SOCIAL STUDIES: GRADE 5
Focus: United States History
Teacher: Mrs. Laura Bower
Text: The United States text published by Scott Foresman, with on-line
access
(I will provide User ID and Password for access). Workbook.
Summary:
We will focus on basic skills including note taking, reading
strategies, research strategies, writing skills, and the interpretation of
maps, globes, charts, and knowledge of basic geography terms. We will look
at a snapshot of America as it is today in terms of culture, regions, and
geography. We will then travel back in time to the world as it existed
before exploration, and study the forces on other continents encouraging
exploration. We will learn about Native Americans, Colonial and
Revolutionary America, and Westward Expansion. This year added focus will be
on the 2010 Census and also the countries of the world and the Winter
Olympics.
Class work:
Students will work individually and in cooperative groups in class. We
will also be using “Pods” in the classroom to enhance learning (a laptop
computer for each group of five students in the class) and going to the
computer lab. Each student will be expected to participate and do his or her
very best. Students will take notes in their Social Studies binder.
Homework:
Written homework assignments will be posted on the homework board, which
students are required to copy into their homework planners. As an added
benefit, homework will also be posted on my webpage. Unless otherwise noted,
homework is due the next day. If no written homework is assigned, you child
should review their notes and vocabulary.
Projects:
There will be a number of projects to be completed at home and in school
throughout the year. Instruction sheets will be provided well in advance and
will include the due date. Information about projects will also be included
on my webpage.
Grades:
Report card grades will be based on homework, class participation
(including cooperative groups), quizzes, tests, and projects. Assessment
will be in two areas: Content and Application.