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

Strand 4: 19th Century - A Time of Change

Students will analyze changes brought by Westward Expansion, the Industrial Revolution, and the movement of people. They will understand the effects of this expansion and movement on Native American people and the preservation of those communities while facing adversity. Students will examine how conflicts and division led to the United States Civil War and the lasting impacts of its outcome.

Compelling Questions
  • What were some of the impacts of Westward Expansion?
  • Why did the North and South go to war?
  • How did the Industrial Revolution change our country?


Standard 5.4.2

Use primary sources to explain the driving forces for why people immigrated and emigrated during the 19th century, as well as the ways that movement changed the nation.
  • Did the American Dream Come True for Immigrants Who Came to New York?
    C3. Inquiry based lesson plan that includes several links and additional resources. Students evaluate why immigrants came to the U.S. and their experiences once they arrived at Ellis Island. Includes links to virtual tours of Ellis Island, primary sources (photographs), a poem to analyze, and an interactive resource that details immigrants' experiences. Excellent extension offered that connects wtih immigrants in present day.
  • Ellis Island Stations
    Live role-play simulation of immigration experience at Ellis Island
  • How Did Laws, Courts, and People Impact Civil Rights in the Late 1800s?
    This resource is a Private i History Detectives unit from iCivics, consisting of three lessons. Description: Everyone deserves to be treated equally. But how can people make sure that happens? In this inquiry-based unit, students will explain how Amendments to the Constitution attempted to address slavery?s wrongs. They will learn how the courts are used to challenge unfair laws and research how individuals and groups fought for civil rights throughout the 1800s.
  • State Report
    A fun way to get students to do research on one of the 50 states and make an Adobe Express Presentation to share with their peers.
  • The Great American Bison
    Lesson Summary:
    -Understand the impact of the Transcontinental Railroad on American bison herds.
    -Compare and contrast differing perspectives.
    -Upcycle found objects into artwork.
    Note: This lesson is one of a group of lessons created to teach about the Transcontinental Railroad through the arts.
  • Was It Destiny to Move West?
    C3. Inquiry based lesson plan. Students investigate the conflicts, conditions, and factors of the western expansion in the U.S. prior to the Civil War. Includes supporting questions and a summative performance task. Also includes a song, maps, charts, excerpts from articles, posters/artwork from the time period, and more for students to analyze as a means of preparing their arguments.


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.