Social Studies

The Grade 5 Social Studies curriculum in NYS explores the Western Hemisphere. Our year begins with a review of Grade 4 material and a writing unit dedicated to the format of a specialized essay called a Document Based Question in advance of the NYS Grade 5 Social Studies exam scheduled each November. This essay teaches students how to cite information found in various forms of documents, in addition to having students bring in their own outside information. 

Beginning in mid-November, the Grade 5 Social Studies curriculum turns to the countries of Canada and Mexico. Students study the government, culture, currency and other important facts about each country. The countries are compared and contrasted through the use of graphic organizers. Reports, posters, dioramas, power point presentations, travel brochures and other projects are used as a means to access the knowledge and research completed by each student.

Following the studies of Canada and Mexico, the curriculum moves along to Latin America. Latin America is comprised of South America, Central America, and the Spanish speaking nations of the Caribbean. As with Canada and Mexico, we will explore the countries in-depth.

Grade 5 students also have the opportunity to follow the voyage of the Makulu, a ship which sails around the world through the Reach the World project. This project is sponsored by a not for profit agency in conjunction with the New York City Department of Education. Our students have the opportunity to learn about the topics of Slavery in New York State and Immigration in America, through a program sponsored by the New York Historical Society. In class visits by a professional from the Society teach our students about these interesting topics. A culminating trip for our classes to the New York Historical Society is planned. The Grade Five teachers are also receiving materials and outside professional development on American History, so that they may bring back lots of ideas and materials to P.S. 206 to share with their students. A workshop on Native Americans, led to a trip to the American Museum of Natural History for our students. The students explore the daily lives of the tribes that live across the United States.