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October 2:
Students spent the last week of September learning how to analyze primary
sources much like an historian would. They examined quotes from famous
Americans, paraphrasing and interpreting them. They also studied famous
American paintings and photographs, determining the time frame in which
they were created and using their knowledge of the time period to draw
conclusions. In both of these exercises, the fifth graders made connections
to some of our country's values and ideals, such as equality, opportunity,
liberty, patriotism, and democracy. As a result of using deductive reasoning
skills, they gained a deeper understanding of how history is interpreted, and
that there are many perspectives that come into play when analyzing an
historic event.
This week we have returned to map reading, but at a more complex level.
Students have been studying National Geographic Society maps of the
eastern seaboard of the United States shown at two different times - once
in 1491, the other in 1650. In addition to examining this area of the world
in spatial terms, the fifth graders have also been thinking chronologically.
They are learning to draw comparisons across eras and regions by describing
settlement patterns in 1491 and 1650.
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September 19
In social studies class, we have been exploring many geographic concepts,
and have been learning to think like a geographer. Geographers are social
scientists that study their physical surroundings. The fifth graders learned
that the term "geography" comes from a Greek word that means "describing"
the Earth.
The students have read a variety of maps and created several of their own.
In addition, they have learned how to read a globe and how to use latitude
and longitude to find the absolute location of any place on Earth. Students
reviewed geographic terms used to describe landforms and bodies of water,
and located, on a physical features map of the United States, some of the
most striking features found in our country -- the breathtakingly beautiful
mountain ranges, the vast plains, and the impressive river systems. We've
completed our first open-notes quiz and learned how valuable it is to take
complete notes, to keep up-to-date, and to write neatly in our social studies
notebooks.
We have also devoted some of our class time to examining three of the most
important documents in American history - the Declaration of Independence,
the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. In class, we have wrestled with the
question: Have Americans lived up to the ideals set forth in the Declaration
of Independence?
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TAG 5th Grade Social Studies Overview
At the fifth grade level, our social studies curriculum focuses on the
geography, history, economics and civics of the United States. Our primary
text is called "History Alive." Other informational texts we will work out
of include several books in Joy Hakim's "History of US" by series, and "The
Atlas of Our Country" by Nystrom. Our unit topics include U.S. Geography,
Native Americans, The Exploration of North America, The Colonization Period,
The Revolutionary War Period, and The Birth of a New Nation. The state social
studies standards are listed below.
In addition, your fifth grader’s social studies curriculum is enriched
with current events readings and activities - where students learn more about state,
national and world issues, and the National Geography Bee competition - where
students build their geographic and cultural awareness. You are invited to join
us on our social studies related field trips (the local courthouse and Lansing, the
state capital).
Homework: Most of our work will be done in class, but some reading and
occasional research projects will need to be completed at home. Any
assigned homework will usually be due the next school day unless stated
otherwise on my website. Late homework will be accepted for partial credit only.
Daily Expectations: Students are required to keep an on-going notebook that
will become a part of their portfolio. Fifth graders are expected to come
prepared to class with all necessary supplies and assignments. It is the
responsibility of the fifth graders to keep their social studies folders up-to-date.
Absenteeism does not excuse anyone from missed work. The expectation is that
individuals will get any notes or missing work from the teacher or a classmate
when returning from an absence. It is also expected that each student will
participate in class, cooperate in groups, ask questions and seek out help if needed.
Appropriate and considerate behavior is expected at all times.
The Social Studies State Standards
Strand I. Historical Perspective
Students use knowledge of the past to construct meaningful understanding of
our diverse cultural heritage and to inform their civic judgments.
Strand II. Geographic Perspective
Students will use knowledge of spatial patterns on earth to understand
processes that shape human environments and to make decisions about society.
Strand III. Civic Perspective
Students will use knowledge of American government and politics to make
informed decisions about governing their communities.
Strand IV. Economic Perspective
Students will use knowledge of production, distribution, and consumption of
goods and services to make personal and societal decisions about the use of
scarce resources.
Strand V. Inquiry
Students will use methods of a social science investigation to answer
questions about society.
Strand VI. Public Discourse and Decision Making
Students will analyze public issues and construct and express thoughtful
positions on these issues.
Strand VII. Citizen Involvement
Students will act constructively to further the public good.
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