The fifth grade social studies program stresses geographic, economic and social/cultural understandings related to the United States, Canada, and Latin America.  Students will learn how geography affects the economy, how history affects culture.  This understanding allows students to make connections between history and their present lives.  It also allows students to understand how these places developed into the countries they are today.

We will begin the year studying the United States Government. In November, the students will take the Fifth Grade DBQ (Document Based Question) Exam. We will begin preparing the students for this exam in September.  This exam will cover a portion of the 3rd and 5th grade curriculum, with a good portion of the test focused on the 4th grade curriculum.  Emphasis will be placed on evaluating primary and secondary sources.  More information will come home with your child.

After the DBQ's, we will study the regions of the United States.  We will then finish up the year with a study of Canada and Latin America.  Students will be comparing and contrasting the regions of the Western Hemisphere to each other. 

The following strands will be applied to the study of the United States, Canada, and Latin America:

CHANGE/HISTORY
Historical Sites
Famous People

ECONOMICS
Use of Natural Resources
Wants/Needs
Services/Industries
Manufactured/Agricultural Products
Money System
Standard of Living
Imports/Exports

CULTURE
Holidays
Food
Language
Religious Beliefs
Education
Music
Art
Entertainment

GEOGRAPHY
Physical Features - (land and water)
Use of Land
Location
Regions
Climate
Transportation
Political Boundaries

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Communication
Research & Development

INTERDEPENDENCE
Trade (imports & exports)
Services

POLITICS & GOVERNMENT
Leader & Residence
Historical/Political Holidays
Symbols of Government
Civic Rights and Duties