi
Week of Nov 5:  Activity:  Anasazi / Petroglyph Clay Creations
Week of Nov 12:  Activity:  Anasazi / Petroglyph Painting
Week of Nov 19:  NO CLASS: Thanksgiving
Week of Nov 26:  Age of Exploration Introduction
Week of Dec 3:   NO CLASS
Week of Dec 10:  What are the 3 Gs in Exploration?
Week of Dec 17:  Explorers - Ericsson, de Gama, Magellan 

--- DEC 22 - JAN 8:  WINTER BREAK - classes begin 1/9/24

Week of Jan 7:  European Explorers Post Break Review
Week of Jan 14:  Columbian Exchange Pt 1
Week of Jan 21:  Columbian Exchange Pt 2
Week of Jan 28:  European Explorers Map

FEBRUARY & MARCH:   COLONIAL AMERICA
             - 13 Colonies & the 3 Regions
             - Economics of the Regions
    — Jamestown 
             - 1st English Colony
             - Why Jamestown Almost Didn't Work
    — England, French, Spain, Portugal Fighting for Land in North America
    — Affects on Native Americans

Beginning APRIL:  REVOLUTIONARY WAR
    — Basic Causes of the American Revolution
    — New Nation - United States of America
    — Connection Between Revolutionary War and "Rights & Freedoms" for USA

Mid- APRIL:  WESTWARD EXPANSION
    — Westward Movement
    — Lewis & Clark
    — Oregon Trail**

NOTE:  There will be NO CLASSES on
Wednesday / Thursday: April 24 & 25
Monday / Tuesday: April 29 & 30