Lower School - Fifth Grade Social Studies

World Geography – The study of geography embraces many topics throughout the fifth grade program of studies, including topics in history and science. Geographic knowledge includes a spatial sense of the world, an awareness of the physical processes that shape life, a sense of the interactions between humans and their environment, an understanding of the relations between place and culture, and an awareness of the characteristics of specific regions and cultures. The students learn to read maps and globes with accuracy. They study the great lakes of the world, the regions of the United States and their characteristics, as well as the fifty states and capitals.

Ancient History – Fifth graders begin the study of ancient cultures with Meso-American Civilizations, focusing on the Maya, Inca, and Aztec Civilizations in Central America and South America. They study the Spanish conquerors and the transatlantic slave trade. In addition, they examine the ideals and values embodied in the Renaissance and finish with the study of the Protestant Reformation.

American History – During the second half of the year, the fifth grade students undertake a detailed study of the Westward Expansion before and after the Civil War as well as the causes, conflicts, and consequences of the Civil War. They examine the cultures and conflicts of Native Americans in the Great Basin and Plateau, Northern and Southern Plains, and the Pacific Northwest as well as the relationship and policies between the American government and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

LEADERSHIP

Symbols and Landmarks – Students research and create a power point presentation or a three dimensional model of significant American symbols and landmarks such as the American flag, the Lincoln Memorial, the Statue of Liberty, and the Alamo.

Gerstell Portrait Leaders – Fifth graders study the qualities and contributions of several political and secular leaders such as George H.W. Bush, Robert Ehrlich, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Elvis Presley, and Oprah Winfrey.