Social studies is the study of history, geography, civics, economics, sociology, and anthropology. This year we are using McMillian/McGraw-Hill’s textbook United States- Adventures in Time and Space. The textbook is an essential resource, but other materials will also be utilized (including computers, video, audio, and other multimedia technology.)

A very important component of the Social Studies curriculum is Current Events. These assignments are due Wednesdays. I believe that the social studies should not only focus on the past, but also on the present and future. The questions WHO? WHAT? WHERE? WHEN? HOW? WHY? Help students to break down and categorize information they encounter. The most important aspect of the Current Events is the SO WHAT? This is how the news event relates to them. I believe that the importance of relating the news events to the students is that it distinguishes "noise" from news.

The curriculum for the fifth grade will include the use of the five themes of geography (location, place, human/environment interaction, movement, and regions). The content of the course will deal with American History from the early Explorers up to the Civil War, Economics, Regions of the United States, Civics, and Geography. The fifth grade this year will participate in the Stock Market Game during the Spring Quarter. Economics will be an integrated theme throughout the year.

The variety of assignments and assessment methods will be diverse in order to accurately obtain information regarding a student’s conceptual understanding of information. The breakdown of the workload is in three categories, Homework (daily work included), Tests & Quizzes, and Projects. Students are required to have a separate Social Studies journal and folder to keep information, resources, and notes together. Tests and quizzes are given at appropriate times, either weekly or at the end of a chapter or lesson. Finally, one project will be assigned each quarter.