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Social Studies Curriculum Social Studies - 5th Grade (2024)
Lesson Plans

Strand 1: The Impacts of Geography and Human Interaction in North America (Pre-Contact to Early Colonization)

Students will understand how geography had a major impact on the more than 500 tribes and over 50 million indigenous people living in North America prior to European exploration, as well as how it affected methods of exploration. They will evaluate how the Age of Exploration and early colonization opened the way for the global movement of ideas, innovations, foods, and values and how the world was affected in ways that we can still see today.

Compelling Questions:

  • How did geography help shape the lives of Native Americans and early explorers?
  • What were some of the most significant ways Native Americans interacted with European colonists?
  • Why did different groups who were in North America during this time experience varying degrees of freedom?
  • How did spirituality and ritual shape the lives of Native American individuals and communities?


Standard 5.1.4

Describe how conflicts over land, trade, and alliances sometimes arose during colonization in North America (for example, Bacon’s Rebellion, King Philip’s War, the French and Indian War).
  • 5th Grade Lesson Ideas: Dash Robots
    This is a list of potential ideas based off a specific technology. None of these ideas are fully developed lessons. Please make changes and adaptations as necessary for the students in your class.
  • How did the English and the Wampanoag move from contact to cooperation to conflict?
    C3. Inquiry based lesson plan. Students explore how the relationship between the pilgrims and the Wampanoag changed over time. Students develop an argument with evidence about whether or not the conflicts that developed could have been avoided (from the pilgrims' and Wampanoag's perspectives). Includes pictures, maps, excerpts, supporting questions, formative, and summative assessments.


UEN logo http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Robert  Austin and see the Social Studies website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer  Throndsen.

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.