LEARN NC

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

Social Studies — Grade 5

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.

Additional related resources

We’re in the process of aligning our content for students to the Standard Course of Study. As we do, you’ll find it here.

General resources

Aligned lesson plans

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. This plan could be easily adapted for eighth-grade or high-school ESL students.
Format: lesson plan (grade 4–5 English Language Development and Social Studies)
By Tami Weaver and Wendy Pineda.

Resources on the web

What happens in the White House?
In this lesson, part of the EDSITEment curriculum unit titled “What Happens in the White House,” students view images of former Presidents living and working within the White House. They discuss the different functions that the White House serves.... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Social Studies)
Provided by: EDSITEment
We must not be enemies: Lincoln's first inaugural address
The focus for this EDSITEment lesson plan unit is on the address given by Abraham Lincoln at his first inauguration as U.S. President. His address reflected contemporary events and set the tone for his presidency. This series of lesson plans aims to help... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 English Language Arts and Social Studies)
Provided by: EDSITEment
Landmark: The United States Capitol Building
This is set of three lesson plans exploring what makes the U.S. Capitol symbolically important. Presented with a variety of archival documents, students can answer that question for themselves. Working in small groups, the students will uncover and share... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Social Studies)
Provided by: EDSITEment
I do solemnly swear: Presidential inaugurations
Presidential inaugurations have been solemn ceremonies and uninhibited celebrations. They are carefully scripted and they are unpredictable. They reflect tradition and they reflect the moment. This unit from EDSITEment, consisting of five lesson plans,... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 English Language Arts and Social Studies)
Provided by: EDSITEment
Balancing three branches at once: Our system of checks and balances
This page contains four EDSITEment lessons in which students use primary source documents to investigate how the three branches of the American government can check each other. By the end of these lessons, not only will students be able to name the three... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Social Studies)
Provided by: EDSITEment