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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).


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 - Meghan  Everette.

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