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

Strand 3: United States Government and Citizenship

Students will demonstrate their understanding of the Constitution and its relevance in their lives, including the Bill of Rights, the branches of government, and how the Constitution has changed and been interpreted over time.

Compelling Questions

  • What civil rights and liberties are included in the Constitution and Bill of Rights?
  • How have the rights and liberties in the Constitution been interpreted and applied to different groups over time?
  • What is the purpose of the three branches of government, and how do they interact?


Standard 5.3.4

Explain the significance of the Bill of Rights, and identify the impact of one of these amendments in history, a current event, and/or your daily life.
  • American Founders and Constitution Month Constitutional Fitness
    This is an optional program for use by Utah LEAs, schools, and teachers to observe Founders Month and Consitution Day. It aligns with and supports mastery of many Utah Core Social Studies Standards in grade K-5. Standards alignment is provided, along with resources for possible use.
  • Bill of Rights
    Students will investigate one of the amendments to the Constitution to find out how it was important for the time, how it protects citizens and how it applies to our current needs.Enduring Understanding:The U.S. Constitution reflects our national beliefs about people, rights, and government.
  • U.S. and Utah Constitution Comparison
    This lesson is designed to be a compare-and-contrast reading activity using the Utah and U.S. Constitutions.


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 These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake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.