Quarter 2 Overview
This quarter examines one of history's most transformative periods: the encounter between Europe and the Americas. Students develop critical thinking skills by examining multiple perspectives, analyzing primary sources, and understanding the complex consequences of cultural exchange. The integration of ecosystem science provides a biological lens for understanding the Columbian Exchange, while advanced mathematical concepts support data analysis and problem-solving.
Quarter 2 Learning Goals
Academic Skills:
- • Master narrative writing from multiple perspectives
- • Analyze primary source documents
- • All operations with decimals to hundredths
- • Add/subtract fractions with unlike denominators
- • Develop argumentation and evidence skills
Content Knowledge:
- • European exploration motivations and methods
- • Indigenous perspectives on encounter
- • Biological and cultural exchange impacts
- • Energy flow in ecosystems
- • Historical interpretation and bias
🌍 Interconnected Systems Theme
The Columbian Exchange serves as a perfect example of interconnected systems - biological, cultural, and economic. Students explore how the exchange of plants, animals, diseases, and ideas created lasting global changes, developing their ability to think systemically about cause and effect across multiple domains.
English Language Arts Curriculum
Quarter 2 ELA Focus: Perspective and Voice
Building on Quarter 1's foundation, students now explore how perspective shapes narrative, analyze primary sources, and develop their own voice through various writing genres. The historical content provides rich material for developing critical reading and analytical writing skills.
Reading & Analysis
- • Primary source analysis (journals, letters)
- • Compare multiple accounts of same events
- • Identify author's purpose and bias
- • Figurative language in historical texts
- • Novel study: Pedro's Journal
Writing Development
- • Narrative writing from different perspectives
- • Opinion essays with evidence
- • Historical fiction techniques
- • Cause and effect structures
- • Research and documentation skills
Weekly ELA Structure - Quarter 2
Monday: Close Reading & Analysis
- • Vocabulary from historical texts (20 academic words)
- • Close reading of primary sources
- • Annotation for perspective and bias
- • Discussion: "Whose voice is missing?"
Tuesday: Comparative Analysis
- • Compare European and Indigenous accounts
- • Identify conflicting interpretations
- • Analyze use of language to persuade
- • Create comparison charts and Venn diagrams
Wednesday: Grammar & Style
- • Essentials in Writing lesson (20 min)
- • Complex sentence structures
- • Using transitions for cause/effect
- • Active vs. passive voice in historical writing
Thursday: Writing Workshop
- • Draft narrative pieces from different perspectives
- • Develop voice and historical authenticity
- • Peer editing for perspective consistency
- • Revision focusing on showing vs. telling
Friday: Literature & Discussion
- • Novel study discussions
- • Socratic seminar on ethical questions
- • Share writing pieces
- • Independent reading (historical fiction)
Major Writing Projects - Quarter 2
- Week 10-11: Explorer's Journal (5-7 entries, first-person narrative)
- Week 12: Parallel narratives: Same event, two perspectives
- Week 14-15: Opinion essay: "Was the Columbian Exchange worth the cost?"
- Week 16: Research report on one aspect of the Exchange (3-5 pages)
- Week 17: Creative piece: Historical fiction or poetry
Social Studies Curriculum
Quarter 2: Age of Exploration & Cultural Exchange
This quarter develops sophisticated historical thinking by examining the encounter between Europe and the Americas from multiple perspectives. Students learn to evaluate sources, understand historical context, and analyze the lasting impacts of cultural exchange.
Weeks 10-13: The Age of Exploration
Week 10: Motivations and Context
- European Context: Renaissance, Reformation, rise of nation-states
- The Three G's: God (religious motivation), Gold (economic), Glory (political)
- Technology: Caravel, astrolabe, compass, cartography advances
- Trade Routes: Silk Road closure, search for alternatives
- Primary Source: Marco Polo's accounts inspiring exploration
Week 11: Major Voyages
- Columbus (1492-1504): Four voyages, establishment of Spanish claims
- Cabot (1497): English claims to North America
- Vespucci (1499-1502): Recognition of "New World"
- Magellan (1519-1522): First circumnavigation
- Map Work: Trace routes, calculate distances, understand navigation challenges
Week 12: Multiple Perspectives
European Perspective:
- • "Discovery" of new lands
- • Opportunity for wealth and conversion
- • Scientific advancement
Indigenous Perspective:
- • Invasion of sovereign territories
- • Disease devastation (90% population loss)
- • Cultural disruption and forced conversion
Week 13: Early Colonial Encounters
- Spanish Conquistadors: Cortés and the Aztecs, Pizarro and the Incas
- Encomienda System: Labor exploitation and cultural suppression
- Resistance: Indigenous responses and adaptations
- Las Casas: Early advocacy for Indigenous rights
- Document Analysis: Requerimiento and its implications
Weeks 14-16: The Columbian Exchange
Transformative Exchanges
- To Europe: Potatoes, corn, tomatoes, cacao
- To Americas: Horses, wheat, cattle, pigs
- Global Impact: Population growth, agricultural revolution
Devastating Consequences
- Disease: Smallpox, measles, influenza
- Slavery: Atlantic slave trade begins
- Environmental: Deforestation, species extinction
Deep Analysis Topics
- • How potatoes prevented European famines but also led to Irish dependency
- • Sugar cultivation and the triangular trade
- • Horse adoption transforming Plains Indian cultures
- • Demographic collapse and recovery patterns
- • Long-term cultural syncretism in Latin America
Historical Thinking Skills Development
- Source Analysis: Evaluate reliability, perspective, and purpose of documents
- Contextualization: Understand events within their historical setting
- Causation: Identify multiple causes and effects of historical events
- Comparison: Analyze similarities and differences across cultures
- Interpretation: Understand how history is constructed and debated
Mathematics Curriculum
Quarter 2 Math Focus: Decimals and Fractions
Building on whole number mastery, students now work extensively with decimals and fractions. Historical contexts provide meaningful applications for these concepts through navigation, trade calculations, and data analysis.
Weeks 10-13: Decimal Operations
- • Add/subtract decimals to hundredths
- • Multiply decimals by whole numbers
- • Multiply decimals by decimals
- • Divide decimals by whole numbers
- • Real-world applications with money
Weeks 14-18: Advanced Fractions
- • Add/subtract with unlike denominators
- • Find common denominators efficiently
- • Work with mixed numbers
- • Fraction word problems
- • Connect fractions to decimals
Historical Math Applications
- Navigation: Calculate distances using latitude/longitude decimals
- Trade: Currency conversions, profit/loss calculations
- Supplies: Determine provisions for voyage duration
- Population: Analyze demographic changes using fractions/percentages
- Time: Convert between different calendar systems
Sample Problem Set: Explorer's Mathematics
- • "A ship travels 4.75 knots for 18.5 hours. How far has it traveled?"
- • "If 3/8 of the crew is Spanish, 1/4 is Italian, and the rest Portuguese, what fraction is Portuguese?"
- • "Trade goods worth 245.50 doubloons increase in value by 2.35 times. What's the new value?"
- • "If disease reduced a population from 25,000 to 2,500, what fraction survived?"
Science Curriculum
CKSci Unit 2: Energy and Matter in Ecosystems
This unit perfectly complements the Columbian Exchange by exploring how matter and energy flow through ecosystems, helping students understand the biological impacts of introducing new species to established ecosystems.
Key Concepts & Investigations
- Weeks 10-11: Photosynthesis and plant needs (air, water, sunlight)
- Weeks 12-13: Food chains and food webs
- Weeks 14-15: Decomposers and nutrient cycling
- Week 16: Human impacts on ecosystems
- Week 17-18: Ecosystem restoration and conservation
Columbian Exchange Science Connections
Biological Exchanges
- • Invasive species concepts
- • Disease transmission and immunity
- • Agricultural ecosystem changes
- • Pollinator relationships
Investigations
- • Model pre/post Exchange food webs
- • Study seed dispersal methods
- • Investigate plant adaptation
- • Track energy through new chains
Major Science Project: Ecosystem Impact Study
Students choose one organism from the Columbian Exchange and create a comprehensive study showing:
- • Original ecosystem role
- • How it was transported
- • Impact on new ecosystem
- • Current status and management
- • Model showing energy flow changes
Weeks 10-13: The Age of Exploration
Four weeks exploring motivations, voyages, and early encounters
Sample Daily Schedule - Week 10
Monday
8:30-10:00 ELA Block
• Vocabulary: navigation, cartography, circumnavigate, indigenous (20 min)
• Read Columbus's journal excerpts (30 min)
• Analyze language and perspective (20 min)
• Begin planning Explorer's Journal project (20 min)
5.RI.6, 5.W.3
10:15-11:15 Math
• Warm-up: Convert fractions to decimals (10 min)
• Lesson: Adding decimals in navigation contexts (20 min)
• Practice: Calculate voyage distances (20 min)
• Problem solving: Supply calculations (10 min)
NY-5.NBT.7
1:00-1:45 Social Studies
• Introduce the "Three G's" motivation framework (15 min)
• Examine European context: Renaissance and trade (20 min)
• Create motivation web graphic organizer (10 min)
5.3a
2:00-2:45 Science
• Introduction to ecosystems (15 min)
• Investigate: How do plants get energy? (20 min)
• Set up photosynthesis experiment (10 min)
5-LS1-1
Tuesday
8:30-10:00 ELA Block
• Compare Columbus and Taino perspectives (30 min)
• Identify bias and missing voices (20 min)
• Grammar: Complex sentences with subordinate clauses (20 min)
• Draft first Explorer's Journal entry (20 min)
5.RI.6, 5.L.1a
10:15-11:15 Math
• Mental math with decimals (10 min)
• Subtracting decimals: Navigation errors (20 min)
• Practice with money/trade calculations (20 min)
• Challenge problems (10 min)
NY-5.NBT.7
1:00-1:45 Social Studies
• Navigation technology: astrolabe, compass demo (20 min)
• Map work: Plot Columbus's route (15 min)
• Discuss: What made these voyages possible? (10 min)
5.3a
2:00-2:45 Science
• Observe photosynthesis experiment (10 min)
• Create diagram: Plant inputs and outputs (20 min)
• Connect to ship supplies of fresh food (15 min)
5-LS1-1
⛵ Week 10-13 Integrated Project: Explorer's Portfolio
Students create a comprehensive portfolio including:
- • 7-10 journal entries from explorer's perspective
- • Mathematical navigation calculations and supply lists
- • Scientific observations of new plants/animals
- • Maps showing routes and discoveries
- • Reflection on Indigenous perspectives
Integrates narrative writing, mathematical problem-solving, scientific observation, and historical thinking
Weeks 14-16: The Columbian Exchange
Analyzing the biological and cultural transformation of two worlds
🔄 Major Project: Columbian Exchange Museum Exhibit
Students create a museum-quality exhibit examining one aspect of the Exchange:
- • Research using multiple sources (minimum 5)
- • Visual displays with maps and illustrations
- • Mathematical data analysis and graphs
- • Scientific explanation of biological impacts
- • Written analysis from multiple perspectives
- • Oral presentation to "museum visitors"
Week 14: Understanding the Exchange
- Monday: Map the Exchange - what went where and why
- Tuesday: Plant exchanges and agricultural revolution
- Wednesday: Animal exchanges and ecosystem disruption
- Thursday: Disease transmission and demographic collapse
- Friday: Begin museum exhibit research
Week 15: Impacts and Consequences
- Monday: Short-term vs. long-term impacts
- Tuesday: Economic transformation and trade patterns
- Wednesday: Cultural syncretism and resistance
- Thursday: Environmental changes and sustainability
- Friday: Museum exhibit construction
Week 16: Analysis and Presentation
- Monday-Tuesday: Complete museum exhibits
- Wednesday: Practice presentations
- Thursday-Friday: Museum showcase and peer evaluation
Week 17: Mid-Year Integration & Holiday Connections
Synthesizing learning through creative projects and seasonal connections
Thanksgiving: Multiple Perspectives
Applying Quarter 2 skills to understand a familiar holiday through multiple lenses:
- • Research actual 1621 harvest celebration using primary sources
- • Compare Pilgrim and Wampanoag accounts
- • Analyze how the narrative has changed over time
- • Create parallel narratives or artistic interpretation
- • Mathematical analysis of survival rates and food resources
- • Scientific study of New England ecosystems and seasonal cycles
Week 17 Schedule
- Monday: Research historical accounts of 1621
- Tuesday: Read Wampanoag perspectives and oral histories
- Wednesday: Create artistic interpretation (writing, art, or drama)
- Thursday: Prepare foods from both cultures
- Friday: Share projects and discuss narrative construction
Week 18: Mid-Year Review & Assessment
Consolidating learning and preparing for the second half of fifth grade
Mid-Year Assessment Components
ELA Assessment:
- • Reading comprehension with primary sources
- • Narrative writing sample
- • Grammar and mechanics test
- • Oral presentation of best work
Social Studies Assessment:
- • Document analysis skills
- • Map skills assessment
- • Essay on historical causation
- • Timeline creation and annotation
Math Assessment:
- • Decimal operations test
- • Fraction addition/subtraction
- • Multi-step word problems
- • Performance task with real data
Science Assessment:
- • Ecosystem concept map
- • Investigation lab practical
- • Science notebook review
- • Engineering design challenge
Mid-Year Portfolio Requirements
Required Work Samples:
- ☐ Explorer's Journal (complete)
- ☐ Columbian Exchange exhibit
- ☐ Opinion essay with citations
- ☐ Math problem-solving journal
- ☐ Science investigation report
Documentation:
- ☐ Standards checklist (Quarters 1-2)
- ☐ Reading log with 20+ books
- ☐ Attendance records
- ☐ Second quarterly report
- ☐ Parent/student reflection
Ready for Quarter 3?
Continue the journey with Quarter 3: Systems of Our World, featuring Earth's interconnected systems
and comparative government structures across the Americas.
Continue to Quarter 3
Social Studies Curriculum
Quarter 2: Age of Exploration & Cultural Exchange
This quarter develops sophisticated historical thinking by examining the encounter between Europe and the Americas from multiple perspectives. Students learn to evaluate sources, understand historical context, and analyze the lasting impacts of cultural exchange.
Weeks 10-13: The Age of Exploration
Week 10: Motivations and Context
Week 11: Major Voyages
Week 12: Multiple Perspectives
European Perspective:
Indigenous Perspective:
Week 13: Early Colonial Encounters
Weeks 14-16: The Columbian Exchange
Transformative Exchanges
Devastating Consequences
Deep Analysis Topics
Historical Thinking Skills Development