Social Studies - 5th Grade (2024)
Lesson Plans

Strand 6: Current National Issues and Potential Solutions

Students will understand current national issues and explore their rights and responsibilities as citizens and residents of the United States.

Compelling Questions:

• What are the most pressing issues facing the United States today?
• What are some of the ways students your age can help to make a positive difference?
• Who are some of the most inspiring people working to make positive change in the United States?

Standard 5.6.3

Connect the causes and lasting effects of at least two social movements and their leaders in the 20th Century (for example, the Women’s Suffrage Movement, labor unions, the Civil Rights Movement, child labor reforms).

• 9/11 and Civil Liberties
  This lesson explores the challenges the United States faced as a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and examines the governmentâ"s response through the lens of protection and civil liberties. Students will consider the balance between security and liberty in the United States.
• ADVOCATES FOR CHANGE: COMPARING SUSAN B. ANTHONY, FREDERICK DOUGLASS, AND EMMELINE B. WELLS
  Through a whole-class read-aloud of the historical fiction picture book (text provided), Friends for Freedom: The Story of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, and two historical articles, students will compare activists Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglass, and Utahn Emmeline B. Wells. Students will examine the statue that depicts the friendship of Anthony and Douglass and complete one of the following: a) a compare/contrast essay, b) a sketch of a statue to represent the friendship between Anthony and Wells, or c) a dialogue between Anthony, Douglass, and Wells. The purpose of this lesson is to not only learn about these advocates for change, but to develop the skills of civil and respectful dialogue, particularly with those with whom we may disagree.
• EXAMINING (AND DEBATING) WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE ARGUMENTS AND MEMORABILIA
  This lesson begins with an overview of the national women?s suffrage movement through a picture book read-aloud: Miss Paul and the President: The Creative Campaign for Women?s Right to Vote (or through an alternative voting simulation. Then, students will analyze primary source documents and suffrage memorabilia to identify arguments made by the anti-suffrage and pro-suffrage sides. Students will create their own pro- or anti-suffrage items.Students will consider how they can personally affect change and improve their communities. Teachers may choose to extend the lesson by staging a women?s suffrage debate or rally.
• HONORING THE EARLY STRUGGLE FOR WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE IN UTAH: PLANNING A MEMORIAL
  This lesson provides students with information about the main events and key players involved in Utah women?s suffrage over the course of several key periods: 1) enfranchisement (1870), 2) disfranchisement (1871-1887), 3) re-enfranchisement with statehood (1888-1896), and 4) the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (1920). Students will read an informational text to learn about the early struggle for Utah women?s voting rights. They will then develop a plan for a memorial honoring women?s suffrage in Utah.
• MARTHA GOES TO WASHINGTON: EQUAL REPRESENTATION IN NATIONAL STATUARY HALL
  This lesson is intended to stretch across two 20-30 minute lessons. Students will learn about the history of National Statuary Hall and the statues that are housed in the U.S. Capitol complex as part of that collection. Students will also examine how men and women are represented numerically in the National Statuary Hall Collection and create a visual representation of the data. Lastly, students will understand the historical significance of Dr. Martha Hughes Cannon, whose statue will be placed in the Statuary Hall Collection in 2022.
• THE LIFE OF MARTHA HUGHES CANNON: WRITING & ILLUSTRATING SHORT HISTORICAL STORIES
  This lesson is intended to stretch across two 20-30 minute lessons. Students will understand the historical significance of Dr. Martha Hughes Cannon, whose statue will be placed in the Statuary Hall Collection in 2022. Students will choose an event from Dr. Cannon?s life and create a storyboard with illustrations for a children?s book.
• Utah Women's Suffrage: Reader's Theater and Voting Simulation
  This lesson provides students with information about the main events and key players involved in Utah women?s suffrage over the course of several key periods: 1) enfranchisement (1860s-1870), 2) disfranchisement (1871-1887), 3) re-enfranchisement with statehood (1888-1896), and 4) the ratification of the 19th Amendment (1920). Students will participate in a reader?s theater and a voting simulation requiring them to view and write about these historical events through various perspectives.

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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.