SOCIAL SCIENCE CURRICULUM:
GRADE: 5
UNIT # 5
STANDARDS –
15.A.2a; 15.D.2a16.A.2b; 16.A.2c; 16.B.2a;
TITLE - Explorers
TIME:
Topics Covered: Ch. 5, L-1; L-3; Ch 6, L-1; L-2; L-3; Ch 7, L-1; L-2

Introduce the Silk Road and its significance

Analyze the effect that the desire to trade with Asia had on European exploration.

Identify the Taino’s way of life in 1492.

Explain why and how Columbus reached the Americas

Analyze the effects of the Columbian Exchange on the Eastern and Western
Hemispheres. Use models to act out Columbian Exchange.

Describe Moctezuma II’s rule of the Aztec empire.

Explain how Hernando Cortes was able to conquer the Aztec.

Identify major Spanish explorers and conquistadors of the Americas. (worksheet
attached)

Identify major French and English explorers of the Americas.

Describe the growth of New Spain

Explain why the encomienda system of the African enslavement developed in New
Spain.

Research a major explorer.
Suggested Activities:

Brainstorming Activity – attached

Readers’ Theater – Columbus play

Use A-Z book on Lief Erickson for information about Vikings. Answer questions and
create flip book from Hands on History book

Spanish Explorers matching and map activity

Anticipation Guide for Spanish explorers and cowboys

Create an explorer box to look like a treasure box. Include items pertinent to their
explorer.

Act out Columbian exchange with pictures and students.

Create “Who Am I” power points of explorers.
Resources (Text, books, websites, etc.):

Worksheets attached

Liberty Resource Center
UNIT # 5
STANDARDS –
15.A.2a; 15.D.2a16.A.2b; 16.A.2c; 16.B.2a;
TITLE - Explorers
Resources (Text, books, websites, etc.):
Resources (Text, books, websites, etc.):

Worksheets attached

Liberty Resource Center
WHAT RESOURCES NEED TO BE ORDERED?
Hands On Social Studies - Explorers