The year of the "Fifth-Grade Expansion" - where students develop capacity for abstract thought, systems-level understanding, and hemispheric exploration of the Americas
Fifth grade marks a crucial cognitive leap where students develop the ability to think abstractly, analyze complex systems, and understand events from multiple perspectives. This curriculum is specifically designed to nurture this "fifth-grade expansion" by moving from local to hemispheric study and from observable phenomena to conceptual models.
Math with Confidence Grade 5 - Master operations with fractions and decimals, multi-digit division, volume calculations, and coordinate graphing
Essentials in Writing Level 5 - Develop multi-paragraph essays (narrative, expository, persuasive) with sophisticated grammar and research skills
Core Knowledge Science (CKSci) - Investigate matter, ecosystems, Earth's systems, and astronomy through hands-on exploration
NYS Western Hemisphere Framework + CKHG - Explore Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations, the Age of Exploration, and comparative government systems
Weeks 1-9 • September - November
Geography of the Americas and the remarkable civilizations of the Maya, Aztec, and Inca. Students explore how these complex societies adapted to diverse environments while investigating the properties of matter in science.
Weeks 10-18 • November - January
The Age of Exploration and the Columbian Exchange. Students analyze the motivations, voyages, and profound consequences of European exploration while studying ecosystems and energy transfer.
Weeks 19-27 • January - March
Earth's interconnected systems and comparative government. Students model Earth's spheres, compare political and economic systems across the Americas, and master fraction operations.
Weeks 28-36 • March - June
Astronomy and modern connections. Students explore Earth's place in the solar system, contemporary issues in the Western Hemisphere, and complete a capstone research project.
Fifth graders are experiencing a remarkable cognitive expansion. They're moving beyond the concrete operational stage into early formal operations, developing the ability to think abstractly and understand complex systems.
This curriculum capitalizes on these developmental changes by presenting content that challenges students to analyze relationships, make connections across disciplines, and think critically about cause and effect.
The shift from studying New York State to the entire Western Hemisphere mirrors their expanding worldview and growing capacity to understand their place in larger contexts.
Expanding from state study to hemispheric exploration
Moving from observable phenomena to conceptual models
Understanding interconnected systems and multiple perspectives
Synthesizing information from various texts and media
Start with Quarter 1 to lay a strong foundation in Western Hemisphere geography and ancient civilizations. Our comprehensive approach makes the fifth-grade expansion both manageable and inspiring.