Nebraska Core Academic Content Standards 5th Grade Social Studies Activities
Printable Fifth Grade Social Studies Worksheets and Study Guides.
Nebraska Core Academic Content Standards for Fifth Grade Social Studies
EconomicsUnderstanding of how the United States and other societies develop economic systems and associated institutions to allocate scarce resources, how major decision-making units function in the United States and other national economies, and how an economy solves the scarcity problem through market and nonmarket mechanisms. Read more...iWorksheets: 3
Map SkillsIdentify and use a variety of primary and secondary sources for reconstructing the past, such as documents, letters, diaries, maps, textbooks, photos, and other sources.<br> Research and analyze past periods, events, and issues, using a variety of primary sources Read more...iWorksheets: 3
Social Studies SkillsSocial Studies Skills are those that help a student better understanding the world around him or her. Read more...iWorksheets: 6Study Guides: 1
NE.SS.5. Grade 5 (United States)
SS 5.1. Civics: Students will develop and apply the skills of civic responsibility to make informed decisions based upon knowledge of government at local, state, national and international levels.
Forms and Functions of Government
SS 5.1.1. Students will describe the foundation, structure, and function of the United States government.
SS 5.1.1.a. Explain the historical foundation that led to the formation of the United States constitutional government (e.g., early state constitutions, Declaration of Independence, and the Articles of Confederation)
Forming a GovernmentA government is the system by which a state or community is controlled. Read more...iWorksheets :7Study Guides :1
American Symbols & HolidaysFreeThere are many things that are symbols of America. There are also holidays that Americans celebrate every year: Memorial Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mother's Day Read more...iWorksheets :8Study Guides :6
The RevolutionFreeWhat was the American Revolution? The American Revolution was the name of the war that the colonists fought to gain their freedom from Great Britain. The American Revolution took place because the colonists and Great Britain disagreed about: Taxation without representation, Trade agreements and Self-government. Read more...iWorksheets :7Study Guides :1
SS 5.1.1.b. Explain the origins, structure, and functions of the three branches of the United States government
U.S. CongressHistory of the United States: Students will use a variety of intellectual skills to demonstrate their understanding of major ideas, eras, themes, developments, and turning points in the history of the United States Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1
Types of GovernmentSome examples of different types of governments are: Aristocracy, Democracy, Dictatorship, Anarchy, Oligarchy Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1
U.S. Court SystemFederal and state courts, Constitution, jury, verdict, justices. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1
The PresidencyPresidential term, duties, home, Cabinet Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1
U.S. Constitution"We the People…". The Constitution was drafted by James Madison and then discussed at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1787. Each of the 13 states could send delegates to this convention. Constitution became an important document for America, since it set up many ideas by which the U.S. is now governed. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1
U.S. SenateWhat is the Senate? The Senate is one of the two houses of Congress. The other house is the House of Representatives. Congress is the legislative branch of government. Congress meets in the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. There are two senators from each state, with 100 total senators. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1
SS 5.1.1.c. Describe how colonial and new states' governments laws affected groups within their population (e.g., citizens, slaves, immigrants, women, class systems, tribes)
ColonizationWhat are colonists? Why Colonize? Identifying significant early European. Identifying major leaders, economic impact, and changes in colonial society. Identifying geographic features, landforms, and differences in climates among the colonies. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1
New England, Middle, and Southern ColoniesThe Thirteen American colonies belonging to Great Britain were located along the eastern coast of what is now the United States of America. The colonies were divided into three groups, based on their locations and their economies Read more...iWorksheets :7Study Guides :1
Timelines, Graphs, ChartsTime Lines, Graphs, Charts, and Diagrams are graphics that provide information to the reader and are used to add to the words used in documents so the reader can understand the information. Read more...iWorksheets :6Study Guides :1
Colonial LifePeople came to this New World for many reasons: religious freedom, political freedom, adventure, hope of land and money. They came to a land that was hard to live in. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1
Colonial PeriodFreeColonies, settlement, Plymouth, apothecary, plantation, Puritans. Read more...iWorksheets :3
SS 5.1.1.e. Identify the principles of the American Republic (e.g., liberty, democracy, United States Constitution, Bill of Rights)
Citizenship and GovernmentConcepts and ideals such as: individual dignity, liberty, justice, equality, individual rights, responsibility, majority and minority rights, and civil dissent. Citizens' rights and responsibilities. Plan of government. Bill of rights. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1
Local & State GovernmentThe study of civics, citizenship, and government involves learning about political systems; the purposes of government and civic life; and the differing assumptions held by people across time and place regarding power, authority, governance, and law. Read more...iWorksheets :3
Purposes of GovernmentGovernment representatives, fundamental rights, majority, citizen Read more...iWorksheets :3
Election ProcessThe United States presidential election is an indirect election in which citizens of the United States who are registered to vote in one of the 50 U.S. states or the District of Columbia cast ballots for members of the Electoral College, known as electors. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1
SS 5.1.1.f. Compare and contrast tribal forms of government, British monarchy, and early American colonial governments
Algonquians'Culture' refers to the socially transmitted behaviors, beliefs, values, traditions, institutions, and ways of Algonquins living together as a group of people. Read more...iWorksheets :3
Iroquois'Culture' refers to the socially transmitted behaviors, beliefs, values, traditions, institutions, and ways of Iroquois living together as a group of people. Read more...iWorksheets :3
Leading Up to the RevolutionActions by both Great Britain and the American colonists led to the American Revolution. Actions of the British: Stamp Act, The Townshend Acts, Boston Massacre, Intolerable Acts. Actions of the Colonists: boycott of products from Great Britain, Boston Tea Party, The Sons of Liberty destroyed the houses of the people collecting taxes for Great Britain. Read more...iWorksheets :6Study Guides :1
SS 5.1.2. Students will apply democratic principles that are the foundation of the United States government systems to daily life.
SS 5.1.2.a. Explain the constitutional rights and civic responsibilities of U.S. citizens (e.g., freedom of speech, voting, staying informed of issues, respecting the rights, opinions, and beliefs of others, joining a civic group)
Holidays, Landmarks, & SymbolsNational Holidays are those days set aside to honor people or events important in the history of a country. Read more...iWorksheets :6Study Guides :1
SS 5.1.2.b. Describe the significance of patriotic symbols, songs and activities (e.g., Pledge of Allegiance, "The Star Spangled Banner", "America", commemorating state and national holidays)
Growth of a NationDuring the first half of the 1800's, the United States of America began to take its place in the World. The new nation grew in area and population. Technology changed the way in which people lived and worked. Nationalism, an intense feeling of loyalty to a person's nation, increased. Read more...iWorksheets :7Study Guides :1
SS 5.1.2.d. Analyze how cooperation and conflict among people have contributed to political, economic, and social events and situations in the United States
Civil WarConfederacy, Emancipation Proclamation, Antietam, union, plantations, slavery, abolishing slavery, Bull Run, American Red Cross, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Abraham Lincoln. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1
SS 5.1.2.e. Identify the roles and influences of individuals, groups, and the media on governments (e.g., George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin)
Notable PeopleA Notable Person is a person who contributes to a cause in a special way. Read more...iWorksheets :6Study Guides :1
Westward ExpansionDuring the 1800's, the boundaries of the United States were extended westward. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1
UrbanizationWhat is Urbanization? When the population of a city grows quickly, it is because a large number of people move to a city in a short amount of time. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1
U.S. PresidentsFreeThe president is the highest leader in the United States. Each president serves a four year term and then can be re-elected for one more term. Read more...iWorksheets :5Study Guides :1
Westward ExpansionLewis and Clark, Homestead Act of 1862, Pony Express, John Fremont, Oregon Trail, Louisiana Purchase. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1
InventorsAn inventor is someone who discovers a new way of doing things. This can be in the form of a product or an idea. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1
Famous AmericansThere are many people who have had an impact on American history. These people were often common, ordinary people who did something special. Many helped to change our country by what they did. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1
Presidential HistoryThe president is the highest leader in the U.S. Each president is elected to office for a four year term. A president can then be reelected for another term. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1
Notable People-Westward ExpansionWhat is a Notable Person? A notable person is a person who contributes to a cause in a special way. Many people contributed toward the westward expansion of the United States during the 1800's. Notable People related to the Louisiana Purchase were: Thomas Jefferson, Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, Napoleon, Sacajawea. People related to Texas and the Alamo were: Santa Anna, Susannah Dickinson, Stephen Austin, Jim Bowie, William Travis, Davy Crockett, Sam Houston, President James K. Polk. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1
SS 5.2. Economics: Students will utilize economic reasoning skills to make informed judgments and become effective participants in the economy at the local, state, national and international levels.
SS 5.2.12. Students will explain how specialization, division of labor, and technology increases productivity and interdependence.
SS 5.2.12.a. Investigate Early United States specialization and trade (e.g., fur, tobacco, cotton, lumber)
SS 5.2.12.b. Investigate and report on entrepreneurs and inventors
Industrialization/EconomicsAn Industrial Revolution is a change in the way goods are manufactured. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1
Industrial Growth & ExpansionCurrent and past issues involving science and technology. Read more...iWorksheets :3
SS 5.3. Geography: Students will develop and apply spatial perspective and geographic skills to make informed decisions regarding issues and current events at local, state, national and international levels.
The World in Spatial Terms
SS 5.3.1. Students will explore where (spatial) and why people, places and environments are organized in the United States.
SS 5.3.1.a. Name and locate major human and physical features in the United States (e.g., states, capitals, and major cities in the United States, Rocky Mountains, Appalachian Mountains, Great Lakes)
New York Map - PoliticalGeography can be divided into six essential elements which can be used to analyze important historic, geographic, economic, and environmental questions and issues. These six elements include: the world in spatial terms, places and regions, physical settings (including natural resources), human systems, environment and society, and the use of geography. Read more...iWorksheets :3
Northeastern Region USThe Northeastern Region of the United States of America is made up of the New England States and the Middle Atlantic States. The region enjoys fours seasons, and the land varies from sunny beaches to majestic mountains. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1
Western Region USThe eleven states that make up the Western Region are Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and Hawaii. The region stretches thousands of miles from Hawaii to Colorado. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1
Middle Western Region USThe twelve states in the Middle Western Region are Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. This region, often called "the heartland," is located in the center of the United States. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1
Southwestern Region USThe four states in the Southwestern Region are Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1
Southeastern Region USThe twelve states in the Southeastern Region are Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana. The region is known for its many rivers. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1
American LandmarksAmerican landmarks are places that have been important in American history. Some of them are natural landmarks like Grand Canyon, some are memorials like Lincoln Memorial, some are important buildings and some are battle sites like Gettysburg. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1
New York Map - PhysicalGeography: Students will use a variety of intellectual skills to demonstrate their understanding of the geography of the interdependent world in which we live - local, national, and global - including the distribution of people, places, and environments over the Earth's surface. Read more...iWorksheets :3
GeographyWhat is Geography? Geography is the study of the Earth's surface. Continents like North America, South America, Africa, Australia and Eurasia are major land formations. Read more...iWorksheets :7Study Guides :1
SS 5.3.1.b. Apply map skills to analyze physical/political maps of the United States (e.g., identify latitude longitude, and the global grid and identify the location and purpose of time zones)
States & Capitals IEach of the 50 states of the United States has a capital city. The capital city is the place where the state government is located. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1
States & Capitals IIEach of the 50 states has a capital city. The capital city is the place where the state government is located. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1
SS 5.3.2. Students will compare the characteristics of places and regions and draw conclusions on their impact on human decisions.
SS 5.3.2.a. Define regions within the United States using multiple criteria. (e.g., Silicon Valley, Bread Basket)
States and CapitalsWhat is a state? In the United State, a state is a political division. Boundaries between states are either lines drawn by people or natural lines, like rivers. There are 50 states in the United States of America. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1
SS 5.3.2.b. Classify regions and places within the United States using physical and human features (e.g., Rocky Mountains, The Southwest, Great Plains, Corn Belt, Cotton Belt)
SS 5.3.2.c. Identify and classify regions (e.g., cities, states, and congressional districts)
SS 5.3.3. Students will draw conclusions about the natural processes in the physical world.
SS 5.3.3.b. Identify examples of ecosystems located in the United States (e.g., forests, deserts, grasslands)
SS 5.3.4. Students will compare, contrast and draw conclusions about the characteristics of culture and migration in the United States.
SS 5.3.4.a. Compare and contrast patterns of culture within the United States (e.g., language, religion, food)
Tall TalesHow do you know if a story is a tall tale? While you are reading, ask these 3 questions: Is this full of exaggerations? Does the main character overcome a very hard thing? Is the hero "larger than life"? Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1
SS 5.3.4.b. Compare and contrast population characteristics of the United States (e.g., density, distribution, growth rates)
Impact of IndustrializationAfter the Industrial Revolution, many other countries followed Great Britain's example and started to create new technology. The industrial revolution led other nations to want new and easier ways to make goods. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1
Industrial RevolutionThe Industrial Revolution started in Great Britain with the invention of new farming technology. In the mid 1700's, farmers began to come up with new ideas and technology to make farming more efficient. These ideas made farming much easier and less people were needed to work the land. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1
SS 5.3.4.c. Compare and contrast historical and present day migrations to and within the United States
Pioneer LifeA pioneer is a person who is among those who first enter or settle a region, thus opening it for occupation and development by others. Read more...iWorksheets :7Study Guides :1
Harlem RenaissanceThe Harlem Renaissance was an American movement in the 1920s and 1930s that celebrated the African-American culture through art, music, and literature. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1
UrbanizationUrbanization refers to the population shift from rural to urban areas. Read more...iWorksheets :3
Great MigrationWhat was the Great Migration? In the early 1900's, many African-Americans wanted to leave the south in order to find a better life. There were not many opportunities in the south, and the African-Americans that did have jobs as sharecroppers were losing crops. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1
ImmigrationAn immigrant is a person who comes to live in another country. Immigrants came to live in the United States for many reasons Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1
Pioneer LifePioneers are the first people who settle in an area. People traveled west to explore new parts of the U.S. during the 1800s. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1
NE.SS.5. Grade 5 (United States: First Americans to the Constitution)
SS 5.4. History: Students will develop and apply historical knowledge and skills to research, analyze, and understand key concepts of past, current, and potential issues and events at the local, state, national, and international levels.
Chronological Thinking
SS 5.4.1. Students will examine chronological relationships and patterns, and describe the connections among them.
SS 5.4.1.a. Describe concepts of time and chronology (e.g., BC, BCE, AD, CE and eras)
Native People of the U.S.Native means the people who originally lived in this land. There are many Native American tribes, each with their own unique way of life. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1
First AmericansIt is believed that the first human beings came from Asia. Thousands of years ago, a bridge of land connected Asia and North America. The first Americans crossed the bridge of land from Asia to North America. Read more...iWorksheets :4Study Guides :1
SS 5.4.1.b. Select and record key national events in chronological order (e.g., timelines)
SS 5.4.1.c. Examine the chronology of historical events in the United States and their impact on the past, present, and future
Historical Comprehension
SS 5.4.2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the impact of people, events, ideas, and symbols upon US history using multiple types of sources.
SS 5.4.2.a. Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of people, events, ideas, and symbols, including various cultures and ethnic groups, by era (e.g., Early America/Exploration: American Indian empires in Mesoamerica, the Southwest, and the Mississippi Valley, Coronado, DeSoto, LaSalle; Colonization and Rise of Democratic Institutions: Spanish Missions, French and Indian War: Chief Pontiac; Establishing a Nation: Revolutionary War; Founders and Founding Documents: unique nature of the creation and organization of the American Government, the United States as an exceptional nation based upon personal freedom, the inherent nature of citizens' rights, and democratic ideals, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and other historical figures, patriotism, national symbols)
ExplorationExpoloration is the investigation of unknown regions. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1
Class SystemsThroughout history, groups of people have been divided into many different categories. These categories are called classes. Read more...iWorksheets :3Study Guides :1
European/Native American EncounterNative Americans lived in the Americas long before Europeans, including the Pilgrims, arrived. Early Native Americans believed that all people shared the land. Europeans, however, believed that individuals owned the land. Read more...iWorksheets :7Study Guides :1
Multiple Perspectives
SS 5.4.3. Students will describe and explain multiple perspectives of historical events.
SS 5.4.3.a. Describe how multiple perspectives facilitate the understanding of the full story of US history (e.g., The events surrounding the Boston Massacre, Indian Removal)
SS 5.4.3.b. Compare and contrast primary and secondary sources to better understand multiple perspectives of the same event (e.g., Court records of the Boston Massacre, The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, historical biographies, oral histories)
Historical Analysis and Interpretation
SS 5.4.4. Students will analyze past and current events, issues, and problems.
SS 5.4.4.c. Identify how decisions affected events in the United States (e.g., secession of the American Colonies from Britain)
SS 5.4.4.d. Describe the cause and effect relationships among key events in history (e.g., Revolutionary War, founding of the United States)
SS 5.4.4.e. Describe the relationships among historical events in the United States and the students' lives today (i.e., current events)
Historical Research Skills
SS 5.4.5. Students will develop historical research skills.
SS 5.4.5.a. Develop questions about United States history
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