Fifth Grade Learning Expectations
The fifth grade curriculum is a comprehensive study of United States history from the period of exploration to the Civil War. An emphasis is placed upon understanding historical concepts and the development of essential social studies skills. Throughout the course of the year, the students will continue to discuss current events and will investigate the role citizens play in the electoral process.
By the end of Fifth Grade, students are expected to learn:
Exploration, Colonization & Settlement (1400-1763)
Pre-Revolution Through New Nation (1754-1820)
Expansion and Reform (1801-1861)
Civil War and Reconstruction (1850-1877)
National Elections
The fifth grade curriculum is a comprehensive study of United States history from the period of exploration to the Civil War. An emphasis is placed upon understanding historical concepts and the development of essential social studies skills. Throughout the course of the year, the students will continue to discuss current events and will investigate the role citizens play in the electoral process.
By the end of Fifth Grade, students are expected to learn:
Exploration, Colonization & Settlement (1400-1763)
- People have explored for a variety of reasons throughout history.
- Conflict can arise from two or more cultures meeting.
- Geography and climate impact settlement patterns.
- People came to America for a variety of reasons, some voluntarily and others by force.
- The institution of slavery reshaped European and African life in the Americas.
Pre-Revolution Through New Nation (1754-1820)
- The people have a fundamental right to govern themselves.
- America is founded on the basic concepts of a democracy.
- There were political, social, and economic causes and consequences of the American Revolution.
- The development of the American political system was and is an ongoing process.
- The U.S. Constitution forms the foundation of our government.
- Geography influenced the economic, social, and cultural growth of the new nation.
Expansion and Reform (1801-1861)
- The United States gained new territory through a variety of means.
- Westward expansion had a profound impact on relations with Native Americans and with other countries.
- The Industrial Revolution and the expansion of slavery intensified tensions that ultimately divided the nation and led to Civil War.
- The movement of some groups and the displacement of others were influenced by land value and natural resources.
Civil War and Reconstruction (1850-1877)
- The Civil War was brought about by many political, social, and economic factors.
- The North and the South had different objectives in the Civil War.
- The leadership of the North and South affected the outcome of the war.
- The economies of the North and South were influenced by geography and natural resources.
- There were various motivations on both sides for participating in the war effort.
- Attempts to reunite the country and expand citizenship during Reconstruction met with varying degrees of success.
National Elections
- People have rights and responsibilities as citizens in a democratic society.
- Active citizenship is important.
- Citizens can bring about change in their governments.
- Voting is a right and a responsibility and is a process that allows a person or group of people to voice their opinions and beliefs.
- Population distribution can affect the outcome of an election.
- It is important to understand the existence of bias and point of view.