Social Studies 5

The fifth grade geography and social studies course introduces students to the themes of geography and the traits of a civilization. Using an inquiry based approach, students build geographic literacy skills by acquiring relevant vocabulary, reviewing maps and their tools, and examining geographic regions, landmarks, and other physical features in the United States and around the world. Grounded in these skills, students embark on the study of ancient civilizations. Areas of focus include Mesopotamia and Ancient China. Through this lens, students identify and evaluate how geography impacts and shapes the way people live and how history is defined by social interaction within their environment. Throughout the course, students analyze and interpret texts and communicate their findings and ideas through discussion, formal and creative writing, and class projects. Students also engage in research projects with support from the Library. Textbooks, news articles, Internet sources and the novel The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat provide source material for the course.