AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUBJECT/COURSE: Social Studies
United States History
IPG: First Nine Weeks
GRADE LEVEL: 5
MAJOR CONCEPT #1: Interdependence
Overarching Idea
Interdependence changes where people live and the kind of work they do.
Guiding Questions
 In what ways are people and the natural environment interdependent?
 In what ways does economic development reflect a society’s interdependence?
MAJOR CONCEPT #2: Space and Regions
Overarching Idea
Guiding Questions
The United States is divided into physical regions.
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Why are there such a variety of physical spaces and regions in the United States?
MAJOR CONCEPT #3: Economics
Overarching Idea
Economic motivations impacted the exploration and settlement of the United States.
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Guiding Questions
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What are some of the economic push and pull factors that causes a group of people to
explore and settle in new areas?
What are some of the economic motivations for European exploration and settlement in the
New World?
Why were some of America’s colonial regions more economically prosperous than others?
© Austin Independent School District 2009-2019
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AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUBJECT/COURSE: Social Studies
United States History
IPG: First Nine Weeks
GRADE LEVEL: 5
MAJOR CONCEPT #4: Freedom
Overarching Idea
Guiding Questions
Citizens remember sacrifices made for freedom, and the founding and establishing of our
country.
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What is the significance of Constitution Day?
Why is freedom important?
What actions and events in history promoted freedom in the United States?
What are some of our nation’s customs, symbols, and celebrations that represent our beliefs
and principles?
© Austin Independent School District 2009-2019
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