History/ Social Studies Curriculum Overview

Grade 5

United States History; Geography, Economics, and Government

Early Exploration to Westward Movement

Students study the major pre-Columbian civilizations in the New World; the 15^th and 16^th century European explorations around the world, in the western hemisphere, and in North America in particular; the earliest settlements in North America; and the political, economic, and social development of the English colonies in the 17^th and 18^th centuries. They also study the early development of democratic institutions and ideas, including the ideas and events that led to the independence of the original thirteen colonies and the formation of a national government under the U.S. Constitution. The purpose of the grade 5 curriculum is to give students their first concentrated study of the formative years of U.S. history.

(MA History and Social Science Curriculum Framework 2003)

Civics	Geography	History	Economics
Overarching Question: How has the idea of U.S. citizenship evolved in our history? Enduring Understandings: In a democratic republic, such as the United States, citizens have defined rights and responsibilities. People established communities in the United States to preserve their cultural ideals and values and to address their wants and needs. The U.S. Constitution is the framework of our society.	Overarching Question: In what ways have world maps evolved over the last four centuries? Enduring Understandings: English peoples and indigenous people (Native Americans of North America) differed in their views of ownership of land. Geographic locations of the first 13 colonies determined regional differences (climate, farming, populations and sources of labor). Westward expansion affected the growth of the republic. Geography and climate affected how various American groups met their basic needs. Life in the colonies reflected the geographical features of the settlements. Westward migration was influenced by geography and economic opportunity.	Overarching Question: What evidence is there of progress in American history? Enduring Understandings: Prior to the arrival of Europeans, American Indians were dispersed across different environments in North America. Major European countries were in competition to extend their power into North American and claim the land as their own. Interactions between American Indians and Europeans sometimes let to cooperation and other times resulted in conflict. Colonies in North America were established for religious and economic reasons. As England expanded control over the American colonies, many colonists became dissatisfied and rebellious. Congress and the first five presidents made decisions establishing a strong government that helped the nation grow in size and power.	Overarching Question: How do the resources (natural and human) affect its development? Enduring Understandings: Agriculture was critical to the development of pre-Columbian civilizations (Maya, Aztec, Inca) Explorations changed the image of the world in the 15^th, 16^th, and 17^th centuries. Trade occurs because of supply and demand. Economic policies and response to these policies had an impact on the relationship between Britain and the 13 North American colonies. The economic conflict between Britain and the colonies was one of the leading causes of the American Revolution. The arrivals of the English, French, and Spanish all had distinct impacts on culture, economics, and the environment of North America.