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Social Studies
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The focus of the fifth grade curriculum is U.S.
History from Explorers through the Constitution. During our studies, students
will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of simulations to immerse
them in the content. The 4 main
simulations are; HERITAGE, NEIGHBORHOODS, INDEPENDENCE, and Exchange City. We are starting our year off with
HERITAGE which reinforces using map skills and learning about the different
regions of the United States.
During the HERITAGE simulation students are challenged to race across
America with their race teams to locate and research historical landmarks. Each landmark they research and report
will earn their team “miles” so they can travel from San Diego to Bangor,
Maine.
During
October-December, students will participate in the next simulation called
NEIGHBORHOODS which will be a part of our literature studies as well. Students simulate
a multicultural neighborhood where families from diverse ethnic and religious
backgrounds unite in their respect for each other and in their desire to create
a pluralistic neighborhood. Through educating one another about their various
cultures, they create an environment free of prejudice and discrimination.
During
February-April, students learn about the events leading up to the American
Revolution by participating in a simulation called INDPENDENCE. Students are
given identities as either Loyalists, Patriots, or Neutralists. They play their
roles as they proceed through the Stamp Act Congress, First Continental
Congress, and the Second Continental Congress. Although students know the
outcome of this simulation results in the signing of the Declaration of
Independence, they have the opportunity to feel what it was like to be a
participant in the struggle for independence.
Finally,
during the months of March and April we learn about Economics in preparation
for our trip to Exchange City, a kid-size
simulated city, located in Indianapolis. As students run this simulated town
called Exchange City, they discover the real-life opportunities available
in the free enterprise system, as they become business operators, taxpayers,
and lawmakers in Exchange City®. Most importantly, it helps teach basic math,
economics, technology, social studies, and reading and writing concepts in a
way that’s fun for students.
Other
units of study in Social Studies include; Early Life, East and West,
Connections Across Continents, and Colonial Life in North America.