New Jersey Student Learning Standards 5th Grade Social Studies Activities

NJ.SS.6.1.8. U.S. History: America in the World: All students will acquire the knowledge and skills to think analytically about how past and present interactions of people, cultures, and the environment shape the American heritage. Such knowledge and skills enable students to make informed decisions that reflect fundamental rights and core democratic values as productive citizens in local, national, and global communities.

6.1.8.A. Civics, Government, and Human Rights

6.1.8.A.1. Three Worlds Meet (Beginnings to 1620) - Indigenous societies in the Western Hemisphere migrated and changed in response to the physical environment and due to their interactions with Europeans. European exploration expanded global economic and cultural exchange into the Western Hemisphere.

6.1.8.A.1.a. Compare and contrast forms of governance, belief systems, and family structures among African, European, and Native American groups.

6.1.8.A.2. Colonization and Settlement (1585-1763) - The colonists adapted ideas from their European heritage and from Native American groups to develop new political and religious institutions and economic systems. The slave labor system and the loss of Native American lives had a lasting impact on the development of the United States and American culture.

6.1.8.A.2.a. Determine the roles of religious freedom and participatory government in various North American colonies.

6.1.8.A.2.b. Explain how and why early government structures developed, and determine the impact of these early structures on the evolution of American politics and institutions.

6.1.8.A.2.c. Explain how demographics (i.e., race, gender, and economic status) affected social, economic, and political opportunities during the Colonial era.

6.1.8.A.3. Revolution and the New Nation (1754-1820s) - Disputes over political authority and economic issues contributed to a movement for independence in the colonies. The fundamental principles of the United States Constitution serve as the foundation of the United States government today.

6.1.8.A.3.a. Examine the ideals found in the Declaration of Independence, and assess the extent to which they were fulfilled for women, African Americans, and Native Americans during this time period.

6.1.8.A.3.b. Evaluate the effectiveness of the fundamental principles of the Constitution (i.e., consent of the governed, rule of law, federalism, limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances, and individual rights) in establishing a federal government that allows for growth and change over time.

6.1.8.A.3.c. Determine the role that compromise played in the creation and adoption of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

6.1.8.A.3.d. Compare and contrast the Articles of Confederation and the United States Constitution in terms of the decision-making powers of national government.

6.1.8.A.3.f. Explain how political parties were formed and continue to be shaped by differing perspectives regarding the role and power of federal government.

6.1.8.A.3.g. Evaluate the impact of the Constitution and Bill of Rights on current day issues.

6.1.8.A.4. Expansion and Reform (1801-1861) - Westward movement, industrial growth, increased immigration, the expansion of slavery, and the development of transportation systems increased regional tensions.

6.1.8.A.4.a. Explain the changes in America’s relationships with other nations by analyzing policies, treaties, tariffs, and agreements.

6.1.8.A.4.b. Analyze how the concept of Manifest Destiny influenced the acquisition of land through annexation, diplomacy, and war.

6.1.8.A.4.c. Assess the extent to which voting rights were expanded during the Jacksonian period.

6.1.8.A.5. Civil War and Reconstruction (1850-1877) - The Civil War resulted from complex regional differences involving political, economic, and social issues, as well as different views on slavery. The Civil War and Reconstruction had a lasting impact on the development of the United States.

6.1.8.A.5.a. Explain how and why the Emancipation Proclamation and the Gettysburg Address continue to impact American life.

6.1.8.A.5.b. Compare and contrast the approaches of Congress and Presidents Lincoln and Johnson toward the reconstruction of the South.

6.1.8.B. Geography, People, and the Environment

6.1.8.B.1. Three Worlds Meet (Beginnings to 1620) - Indigenous societies in the Western Hemisphere migrated and changed in response to the physical environment and due to their interactions with Europeans. European exploration expanded global economic and cultural exchange into the Western Hemisphere.

6.1.8.B.1.a. Describe migration and settlement patterns of Native American groups, and explain how these patterns affected interactions in different regions of the Western Hemisphere.

6.1.8.B.1.b. Analyze the world in spatial terms (e.g., longitude, latitude) using historical maps to determine what led to the exploration of new water and land routes.

6.1.8.B.2. Colonization and Settlement (1585-1763) - The colonists adapted ideas from their European heritage and from Native American groups to develop new political and religious institutions and economic systems. The slave labor system and the loss of Native American lives had a lasting impact on the development of the United States and American culture.

6.1.8.B.2.a. Determine factors that impacted emigration, settlement patterns, and regional identities of the colonies.

6.1.8.B.2.b. Compare and contrast how the search for natural resources resulted in conflict and cooperation among European colonists and Native American groups in the New World.

6.1.8.B.3. Revolution and the New Nation (1754-1820s) - Disputes over political authority and economic issues contributed to a movement for independence in the colonies. The fundamental principles of the United States Constitution serve as the foundation of the United States government today.

6.1.8.B.3.a. Assess how conflicts and alliances among European countries and Native American groups impacted the expansion of the American colonies.

6.1.8.B.3.b. Determine the extent to which the geography of the United States influenced the debate on representation in Congress and federalism by examining the New Jersey and Virginia plans.

6.1.8.B.3.c. Use maps and other geographic tools to evaluate the impact of geography on the execution and outcome of the American Revolutionary War.

6.1.8.B.4. Expansion and Reform (1801-1861) - Westward movement, industrial growth, increased immigration, the expansion of slavery, and the development of transportation systems increased regional tensions.

6.1.8.B.4.a. Assess the impact of the Louisiana Purchase and western exploration on the expansion and economic development of the United States.

6.1.8.B.4.b. Map territorial expansion and settlement, as well as the locations of conflicts with and resettlement of Native Americans.

6.1.8.B.5. Civil War and Reconstruction (1850-1877) - The Civil War resulted from complex regional differences involving political, economic, and social issues, as well as different views on slavery. The Civil War and Reconstruction had a lasting impact on the development of the United States.

6.1.8.B.5.a. Assess the role of various factors (i.e., geography, natural resources, demographics, transportation, leadership, and technology) that affected the course and outcome of the Civil War.

6.1.8.C. Economics, Innovation, and Technology

6.1.8.C.1. Three Worlds Meet (Beginnings to 1620) - Indigenous societies in the Western Hemisphere migrated and changed in response to the physical environment and due to their interactions with Europeans. European exploration expanded global economic and cultural exchange into the Western Hemisphere.

6.1.8.C.1.a. Evaluate the impact of science, religion, and technology innovations on European exploration.

6.1.8.C.1.b. Explain why individuals and societies trade, how trade functions, and the role of trade during this period.

6.1.8.C.2. Colonization and Settlement (1585-1763) - The colonists adapted ideas from their European heritage and from Native American groups to develop new political and religious institutions and economic systems. The slave labor system and the loss of Native American lives had a lasting impact on the development of the United States and American culture.

6.1.8.C.2.a. Compare the practice of slavery and indentured servitude in Colonial labor systems.

6.1.8.C.2.b. Explain the system of mercantilism and its impact on the economies of the colonies and European countries.

6.1.8.C.2.c. Analyze the impact of triangular trade on multiple nations and groups.

6.1.8.C.3. Revolution and the New Nation (1754-1820s) - Disputes over political authority and economic issues contributed to a movement for independence in the colonies. The fundamental principles of the United States Constitution serve as the foundation of the United States government today.

6.1.8.C.3.a. Explain how taxes and government regulation can affect economic opportunities, and assess the impact of these on relations between Britain and its North American colonies.

6.1.8.C.3.b. Summarize the effect of inflation and debt on the American people and the response of state and national governments during this time.

6.1.8.C.3.c. Evaluate the impact of the cotton gin and other innovations on the institution of slavery and on the economic and political development of the country.

6.1.8.C.4. Expansion and Reform (1801-1861) - Westward movement, industrial growth, increased immigration, the expansion of slavery, and the development of transportation systems increased regional tensions.

6.1.8.C.4.c. Analyze how technological innovations affected the status and social class of different groups of people, and explain the outcomes that resulted.

6.1.8.C.5. Civil War and Reconstruction (1850-1877) - The Civil War resulted from complex regional differences involving political, economic, and social issues, as well as different views on slavery. The Civil War and Reconstruction had a lasting impact on the development of the United States.

6.1.8.C.5.a. Assess the human and material costs of the Civil War in the North and South.

6.1.8.C.5.b. Analyze the economic impact of Reconstruction on the South from different perspectives.

6.1.8.D. History, Culture, and Perspectives

6.1.8.D.1. Three Worlds Meet (Beginnings to 1620) - Indigenous societies in the Western Hemisphere migrated and changed in response to the physical environment and due to their interactions with Europeans. European exploration expanded global economic and cultural exchange into the Western Hemisphere.

6.1.8.D.1.a. Compare and contrast gender roles, religion, values, cultural practices, and political systems of Native American groups.

6.1.8.D.1.b. Explain how interactions among African, European, and Native American groups began a cultural transformation.

6.1.8.D.2. Colonization and Settlement (1585-1763) - The colonists adapted ideas from their European heritage and from Native American groups to develop new political and religious institutions and economic systems. The slave labor system and the loss of Native American lives had a lasting impact on the development of the United States and American culture.

6.1.8.D.2.a. Analyze the power struggle among European countries, and determine its impact on people living in Europe and the Americas.

6.1.8.D.2.b. Compare and contrast the voluntary and involuntary migratory experiences of different groups of people, and explain why their experiences differed.

6.1.8.D.3. Revolution and the New Nation (1754-1820s) - Disputes over political authority and economic issues contributed to a movement for independence in the colonies. The fundamental principles of the United States Constitution serve as the foundation of the United States government today.

6.1.8.D.3.a. Explain how the consequences of the Seven Years War, changes in British policies toward American colonies, and responses by various groups and individuals in the North American colonies led to the American Revolution.

6.1.8.D.3.b. Explain why the Declaration of Independence was written and how its key principles evolved to become unifying ideas of American democracy.

6.1.8.D.3.c. Analyze the impact of George Washington as general of the American revolutionary forces and as the first president of the United States.

6.1.8.D.3.d. Analyze how prominent individuals and other nations contributed to the causes, execution, and outcomes of the American Revolution.

6.1.8.D.3.e. Examine the roles and perspectives of various socioeconomic groups (e.g., rural farmers, urban craftsmen, northern merchants, and southern planters), African Americans, Native Americans, and women during the American Revolution, and determine how these groups were impacted by the war.

6.1.8.D.3.f. Analyze from multiple perspectives how the terms of the Treaty of Paris affected United States relations with Native Americans and with European powers that had territories in North America.

6.1.8.D.3.g. Evaluate the extent to which the leadership and decisions of early administrations of the national government met the goals established in the Preamble of the Constitution.

6.1.8.D.4. Expansion and Reform (1801-1861) - Westward movement, industrial growth, increased immigration, the expansion of slavery, and the development of transportation systems increased regional tensions.

6.1.8.D.4.a. Analyze the push-pull factors that led to increases in immigration, and explain why ethnic and cultural conflicts resulted.

6.1.8.D.4.b. Describe efforts to reform education, women’s rights, slavery, and other issues during the Antebellum period.

6.1.8.D.4.c. Explain the growing resistance to slavery and New Jersey’s role in the Underground Railroad.

6.1.8.D.5. Civil War and Reconstruction (1850-1877) - The Civil War resulted from complex regional differences involving political, economic, and social issues, as well as different views on slavery. The Civil War and Reconstruction had a lasting impact on the development of the United States.

6.1.8.D.5.a. Prioritize the causes and events that led to the Civil War from different perspectives.

6.1.8.D.5.b. Analyze critical events and battles of the Civil War and determine how they contributed to the final outcome of the war.

6.1.8.D.5.c. Examine the roles of women, African Americans, and Native Americans in the Civil War.

6.1.8.D.5.d. Analyze the effectiveness of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the United States Constitution from multiple perspectives.

NJ.SS.6.2.8. World History/Global Studies: All students will acquire the knowledge and skills to think analytically and systematically about how past interactions of people, cultures, and the environment affect issues across time and cultures. Such knowledge and skills enable students to make informed decisions as socially and ethically responsible world citizens in the 21st century.

6.2.8.A. Civics, Government, and Human Rights

6.2.8.A.2. Early Civilizations and the Emergence of Pastoral Peoples: Early River Valley Civilizations - Early river valley civilizations (e.g., Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus River [modern Pakistan and northwestern India], and, later, Yellow River Valley in China) developed due to favorable geographic conditions. They created centralized systems of government and advanced societies.

6.2.8.A.2.a. Explain how/why different early river valley civilizations developed similar forms of government and legal structures.

6.2.8.A.3. The Classical Civilizations of the Mediterranean World, India, and China - Classical civilizations (i.e., Greece, Rome, India and China) developed and expanded into empires of unprecedented size and diversity by creating centralized governments and promoting commerce, a common culture, and social values. Cultural exchange and diffusion dramatically increased, and enduring world religions emerged, during the era of classical civilizations. Classical civilizations declined as a result of internal weaknesses and external invasions, but they left lasting legacies for future civilizations.

6.2.8.A.3.a. Compare and contrast the methods (i.e., autocratic rule, philosophies, and bureaucratic structures) used by the rulers of Rome, China, and India to control and unify their expanding empires.

6.2.8.A.3.b. Compare and contrast the rights and responsibilities of free men, women, slaves, and foreigners in the political, economic, and social structures of classical civilizations.

6.2.8.A.3.c. Determine the foundational concepts and principles of Athenian democracy and the Roman Republic that later influenced the development of the United States Constitution.

6.2.8.A.3.d. Compare the status (i.e., political, economic, and social) of groups in the Ancient World to those of people today and evaluate how individuals perceived the principles of liberty and equality then and now.

6.2.8.A.3.e. Compare and contrast the American legal system with the legal systems of classical civilizations, and determine the extent to which these early systems influenced our current legal system.

6.2.8.A.4. Expanding Exchanges and Encounters - The emergence of empires (i.e., Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas) resulted from the promotion of interregional trade, cultural exchanges, new technologies, urbanization, and centralized political organization. The rise and spread of new belief systems unified societies, but they also became a major source of tension and conflict. While commercial and agricultural improvements created new wealth and opportunities for the empires, most people’s daily lives remained unchanged.

6.2.8.A.4.b. Compare and contrast the Japanese and European systems of feudalism and the effectiveness of each in promoting social, economic, and political order.

6.2.8.B. Geography, People, and the Environment

6.2.8.B.2. Early Civilizations and the Emergence of Pastoral Peoples: Early River Valley Civilizations - Early river valley civilizations (e.g., Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus River [modern Pakistan and northwestern India], and, later, Yellow River Valley in China) developed due to favorable geographic conditions. They created centralized systems of government and advanced societies.

6.2.8.B.2.a. Determine the extent to which geography influenced settlement, the development of trade networks, technological innovations, and the sustainability of early river valley civilizations.

6.2.8.B.2.b. Compare and contrast physical and political maps of early river valley civilizations and their modern counterparts (i.e., Mesopotamia and Iraq; Ancient Egypt and Modern Egypt; Indus River Valley and Modern Pakistan/India; Ancient China and Modern China), and determine the geopolitical impact of these civilizations, then and now.

6.2.8.B.3. The Classical Civilizations of the Mediterranean World, India, and China - Classical civilizations (i.e., Greece, Rome, India and China) developed and expanded into empires of unprecedented size and diversity by creating centralized governments and promoting commerce, a common culture, and social values. Cultural exchange and diffusion dramatically increased, and enduring world religions emerged, during the era of classical civilizations. Classical civilizations declined as a result of internal weaknesses and external invasions, but they left lasting legacies for future civilizations.

6.2.8.B.3.a. Determine how geography and the availability of natural resources influenced the development of the political, economic, and cultural systems of each of the classical civilizations and provided motivation for expansion.

6.2.8.B.3.b. Explain how geography and the availability of natural resources led to both the development of Greek city-states and to their decline.

6.2.8.B.4. Expanding Exchanges and Encounters - The emergence of empires (i.e., Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas) resulted from the promotion of interregional trade, cultural exchanges, new technologies, urbanization, and centralized political organization. The rise and spread of new belief systems unified societies, but they also became a major source of tension and conflict. While commercial and agricultural improvements created new wealth and opportunities for the empires, most people’s daily lives remained unchanged.

6.2.8.B.4.a. Explain how geography influenced the development of the political, economic, and cultural centers of each empire as well as the empires’ relationships with other parts of the world.

6.2.8.B.4.e. Analyze the motivations for civilizations to modify the environment, determine the positive and negative consequences of environmental changes made during this time period, and relate these changes to current environmental challenges.

6.2.8.B.4.f. Explain how the geographies and climates of Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas influenced their economic development and interaction or isolation with other societies.

6.2.8.C. Economics, Innovation, and Technology

6.2.8.C.2. Early Civilizations and the Emergence of Pastoral Peoples: Early River Valley Civilizations - Early river valley civilizations (e.g., Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus River [modern Pakistan and northwestern India], and, later, Yellow River Valley in China) developed due to favorable geographic conditions. They created centralized systems of government and advanced societies.

6.2.8.C.2.a. Explain how technological advancements led to greater economic specialization, improved weaponry, trade, and the development of a class system in early river valley civilizations.

6.2.8.C.3. The Classical Civilizations of the Mediterranean World, India, and China - Classical civilizations (i.e., Greece, Rome, India and China) developed and expanded into empires of unprecedented size and diversity by creating centralized governments and promoting commerce, a common culture, and social values. Cultural exchange and diffusion dramatically increased, and enduring world religions emerged, during the era of classical civilizations. Classical civilizations declined as a result of internal weaknesses and external invasions, but they left lasting legacies for future civilizations.

6.2.8.C.3.a. Analyze the impact of expanding land and sea trade routes as well as a uniform system of exchange in the Mediterranean World and Asia.

6.2.8.C.3.b. Explain how classical civilizations used technology and innovation to enhance agricultural/ manufacturing output and commerce, to expand military capabilities, to improve life in urban areas, and to allow for greater division of labor.

6.2.8.C.4. Expanding Exchanges and Encounters - The emergence of empires (i.e., Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas) resulted from the promotion of interregional trade, cultural exchanges, new technologies, urbanization, and centralized political organization. The rise and spread of new belief systems unified societies, but they also became a major source of tension and conflict. While commercial and agricultural improvements created new wealth and opportunities for the empires, most people’s daily lives remained unchanged.

6.2.8.C.4.a. Explain how and why the interrelationships among improved agricultural production, population growth, urbanization, and commercialization led to the rise of powerful states and kingdoms (i.e., Europe, Asia, Americas).

6.2.8.D. History, Culture, and Perspectives

6.2.8.D.1. The Beginnings of Human Society: Paleolithic and Neolithic Ages - Hunter/gatherers adapted to their physical environments using resources, the natural world, and technological advancements. The agricultural revolution led to an increase in population, specialization of labor, new forms of social organization, and the beginning of societies. Archaeology provides historical and scientific explanations for how ancient people lived.

6.2.8.D.1.c. Explain how archaeological discoveries are used to develop and enhance understanding of life prior to written records.

6.2.8.D.2. Early Civilizations and the Emergence of Pastoral Peoples: Early River Valley Civilizations - Early river valley civilizations (e.g., Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus River [modern Pakistan and northwestern India], and, later, Yellow River Valley in China) developed due to favorable geographic conditions. They created centralized systems of government and advanced societies.

6.2.8.D.2.a. Analyze the impact of religion on daily life, government, and culture in various early river valley civilizations.

6.2.8.D.2.b. Explain how the development of written language transformed all aspects of life in early river valley civilizations.

6.2.8.D.2.c. Analyze the factors that led to the rise and fall of various early river valley civilizations and determine whether there was a common pattern of growth and decline.

6.2.8.D.2.d. Evaluate the importance and enduring legacy of the major achievements of the early river valley civilizations over time.

6.2.8.D.3. The Classical Civilizations of the Mediterranean World, India, and China - Classical civilizations (i.e., Greece, Rome, India and China) developed and expanded into empires of unprecedented size and diversity by creating centralized governments and promoting commerce, a common culture, and social values. Cultural exchange and diffusion dramatically increased, and enduring world religions emerged, during the era of classical civilizations. Classical civilizations declined as a result of internal weaknesses and external invasions, but they left lasting legacies for future civilizations.

6.2.8.D.3.a. Compare and contrast social hierarchies in classical civilizations as they relate to power, wealth, and equality.

6.2.8.D.3.b. Determine common factors that contributed to the decline and fall of the Roman Empire, Gupta India, and Han China.

6.2.8.D.3.c. Evaluate the importance and enduring legacy of the major achievements of Greece, Rome, India, and China over time.

6.2.8.D.3.e. Determine the extent to which religion, economic issues, and conflict shaped the values and decisions of the classical civilizations.

6.2.8.D.4. Expanding Exchanges and Encounters - The emergence of empires (i.e., Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas) resulted from the promotion of interregional trade, cultural exchanges, new technologies, urbanization, and centralized political organization. The rise and spread of new belief systems unified societies, but they also became a major source of tension and conflict. While commercial and agricultural improvements created new wealth and opportunities for the empires, most people’s daily lives remained unchanged.

6.2.8.D.4.d. Determine which events led to the rise and eventual decline of European feudalism.

6.2.8.D.4.g. Evaluate the importance and enduring legacy of the major achievements of the people living Asia, Africa (Islam), Europe and the Americas over time.

NJ.SS.6.3.8. Active Citizenship in the 21st Century: All students will acquire the skills needed to be active, informed citizens who value diversity and promote cultural understanding by working collaboratively to address the challenges that are inherent in living in an interconnected world.

Active citizens in the 21st century: Recognize the causes and effects of prejudice on individuals, groups, and society; Recognize the value of cultural diversity, as well as the potential for misunderstanding; Critically analyze media to assess different viewpoints and detect bias, opinion, and stereotypes; Listen open-mindedly to views contrary to their own; Collaboratively develop and practice strategies for managing and resolving conflict; Demonstrate understanding of democratic values and processes; Recognize that the actions or inactions of individuals, groups, and nations can have intended and unintended consequences; Challenge unfair viewpoints and behaviors by taking action; Make informed and reasoned decisions; Accept decisions that are made for the common good.

6.3.8.C. Economics, Innovation, and Technology

6.3.8.C.1. Examine the perspectives of multiple stakeholders involved in the local budget process (e.g., obtaining information, discussing priorities).