Fifth Grade
LESSONS
In this lesson, students celebrate freedom by examining the concept of the word “law” using a Frayer Model. Lesson link
In this lesson students will use critical thinking skills to analyze facts and speculate on the validity of various theories surrounding the fate of those that colonized Roanoke. Theories exist regarding the possible outcomes of the Lost Colony, students will research and evaluate each of the theories.
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Students will gain an understanding of the hardships of settling in an unknown land and become aware of the support of Native Americans to the settlers as they examine the founding of Plymouth. They will examine the experiences of newcomers to the United States in Molly’s Pilgrim by Barbara Cohen.
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After researching colonial leaders, students will demonstrate their learning by creating a tombstone to honor one of these leaders.
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Students will describe the accomplishments of colonial leaders of the 17th century in this lesson. After researching and presenting information on their person, students will identify descriptive statements to the correct leader.
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In this lesson, students compare and contrast opposing views of the American Revolution. Following a reading from the Loyalists point of view, students will research individuals (both Patriots and Loyalists) and share that information with the class.
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This lesson is introduced by having students play The Field Trip Game to understand how to reach compromises through representation. Following this, students research the plans and compromise that were a part of the Constitutional Convention.
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Students will compare the lives of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in this lesson.
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In this lesson students will discover ways in which George Washington and Abraham Lincoln have been honored in our nation.
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Students will create a vertical timeline of events associated with Westward Expansion.
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In this lesson, students examine boycotts from different periods of U.S. history to examine the impact of individuals on a community or nation and to analyze the effectiveness of boycotts. Resources are provided.
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This lesson has students examining two significant events associated with U.S. territorial expansion: the Louisiana Purchase and the purchase of Alaska.
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Using primary source documents, students examine the causes and effects of the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Lesson link Calling Off School for the Dust Bowl Powerpoint
Utilizing a “concentration” type game, students will review facts about the importance of Martin Luther King, Jr. and his life. “Concentration” cards for this lesson are provided.
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This role play lesson has students reconstruct the events of the Montgomery Bus Boycott to understand the contribution of Rosa Parks to the Civil Rights movement. Role play descriptions and instructions provided.
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Students will work together to examine the meaning of the amendments in the Bill of Rights. In addition, they will compare the Bill of Rights with the Virginia Declaration of Rights.
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This Constitution bingo activity is a great way for students to demonstrate their understanding of the Constitution of the United States. It is a great activity for Constitution Day which is September 17.
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Celebrate Constitution Week by learning about the duties and responsibilities of the President as outlined in the Constitution. Students compare a list of duties of the President with the original text of the Constitution.
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RESOURCES
Concept Poetry
You Decide!
Federalism
Be Safety Smart
Law Unit
Civics Works
Additional Resources
