LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Social Studies — Grade 5

Goal 2, Objective 2.02

Goal 2

The learner will analyze political and social institutions in North America and examine how these institutions respond to human needs, structure society, and influence behavior.

Objective 2.02

Describe the similarities and differences among the local, state, and national levels of government in the United States and explain their legislative, executive, and judicial functions.

Resources aligned to this objective

Records 1–6 of 6 displayed.

Comparing Governments - Local, State, and National
This lesson on comparing governments will focus on looking at the similarities and differences between local, state, and federal governments in North Carolina and the United States. It is suggested that this lesson be followed by "Comparing Governments - International" by Tami Weaver and Wendy Pineda, also found on the Learn NC website.

This plan could be easily adapted for eighth grade or high school ESL students.
Format: lesson plan (grade 5 English Language Arts, Social Studies, and English Language Development)
By Tami Weaver and Wendy Pineda.
Election Time Database
After using various methods of researching information, students will create a database and use it to answer questions about the current election. At the conclusion, students will create a poster or Hyperstudio presentation of their findings.
Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Information Skills, English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Computer Technology Skills)
By Lee Yahnker.

Lesson plans on the web

Balancing three branches at once: Our system of checks and balances
Students use primary source documents to investigate how the three branches of the American government can check each other. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 5 English Language Arts and Social Studies)
Provider: National Endowment for the Humanities
The First Amendment: What's fair in a free country?
Students consider the limitations that have been placed on the First Amendment guarantee of freedom of speech by subsequent U.S. Supreme Court rulings. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 5 English Language Arts and Social Studies)
Provider: National Endowment for the Humanities
Free ride
Explores the true cost of many “free” services provided by the government. Roads and schools are used as examples to introduce the concepts of taxation, government expenditure and government revenue. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 4–5 English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Mathematics)
Provider: National Council on Economic Education
We must not be enemies: Lincoln's first inaugural address
This series of lesson plans aims to help students to understand the historical context and significance of Lincoln's inaugural address through archival documents such as campaign posters, sheet music, vintage photographs and documents. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 5 English Language Arts and Social Studies)
Provider: National Endowment for the Humanities