Grade 5: The Western Hemisphere

Fifth graders explore the geography, history, and cultures of North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. They examine indigenous civilizations, colonization, independence movements, and modern-day government systems. Economic concepts, such as trade and natural resources, are also introduced.

Social Studies Practices:

• Gathering and Using Evidence:
  Students study primary and secondary sources, such as maps, journal entries, and historical records. For example, students might analyze early European explorers' journals, such as those of Christopher Columbus or Hernán Cortés, to understand their observations of the Americas during the age of exploration. Students could also examine maps from the Spanish colonization of the Americas to learn about the shifting borders and land claims during the colonial period.

• Chronological Reasoning:
  Students examine how civilizations like the Maya, Aztec, and Inca developed and changed over time. For instance, students might study the rise and fall of the Maya civilization, with its achievements in writing and architecture, and compare that to the Aztec Empire’s expansion and eventual conquest by Spanish conquistadors. Additionally, they could explore the Inca Empire’s road systems and how these helped the empire thrive before its downfall during Spanish colonization.

• Comparison and Contextualization:
  Students compare modern governments in the Western Hemisphere, such as democracy in the U.S. and Canada, versus other forms of government in the region. For example, they might explore the democratic system in the United States and compare it with the presidential systems of countries like Mexico.

• Geographic Reasoning:
  Students explore how physical geography (e.g., mountains, rivers, climates) influences settlement and culture. For example, they might examine how the Sierra Madre Mountains in Mexico influenced the development of indigenous civilizations, such as the Aztec and Maya, by providing natural barriers and resources. Students could explore how the Yucatán Peninsula's tropical climate influenced the Maya Civilization, particularly in terms of agriculture and trade. 

• Civic Participation:
  Students learn about global organizations and how countries work together to solve problems.