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Social Studies

What We Study and How to Reinforce the Concepts

In fifth grade, our units focus on three periods of American history: 
Colonial Regions 1700-1765, America - Revolution, and New Government. Within 
these units, we also incorporate the topics of geography and economics. To 
extend students' understandings, we hope to incorporate resources from the 
Maryland Historical Society. Students will also take on the persona of a 
member of a New England colony, a Middle colony, or a Southern colony. As we 
move through our units, we will add to their roles. For example, during the 
Revolution unit, students will take on the roles of Patriots, Loyalists, and 
Undecideds. From that perspective, they will write journal entries and 
contribute to class discussions and activities.

At this age, students frequently have difficulty with the concept of time. 
As a family, talk about events in the past and the far past in your family 
and in the world to help gain a better perspective on time periods. See how 
far back you can construct a family tree ... it's a great activity and 
involves all generations of the family! Take Family Field Trips to places of 
historic interest. We live so close to Philadelphia, Valley Forge, 
Annapolis, Williamsburg and Jamestowne that day trips or even weekends are a 
possibility for these great destinations. Here is Baltimore, you can visit 
the Maryland Historical Society, the Fells Point Maritime Museum, the 
Baltimore Civil War Museum and Fort McHenry.

Fun ways to incorporate more social studies topics in daily life? Check 
what's showing on the History Channel and PBS for some great family viewing 
and discussion. Hunt books on social studies topics at the library. Post a 
world or United States map in a location where you can peruse the map to 
become familiar with places and landform locations...we kept ours above the 
laundry folding table.

Links to Social Studies sites that provide information about our units

 
Kids and History is an interactive site that includes links to the Paul 
Revere Virtual Museum and Journey to Jamestowne.
http://www.kidsandhistory.com/

 
 
A Colonial Family and Community - solve seven clues to learn about a 
colonial family in NE Connecticut in the 1700s
http://www.hfmgv.org/education/smartfun/colonial/intro/index.html

 
 
Colonial Kids - A celebration of life in the 18th century - Homes, School, 
Transportation & Travel, Chores, Fashions - Find out what it was like to 
live as a child in southeastern Pennsylvania
http://library.thinkquest.org/J002611F/

 
 
Social Studies for Kids - Learn about the 13 original colonies, with links 
to find out about their characteristics such as food, school, church, fun 
time, agriculture
http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/ushistory/13colonies2.htm

 
 
Social Studies for Kids Colonial Times - The people, places and events of 
colonial times
http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/subjects/colonialtimes.htm

 
 
The Noah Webster House - click on the button: Choose One of These under 
Noah's Time to find out about Connecticut Life, Colonial Amusements and 
Schooling in the 18th century
http://www.noahwebsterhouse.org/

 
 
US History - America's Most Historic Mile, The Electric Franklin, Betsy Ross 
House, Liberty Bell, Valley Forge, Brandywine Battlefield, Seven Philly 
Tours, Revolutionary War 1777
http://www.ushistory.org/index.html

 
 
Family Field Trip - Jamestowne Settlement and Yorktown Settlement - this 
site will show you all that you can experience on a weekend trip to these 
historic sites!
http://www.historyisfun.org/index.htm

 
 
Order in the Court: An Electronic Field Trip from Colonial Williamsburg - 
Serve as a justice for three cases in colonial court
http://www.history.org/History/teaching/order/court.html

 
 
Voices of the American Revolution: Traitors, Seamstresses, and Generals - 
Actions, Documents, People, Revelry, Voices, and resources
http://library.thinkquest.org/TQ0312848/home.htm

 
 
Liberty!  Chronicle of the Revolution, Liberty! The Series, Perspectives on 
Liberty, Road to Revolution Game
http://www.pbs.org/ktca/liberty

 
 
Patriot or Loyalist? A Revolutionary Decision
This is a research module created by BCPS. We will be using this site in our 
studies.
http://www.bcps.org/offices/lis/models/loyal/index.html

 

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Last Modified: Monday July 23 2007

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