In social studies, students in grades 4–5 continue to develop their community-building skills as they move closer to middle school. They use essential questions to guide and improve upon their decision making, research, and academic discussion skills. Students study social studies topics by including science, language arts, and art.

In fourth grade, students use the collaboration and community-building skills they’ve developed in kindergarten through third grade to start building a bridge to secondary school. Our fourth and fifth grade teachers work closely to create a strong community that includes both classes, sharing guidelines, and defining expectations.

Through engaging investigations, research, and field trips, students explore essential questions such as, “How should we use the natural resources of the United States?” “How can we help tell the story of our state?” and “How can we make economic decisions that positively impact our own lives and communities?” Example projects include environmental advocacy campaigns, prototypes for proposed monuments, and multimedia business plans.

Fifth grade is an exciting transition year, as students serve as leaders in the primary community and develop a foundation for middle school success. Students work on refining their collaboration and community-building skills, while also learning more about research, note-taking, debate, and academic discussion.

Through engaging investigations, research, and field trips, students explore essential questions such as, “How can we better honor the cultural heritage of this land?” “How can facing the complexities of America's past help us meet the challenges of the present?” “How can we promote life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all?” and “How can we contribute to a healthy democracy?” Example projects include creating art for a gallery walk, publishing magazines or producing films that explore cultural and historical topics, and collaboratively designing and creating a mural.

“Our ELA teacher chooses good books for us to read, and the timeline project in Social Studies was amazing. I learned so much about Maryland history and even learned how to paint!”

 

— 4th Grade Student