Social Studies Curriculum

Month: September/October – 6 Weeks Western Hemisphere – Sixth Grade
Unit: Introduction to Western Hemisphere Social Studies Pacing Guide

Code & Content Expectations Essential
Assessment Vocabulary Resources
(Disciplinary Knowledge) Questions/Scaffold

6 – G1.1.1 Describe how How do geographers use For each major area of study, keep absolute • World Cultures and Geography –
geographers use mapping to mapping to represent a scrapbook of related newspaper location Western Hemisphere and Europe,
represent places and natural and places and human and magazine articles (geography bay McDougall Littell 2005
human phenomena in the world. phenomena in the world? related issues; culture; and/or butte • Latin America and Canada,
history). In a reader’s response canyon MacMillan/McGraw-Hill, 1992
6 – G1.1.2 Draw a sketch map Where are the major relate the article to the history, cape • Dill, Bonnie. Teaching the Five
from memory of the Western regions of the western geography or culture of the area or cartographer Themes of Geography. Frank
Hemisphere showing the major hemisphere in relation to region. cataract Schaffer Publications, 1994
regions (Canada, United States, the United States? citizen • Aten, Jerry. Understanding Our
Mexico, Central America, South Participate in class discussion cliff World through Geography. Good
America, and Caribbean). How do the five themes based upon issues related to color Apple Publications, 1991
of geography relate to the current events topics included in compass rose • Fischer, Max W. Geography
6 – C4.3.2 Explain the challenges international issues in the the weekly “News Game” (or continent Simulations. Teacher Created
to governments and the western hemisphere? similar current events culture Materials, 1999
cooperation needed to address quiz/activity). culture region • Chexney & Capone. The Map
international issues in the Western culture trait Corner. Good Year Book, 1983
Hemisphere (e.g., migration and Locate famous man-made and desert • Five Themes of Geography poster.
human rights). natural wonders of the Western economics Poster Education Company.
Hemisphere. Discuss ideas of what equator 1-800-858-0969
life may be like near these famous flood plain • Classroom Atlas
places. What jobs may be geography • Fischer, Max W. Geography
available, what housing might glacier Simulations. Teacher Created
consist of, transportation, government Materials, 1999
communication, etc. graph • Jasmine, Grace. Nader, Lillian.
history Cooperative Learning Activities for
Describe through words and interdependence Social Studies. Teacher Created
pictures the major ecosystems of island Materials, Inc., 1995.
Canada and Latin America. labels • www.okemosschools.net/education/
latitude • Teaching the Five Themes
Create a map of ecozones of legend Instructional Fair. T.S. Denison,
Canada and Latin America. Assign lines of latitude Grand Rapids, MI 49544
students to research and write a lines of • Almanacs
report on an ecozone to present the longitude • Geographical Dictionary
information orally to the class longitude
using visual aids, PowerPoint, map • Social Studies Skills Made Easy.
overheads, etc. map projection Mark Twain Media/Carson -

mesa Dellosa Publishing Co., Inc.
Contrast: common good and migrate • Internet
individual rights, equality and mountain • Videos
individual rights of truth, justice, mouth • Teacher lectures
diversity, and reconciliation North Pole • Large and small group discussions
oasis • Classzone.com
Compare core democratic values physical maps • Presentations by local business
with values of other forms of plateau people/experts
government. political maps • Classroom maps
prairie • Overhead transparencies
Use map puzzles, student made prime meridian • Globes, charts, graphs
and commercially produced. relative location • Classroom posters
river
scale
scarcity
sea level
South Pole
steppe
strait
swamp
symbols
thematic maps
time line
title
Tropic of
Cancer
Tropic of
Capricorn
valley
volcano

Month: October/November – 2 Weeks Western Hemisphere – Sixth Grade
Unit: Introduction to United States and Canada Social Studies Pacing Guide


6 – W1.1.1 Describe the early How has the early Throughout major units, on tag climate • World Cultures and Geography –
migrations of people among migrations of nomadic board or newsprint, after class desert Western Hemisphere and Europe,
Earth’s continents (including the people progressed into discussion, compile a list of major economy McDougall Littell 2005
Berringa Land Bridge). modern agricultural events. Through discussion or erosion • Latin America and Canada,
settlements? simulation hypothesize possible forest MacMillan/McGraw-Hill, 1992
6 – W1.1.2 Examine the lives of different outcomes and how that glacier • Classroom subscriptions to
hunting and gathering people Can you describe the would have affected history. grassland newspaper and/or student weekly
during the earliest eras of human physical geography of the landforms news magazine (Junior Scholastic,
society (tools and weapons, United States and Canada Simulate a bartering economy in polar/tundra Time for Kids).
language, fire). through the 5 themes? the classroom. precipitation • Classroom Atlas
rain forest • Newspaper articles and student
6 – W1.2.1 Describe the transition Use graphic organizer to compare/ river system news magazine
from hunter gatherers to sedentary contrast hunter gatherer societies. Sacagawea • Fischer, Max W. Geography
agriculture (domestication of vegetation Simulations. Teacher Created
plants and animals). weather Materials, 1999
• NCSS Publications P.O. Box 2067
6 – W1.2.2 Describe the Waldorf, MD 20604-2067 #940097
importance of the natural 1-800-683-0812
environment in the development • Jasmine, Grace. Nader, Lillian.
of agricultural settlements in Cooperative Learning Activities for
different locations (e.g., available Social Studies. Teacher Created
water for irrigation, adequate Materials, Inc., 1995.
precipitation, and suitable • www.nationalgeographic.com
growing season). • Teaching the Five Themes
Instructional Fair. T.S. Denison,
6 – W1.2.3 Explain the impact of Grand Rapids, MI 49544
the Agricultural Revolution • Almanacs
(stable food supply, surplus, • Atlases
population growth, trade, division • Geographical Dictionary
of labor, development of • Newspapers, news magazines
settlements). • Social Studies Skills Made Easy.
Mark Twain Media/Carson -
6 – W2.1.1 Explain how the Dellosa Publishing Co., Inc.
environment favored hunter
gatherer, pastoral and small scale • Presentations by local business
agricultural ways of life in people/experts

different parts of the Western • Classroom maps
Hemisphere. • Overhead transparencies
• Globes, charts, graphs
6 – W2.1.2 Describe how the • Classroom posters
invention of agriculture led to the • Library
emergence of agrarian • Internet
civilizations (seasonal harvests, • Videos
specialized crops, cultivation, and • Teacher lectures
development of villages and • Large and small group discussions
towns). • www.Classzone.com

6 – W2.1.3 Use multiple sources
of evidence to describe how the
culture of early peoples of North
America reflected the geography
and natural resources available
(e.g., Inuit of the Arctic, Kwakiutl
of the Northwest Coast; Anasazi
and Apache of the Southwest).

6 – W2.1.4 Use evidence to
identify defining characteristics of
early civilizations and early
pastoral nomads (government,
language, religion, social
structure, technology, and
division of labor).

Month: November/December – 5 Weeks Western Hemisphere – Sixth Grade
Unit: United States Social Studies Pacing Guide


6 – G5.1.1 Describe the environmental What values and beliefs Examine urbanization and Anasazi • TV News Game (weekly current
effects of human action on the have influenced the immigration in Canada and Bill of Rights events) from Cass Street Publishers
atmosphere (air), biosphere (people, history, government, Latin America, and impact on citizenship 21300 Sierra Blvd. Brookfield, WI
animals, and plants), lithosphere (soil), economics, and culture of the US. competition 53045
and hydrosphere (water) (e.g., changes the United States? constitutional • World Cultures and Geography –
in the tropical forest environments in Create a chart with topics and amendment Western Hemisphere and Europe,
Brazil, Peru, and Costa Rica). How are technological countries or regions to consumer McDougall Littell 2005
advances reflective of compare. Include information democracy • Latin America and Canada,
6 – G5.1.2 Describe how variations in United States for the US in the chart. equal MacMillan/McGraw-Hill, 1992
technology affect human interdependence? opportunity • Classroom subscriptions to
modifications of the landscape (e.g., Create a time line of events factors of newspaper and/or student weekly
clearing forests for agricultural land in contrasting US, Canada, and production news magazine (Junior Scholastic,
South America, fishing in the Grand Latin America. federal Time for Kids).
Banks of the Atlantic, expansion of government • Classroom Atlas
cities in South America, hydroelectric Create a chart which free enterprise • Newspaper articles and student
developments in Canada, Brazil and compares and contrasts the GDP news magazine
Chile, and mining the Kentucky and governments of the US and globalization • Fischer, Max W. Geography
West Virginia). totalitarian, parliamentarian, immigrant Simulations. Teacher Created
socialist systems. limited Materials, 1999
6 – G5.1.3 Identify the ways in which government • NCSS Publications P.O. Box 2067
human-induced changes in the Create a time line to show market economy Waldorf, MD 20604-2067 #940097
physical environment in one place can changes in leadership of a patriotism 1-800-683-0812
cause changes in other places (e.g., country. political process • Jasmine, Grace. Nader, Lillian.
cutting forests in one region may profit Cooperative Learning Activities for
result in river basin flooding republic Social Studies. Teacher Created
elsewhere; building a dam floods land technology Materials, Inc., 1995.
upstream and may permit irrigation in unlimited • www.nationalgeographic.com
another region). government • Teaching the Five Themes
US constitution Instructional Fair. T.S. Denison,
6 – C1.1.1 Analyze competing ideas value Grand Rapids, MI 49544
about the purposes government should • Almanacs
serve in a democracy and in a • Atlases
dictatorship (e.g., protecting individual • Geographical Dictionary
rights, promoting the common good, • Newspapers, news magazines
providing economic security, molding • Social Studies Skills Made Easy.
the character of citizens, or promoting Mark Twain Media/Carson -

a particular religion). Dellosa Publishing Co., Inc.
• Understanding Economics Learning
6 – C3.6.2 Compare and contrast a Resource Kit, Cambridge
military dictatorship such as Cuba, a Education.
presidential system of representative • Intro to Economics (video) 330 INT
democracy such as the United States, • Golomb, Kristen Girard. Economics
and a parliamentary system of and You. Mark Twain Media, 1996
representative democracy such as • Flowers. Economics and Children's
Canada. Literature. SPEC, 1993
• A Framework for Teaching Basic
6 – C4.3.3 Give examples of how Economic Concepts. NCEE
countries work together for mutual • Economic Terms Cards, OPS
benefits through international • Presentations by local business
organizations (e.g. North American people/experts
Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), • Classroom maps
Organization of American States • Overhead transparencies
(OAS), United Nations (UN)). • Globes, charts, graphs
• Classroom posters
6 – E1.1.1 Explain how incentives • Library
vary in different economic systems • Internet
(e.g. acquiring money, profit, goods, • Guest speakers
wanting to avoid loss in position in • Videos
society, job placement). • Teacher lectures
• Large and small group discussions
6 – E3.1.1 Use charts and graphs to • www.Classzone.com
compare imports and exports of
different countries in the Western
Hemisphere and propose
generalizations about patterns of
economic interdependence.

6 – E3.1.2 Diagram or map the
movement of a consumer product
from where it is manufactured to
where it is sold to demonstrate the
flow of materials, labor, and capital
(e.g., global supply chain for
computers, athletic shoes, and
clothing).

6 – E3.1.3 Explain how
communications innovations have
affected economic interactions and
where and how people work (e.g.,
internet-based home offices,
international work teams, and
international companies).

6 – E3.3.1 Explain and compare how
economic systems (traditional,
command, and market) answer four
basic questions: What should be
produced? How will it be produced?
How will it be distributed? Who will
receive the benefits of production?
(e.g., compare United States and
Cuba, or Venezuela and Jamaica.)

Month: January/February – 5 Weeks Western Hemisphere – Sixth Grade
Unit: Canada Social Studies Pacing Guide


6 – G4.3.1 Identify places in the How have the people, Create and complete political, bilingual • Henson, Ted. Discovering Canada
Western Hemisphere that have been government, and economy physical, topographic, and constitutional (Using the Five Themes of
modified to be suitable for settlement of present-day Canada various thematic maps of monarchy Geography) Frank Schaffer
by describing the modifications that been influenced by its major areas studied: Latin export Publications, 1996
were necessary (e.g., Vancouver in geography and history? America and Canada. first nation • Lueckenhoff, Mark. Neighbors of
Canada; irrigated agriculture; or francophone USA. Mark Twain Media/Carson-
clearing of forests for farmland). Locate the settings of young import Dellosa Publishing, Co. Inc., 1993
adult fiction books. Give industry • World Cultures and Geography –
6 – G4.3.2 Describe patterns of absolute and relative location multiculturalism Western Hemisphere and Europe,
settlement by using historical and of each. Describe and national identity McDougall Littell 2005
modern maps (e.g., coastal and river compare language, religion, parliament • Latin America and Canada,
cities and towns in the past and belief systems, gender roles, Pierre Trudeau MacMillan/McGraw-Hill, 1992
present, locations of mega-cities – and traditions of each culture prime minister • Classroom subscriptions to
modern cities over 5 million, such as depicted in novel. refugee newspaper and/or student weekly
Mexico City, and patterns of separatist news magazine (Junior Scholastic,
agricultural settlements in South and Interact with activities on the transportation Time for Kids).
North America). Internet. barrier • Classroom Atlas
transportation • Newspaper articles and student
6 – G5.1.1 Describe the Examine urbanization and corridor news magazine
environmental effects of human action immigration in Canada and • Fischer, Max W. Geography
on the atmosphere (air), biosphere Latin America, and impact on Simulations. Teacher Created
(people, animals, and plants), the US. Materials, 1999
lithosphere (soil), and hydrosphere • www.nationalgeographic.com
(water) (e.g., changes in the tropical Create a timeline of events • Teaching the Five Themes
forest environments in Brazil, Peru, contrasting US, Canada, and Instructional Fair. T.S. Denison,
and Costa Rica). Latin America. Grand Rapids, MI 49544
• Geographical Dictionary
6 – G5.1.2 Describe how variations in Create a chart that compares • Newspapers, news magazines
technology affect human and contrasts the • Presentations by local business
modifications of the landscape (e.g., governments of the US and people/experts
clearing forests for agricultural land in totalitarian, parliamentarian, • Classroom maps
South America, fishing in the Grand socialist systems. • Overhead transparencies
Banks of the Atlantic, expansion of • Globes, charts, graphs
cities in South America, hydroelectric • Classroom posters
developments in Canada, Brazil and • Library
Chile, and mining the Kentucky and • Internet

West Virginia). • Guest speakers
• Videos
6 – G5.1.3 Identify the ways in which • Teacher lectures
human-induced changes in the • Large and small group discussions
physical environment in one place can
cause changes in other places (e.g.,
cutting forests in one region may
result in river basin flooding
elsewhere; building a dam floods land
upstream and may permit irrigation in
another region).

6 – C3.6.2 Compare and contrast a
military dictatorship such as Cuba, a
presidential system of representative
democracy such as the United States,
and a parliamentary system of
representative democracy such as
Canada.

Month: February – 2 Weeks Western Hemisphere – Sixth Grade
Unit: Introduction to Latin America Social Studies Pacing Guide


6 – H1.1.2 Compare and contrast Can you describe the Compose a descriptive essay Atahualpa • World Cultures and Geography –
several different calendar systems physical geography of on an area of Canada or Latin Chinampa Western Hemisphere and Europe,
used in the past and present and their Latin America through the America. Use the 5 themes as Columbian McDougall Littell 2005
cultural significance (e.g., Olmec and 5 themes? an organizer. exchange • Latin America and Canada,
Mayan calendar systems, Aztec deforestation MacMillan/McGraw-Hill, 1992
Calendar Stone, Sun Dial, Gregorian How have early Latin Research projects using print El Nino • Classroom subscriptions to
calendar – B.C./A.D.; contemporary American cultures served and nonprint resources. Francisco newspaper and/or student weekly
secular – B.C.E./C.E. Note: in 7th as models for how Presentation of data in maps, Pizarro news magazine (Junior Scholastic,
grade Eastern Hemisphere the successful civilizations graphs, charts, tables. Hernan Cortes Time for Kids).
Chinese, Hebrew, and Islamic/Hijri develop? - Design a country and hieroglyph • Classroom Atlas
calendars are included). culture. Macchu Picchu • Newspaper articles and student
- Design a world activity. Montezuma II news magazine
6 – W1.1.1 Describe the early - Created culture should be tributary • Fischer, Max W. Geography
migrations of people among Earth’s a modern culture. tropical zone Simulations. Teacher Created
continents (including the Berringa Materials, 1999
Land Bridge). All tests should routinely • NCSS Publications P.O. Box 2067
include constructed and Waldorf, MD 20604-2067 #940097
6 – W1.1.2 Examine the lives of extended response questions. 1-800-683-0812
hunting and gathering people during • Jasmine, Grace. Nader, Lillian.
the earliest eras of human society At least once during the year, Cooperative Learning Activities for
(tools and weapons, language, fire). each student should produce Social Studies. Teacher Created
a major essay or research Materials, Inc., 1995.
6 – W1.2.1 Describe the transition paper related to a particular • www.nationalgeographic.com
from hunter gatherers to sedentary region of study. • Teaching the Five Themes
agriculture (domestication of plants Instructional Fair. T.S. Denison,
and animals). Extended response practice. Grand Rapids, MI 49544
• Almanacs
6 – W1.2.2 Describe the importance • Atlases
of the natural environment in the • Geographical Dictionary
development of agricultural • Newspapers, news magazines
settlements in different locations (e.g., • Social Studies Skills Made Easy.
available water for irrigation, Mark Twain Media/Carson -
adequate precipitation, and suitable Dellosa Publishing Co., Inc.
growing season).
• Presentations by local business
6 – W1.2.3 Explain the impact of the people/experts

Agricultural Revolution (stable food • Classroom maps
supply, surplus, population growth, • Overhead transparencies
trade, division of labor, development • Globes, charts, graphs
of settlements). • Classroom posters
• Library
6 – W2.1.1 Explain how the • Internet
environment favored hunter gatherer, • Guest speakers
pastoral, and small scale agricultural • Videos
ways of life in different parts of the • Teacher lectures
Western Hemisphere. • Large and small group discussions
• www.Classzone.com
6 – W2.1.2 Describe how the
invention of agriculture led to the
emergence of agrarian civilizations
(seasonal harvests, specialized crops,
cultivation, and development of
villages and towns).

6 – W2.1.3 Use multiple sources of
evidence to describe how the culture
of early peoples of North America
reflected the geography and natural
resources available (e.g., Inuit of the
Arctic, Kwakiutl of the Northwest
Coast; Anasazi and Apache of the
Southwest).

6 – W2.1.4 Use evidence to identify
defining characteristics of early
civilizations and early pastoral
nomads (government, language,
religion, social structure, technology,
and division of labor).

6 – W3.1.1 Analyze the role of
environment in the development of
early empires, referencing both useful
environmental features and those that
presented obstacles.

6 – W3.1.2 Explain the role of
economics in shaping the
development of early civilizations
(trade routes and their significance –
Inca Road, supply and demand for
products).

6 – W3.1.3 Describe similarities and
difference among Mayan, Aztec, and
Incan societies, including economy,
religion, and role and class structure.

6 – W3.1.4 Describe the regional
struggles and changes in
governmental systems among the
Mayan, Aztec, and Incan Empires.

6 – W3.1.5 Construct a timeline of
main events on the origin and
development of early and classic
ancient civilizations of the Western
Hemisphere (Olmec, Mayan, Aztec,
and Incan).

6 – G6.1.2 Investigations Designed
for Ancient World History Eras –
Conduct research on global topics and
issues, compose persuasive essays,
and develop a plan for action. (H1.4.3,
G1.2.6, See P3 and P4)

Month: March – 4 Weeks Western Hemisphere – Sixth Grade
Unit: Mexico Social Studies Pacing Guide


6 – G5.1.1 Describe the How have historical Create and complete political, Criollo • World Cultures and Geography –
environmental effects of human action events influenced the physical, topographic, and Day of the Dead Western Hemisphere and Europe,
on the atmosphere (air), biosphere development of Mexico’s various thematic maps of distribution McDougall Littell 2005
(people, animals, and plants), government, economy, major areas studied. Ejido • Latin America and Canada,
lithosphere (soil), and hydrosphere and culture? Encomienda MacMillan/McGraw-Hill, 1992
(water) (e.g., changes in the tropical Construct simple geographic fiesta • Classroom subscriptions to
forest environments in Brazil, Peru, information system (GIS-a Gadsden newspaper and/or student weekly
and Costa Rica). system for evaluating Purchase news magazine (Junior Scholastic,
geographic locations) for Hacienda Time for Kids).
6 – G5.1.2 Describe how variations in implementing a Mexican, Hidalgo • Classroom Atlas
technology affect human Central American, Caribbean, Institutional • Newspaper articles and student
modifications of the landscape (e.g., or South American Revolutionary news magazine
clearing forests for agricultural land in development program. Party • Fischer, Max W. Geography
South America, fishing in the Grand Maquiladora Simulations. Teacher Created
Banks of the Atlantic, expansion of Use facts in almanac and Mestizo Materials, 1999
cities in South America, hydroelectric mapping skills to create a map nationalize • NCSS Publications P.O. Box 2067
developments in Canada, Brazil and of the region. PEMEX Waldorf, MD 20604-2067 #940097
Chile, and mining the Kentucky and peninsular 1-800-683-0812
West Virginia). Interact with activities on privatization • Jasmine, Grace. Nader, Lillian.
Internet. rural Cooperative Learning Activities for
6 – G5.1.3 Identify the ways in which tourism Social Studies. Teacher Created
human-induced changes in the Write a legend or myth about Treaty of Materials, Inc., 1995.
physical environment in one place can a culture and why some aspect Guadalupe • www.nationalgeographic.com
cause changes in other places (e.g., developed. urban • Teaching the Five Themes
cutting forests in one region may Instructional Fair. T.S. Denison,
result in river basin flooding Grand Rapids, MI 49544
elsewhere; building a dam floods land • Almanacs
upstream and may permit irrigation in • Atlases
another region). • Geographical Dictionary
• Newspapers, news magazines
6– G5.2.1 Describe the effects that a • Social Studies Skills Made Easy.
change in the physical environment Mark Twain Media/Carson -
could have on human activities and Dellosa Publishing Co., Inc.
the choices people would have to
make in adjusting to the change (e.g., • Presentations by local business
drought in northern Mexico, people/experts

disappearance of forest vegetation in • Classroom maps
the Amazon, natural hazards and • Overhead transparencies
disasters from volcanic eruptions in • Globes, charts, graphs
Central America and the Caribbean • Classroom posters
and earthquakes in Mexico City and • Library
Colombia). • Internet
• Guest speakers
• Videos
• Teacher lectures
• Large and small group discussions
• www.Classzone.com

Month: March/April – 4 Weeks Western Hemisphere – Sixth Grade
Unit: Central America Social Studies Pacing Guide


6 – G4.3.1 Identify places in the How have historical events Write a legend or myth about a departamento • World Cultures and Geography –
Western Hemisphere that have been effected the political, culture and why some aspect dependency Western Hemisphere and Europe,
modified to be suitable for settlement economic, and cultural developed. diversity McDougall Littell 2005
by describing the modifications that development of Central Ladino • Latin America and Canada,
were necessary (e.g., Vancouver in America? Use written text, graphs, single-product MacMillan/McGraw-Hill, 1992
Canada; irrigated agriculture; or charts, and thematic maps to economy • Classroom subscriptions to
clearing of forests for farmland). write a paper on how and why newspaper and/or student weekly
people live and work in Latin news magazine (Junior Scholastic,
6 – G4.3.2 Describe patterns of America. Time for Kids).
settlement by using historical and • Classroom Atlas
modern maps (e.g., coastal and river Use facts in almanac and • Newspaper articles and student
cities and towns in the past and mapping skills to create a map news magazine
present, locations of mega-cities – of a region of Canada or Latin • Fischer, Max W. Geography
modern cities over 5 million, such as America. Simulations. Teacher Created
Mexico City, and patterns of Materials, 1999
agricultural settlements in South and Create a time line of events • NCSS Publications P.O. Box 2067
North America). contrasting US, Canada, and Waldorf, MD 20604-2067 #940097
Latin America. 1-800-683-0812
6 – G5.1.1 Describe the • Jasmine, Grace. Nader, Lillian.
environmental effects of human Cooperative Learning Activities for
action on the atmosphere (air), Social Studies. Teacher Created
biosphere (people, animals, and Materials, Inc., 1995.
plants), lithosphere (soil), and • www.nationalgeographic.com
hydrosphere (water) (e.g., changes in • Teaching the Five Themes
the tropical forest environments in Instructional Fair. T.S. Denison,
Brazil, Peru, and Costa Rica). Grand Rapids, MI 49544
• Almanacs
6 – G5.1.2 Describe how variations • Atlases
in technology affect human • Geographical Dictionary
modifications of the landscape (e.g., • Newspapers, news magazines
clearing forests for agricultural land • Social Studies Skills Made Easy.
in South America, fishing in the Mark Twain Media/Carson -
Grand Banks of the Atlantic, Dellosa Publishing Co., Inc.
expansion of cities in South
America, hydroelectric developments • Presentations by local business
in Canada, Brazil and Chile, and people/experts

mining the Kentucky and West • Classroom maps
Virginia). • Overhead transparencies
• Globes, charts, graphs
6 – G5.1.3 Identify the ways in • Classroom posters
which human-induced changes in the • Library
physical environment in one place • Internet
can cause changes in other places • Guest speakers
(e.g., cutting forests in one region • Videos
may result in river basin flooding • Teacher lectures
elsewhere; building a dam floods • Large and small group discussions
land upstream and may permit • www.Classzone.com
irrigation in another region).

6– G5.2.1 Describe the effects that a
change in the physical environment
could have on human activities and
the choices people would have to
make in adjusting to the change (e.g.,
drought in northern Mexico,
disappearance of forest vegetation in
the Amazon, natural hazards and
disasters from volcanic eruptions in
Central America and the Caribbean
and earthquakes in Mexico City and
Colombia).

6 – C4.3.1 Explain the geopolitical
relationships between countries (e.g.,
petroleum and arms purchases in
Venezuela and Ecuador; foreign aid
for health care in Nicaragua).

6 – C4.3.3 Give examples of how
countries work together for mutual
benefits through international
organizations (e.g. North American
Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA),
Organization of American States
(OAS), and United Nations (UN)).

Month: April/May – 4 Weeks Western Hemisphere – Sixth Grade
Unit: Caribbean Islands/West Indies Social Studies Pacing Guide


6 – G5.1.1 Describe the How have historical events Identify major languages and communism • World Cultures and Geography –
environmental effects of human affected the political, religions of the world. Locate dictator Western Hemisphere and Europe,
action on the atmosphere (air), economic, and cultural these regions on maps to malnutrition McDougall Littell 2005
biosphere (people, animals, and development of the observe distribution and form Mulatto • Latin America and Canada,
plants), lithosphere (soil), and Caribbean Islands? hypothesis sugar cane MacMillan/McGraw-Hill, 1992
hydrosphere (water) (e.g., changes in West Indies • Classroom subscriptions to
the tropical forest environments in Create country profile of a newspaper and/or student weekly
Brazil, Peru, and Costa Rica). specific country or province, news magazine (Junior Scholastic,
present table and display for Time for Kids).
6 – G5.1.2 Describe how variations comparison purposes. • Classroom Atlas
in technology affect human • Newspaper articles and student
modifications of the landscape (e.g., Use written text, graphs, charts news magazine
clearing forests for agricultural land and thematic maps to write a • Fischer, Max W. Geography
in South America, fishing in the paper on how and why people Simulations. Teacher Created
Grand Banks of the Atlantic, live and work in Latin Materials, 1999
expansion of cities in South America. • NCSS Publications P.O. Box 2067
America, hydroelectric developments Waldorf, MD 20604-2067 #940097
in Canada, Brazil and Chile, and Create a chart which compares 1-800-683-0812
mining the Kentucky and West and contrasts the governments • Jasmine, Grace. Nader, Lillian.
Virginia). of the US and totalitarian, Cooperative Learning Activities for
parliamentarian, socialist Social Studies. Teacher Created
6 – G5.1.3 Identify the ways in systems. Materials, Inc., 1995.
which human-induced changes in the • www.nationalgeographic.com
physical environment in one place Create a time line to show • Teaching the Five Themes
can cause changes in other places changes in leadership of a Instructional Fair. T.S. Denison,
(e.g., cutting forests in one region country. Grand Rapids, MI 49544
may result in river basin flooding • Almanacs
elsewhere; building a dam floods Create a simulation that • Atlases
land upstream and may permit demonstrates the over throw of • Geographical Dictionary
irrigation in another region). governments. • Newspapers, news magazines
• Social Studies Skills Made Easy.
6– G5.2.1 Describe the effects that a Mark Twain Media/Carson -
change in the physical environment Dellosa Publishing Co., Inc.
could have on human activities and
the choices people would have to • Presentations by local business
make in adjusting to the change (e.g., people/experts

drought in northern Mexico, • Classroom maps
disappearance of forest vegetation in • Overhead transparencies
the Amazon, natural hazards and • Globes, charts, graphs
disasters from volcanic eruptions in • Classroom posters
Central America and the Caribbean • Library
and earthquakes in Mexico City and • Internet
Colombia). • Guest speakers
• Videos
6 – C1.1.1 Analyze competing ideas • Teacher lectures
about the purposes government • Large and small group discussions
should serve in a democracy and in a • www.Classzone.com
dictatorship (e.g., protecting
individual rights, promoting the
common good, providing economic
security, molding the character of
citizens, or promoting a particular
religion).

6 – C3.6.1 Define the characteristics
of a nation-state (a specific territory,
clearly defined boundaries, citizens,
and jurisdiction over people who
reside there, laws, and government),
and how Western Hemisphere
nations interact.

6 – C3.6.2 Compare and contrast a
military dictatorship such as Cuba, a
presidential system of representative
democracy such as the United States,
and a parliamentary system of
representative democracy such as
Canada.

6 – E2.3.1 Describe the impact of
governmental policy (sanctions,
tariffs, treaties) on that country and
on other countries that use its
resources.

6 – E3.3.1
Explain and compare how economic
systems (traditional, command, and
market) answer four basic questions:
What should be produced? How will
it be produced? How will it be
distributed? Who will receive the
benefits of production? (e.g.,
compare United States and Cuba, or
Venezuela and Jamaica.)

Month: May/June – 4 Weeks Western Hemisphere – Sixth Grade
Unit: South America Social Studies Pacing Guide


6 – G5.1.1 Describe the How has the history and Create country profile of a carnival • World Cultures and Geography –
environmental effects of human geography of South specific country or province, economic Western Hemisphere and Europe,
action on the atmosphere (air), America affected its present table and display for indicator McDougall Littell 2005
biosphere (people, animals, and present-day governments, comparison purposes. free-trade zone • Latin America and Canada,
plants), lithosphere (soil), and economies, and cultures? guerilla warfare MacMillan/McGraw-Hill, 1992
hydrosphere (water) (e.g., changes in Create country envelopes inflation • Classroom subscriptions to
the tropical forest environments in which contain clues to oasis newspaper and/or student weekly
Brazil, Peru, and Costa Rica). different countries on a Organization of news magazine (Junior Scholastic,
specific continent. American Time for Kids).
6 – G5.1.2 Describe how variations States • Secret of the Andes by Ann Nolan
in technology affect human Construct simple geographic Pan-America Clark, Viking Press
modifications of the landscape (e.g., information system (GIS-a Quechua • Classroom Atlas
clearing forests for agricultural land system for evaluating urbanization • Newspaper articles and student
in South America, fishing in the geographic locations) for news magazine
Grand Banks of the Atlantic, implementing a Mexican, • Fischer, Max W. Geography
expansion of cities in South Central American, Caribbean, Simulations. Teacher Created
America, hydroelectric developments or South American Materials, 1999
in Canada, Brazil and Chile, and development program. • NCSS Publications P.O. Box 2067
mining the Kentucky and West Waldorf, MD 20604-2067 #940097
Virginia). 1-800-683-0812
• Jasmine, Grace. Nader, Lillian.
6 – G5.1.3 Identify the ways in Cooperative Learning Activities for
which human-induced changes in the Social Studies. Teacher Created
physical environment in one place Materials, Inc., 1995.
can cause changes in other places • www.nationalgeographic.com
(e.g., cutting forests in one region • Teaching the Five Themes
may result in river basin flooding Instructional Fair. T.S. Denison,
elsewhere; building a dam floods Grand Rapids, MI 49544
land upstream and may permit • Almanacs
irrigation in another region). • Atlases
• Geographical Dictionary
6– G5.2.1 Describe the effects that a • Newspapers, news magazines
change in the physical environment • Presentations by local business
could have on human activities and people/experts
the choices people would have to • Classroom maps
make in adjusting to the change (e.g., • Overhead transparencies

drought in northern Mexico, • Globes, charts, graphs
disappearance of forest vegetation in • Classroom posters
the Amazon, natural hazards and • Social Studies Skills Made Easy.
disasters from volcanic eruptions in Mark Twain Media/Carson -
Central America and the Caribbean Dellosa Publishing Co., Inc.
and earthquakes in Mexico City and • Library
Colombia). • Internet
• Guest speakers
6 – C4.3.1 Explain the geopolitical • Videos
relationships between countries (e.g., • Teacher lectures
petroleum and arms purchases in • Large and small group discussions
Venezuela and Ecuador; foreign aid • www.Classzone.com
for health care in Nicaragua).

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