Fifth graders investigate the early history of America in this course. 

Throughout their studies, students will practice important social studies skills, such as map reading, primary source analysis, creating and interpreting timelines, asking questions, comparing and contrasting, and understanding change over time. 

The first unit focuses on the importance of using maps to better understand the earliest inhabitants of America. Then, they will learn about some famous European explorers and the impact of the Spanish, French, and English arrivals in America. 

While focusing on colonial life in America, students will consider the motivations of new colonists and how those motivations influenced their early settlements. They will look more closely at conflicts between these Europeans and the indigenous peoples. 

As they continue to compare the regions of colonial America, students will highlight individuals who broke with traditions at the time. 

Students will better understand the roots of African American culture as slavery and the triangular trade grew. 

Students assess the causes and consequences of the American Revolution as well as the many different groups that played a role in its success. 

They examine the Constitution’s structure and main ideas and the debates that resulted in a strong founding document. 

Finally students trace the expansion of the new nation due to political negotiation, wars, and the development of new technologies and transportation