During the year we will be learning about Pennsylvania history and geography, using two textbooks.                             

    Textbook - Tales of the Towpath



    Textbook  - Social Studies Pennsylvania Studies       

    Unit 1 - Pennsylvania's Land and First People    

    Ch1-Lesson 1: Land & Water

    Ch1-Lesson 2: People Arrive

    Ch1-Lesson 3: Early Cultures

    Ch1-Skill: Map Skills                

    • Our studies begin by identifying the five land regions of Pennsylvania and their characteristics.  We discuss how to read a map and explore Pennsylvania's climate, regions, and state symbols. 
    • Students will continue to study Pennsylvania by exploring Native Americans, specifically the Eastern Woodland Indians.  Their migration, organization of tribes, work, housing, money system, transportation, and religion will be discussed.  As Europeans began to settle on the North American continent, attention will be given to the various settlers.

    Ch2-Lesson 1: Explorers and Early Settlers

    Ch2-Lesson 2: William Penn's Colony

    Ch2-Lesson 3: The Colony Grows

    Ch2-Lesson 4: Life in the New Colony

    Ch2-Skill: Use Latitude and Longitude
    • In the late 1600's, William Penn received land in North America from the King of England in order to repay a debt owed to William's father.  A devout Quaker, William did not believe in war or fighting.  Using the land in the "New World" William began the colony of Pennsylvania.  He wanted his fellow colonists to have certain rights including freedom of religion, all people treated equally, and colonists would have a voice in government.  Many ethnic and religious groups moved to Pennsylvania in search of these freedoms.  We will explore the Pennsylvania Dutch colonists.
    • As the colony of Pennsylvania grew settlers wanted more land.  After William Penn died, his sons cheated the Delaware Native Americans out of land in the Walking Purchase.  

    Unit 2 - A New Nation and State

    Ch3-Lesson 1: The French and Indian War

    Ch3-Lesson 2: Declaring Independence

    Ch3-Lesson 3: The Revolution

    Ch3-Lesson 4: A New Nation

    Skill: Make a Timeline

    • Throughout history, people have had different ideas about issues.  Sometimes groups reach a compromise.  Perhaps they agree to the terms of a treaty.  However, sometimes differences lead to conflict.  
    • Since the colonists took interest in the fur trade, a war began between England and France.  In the middle of the 1700's, the 13 original colonies joined together and revolted against England's rule. George Washington led many battles and survived the long winter at Valley Forge during the American Revolution.  A new government was established and will be examined. 

    Ch4-Lesson 1: Keystone State

    Ch4-Lesson 2: Transportation and Trade

    Ch4-Lesson 3: Industry Changes

    Skill: Distinguishing from Fact & Opinion

    • Students will examine the history behind Pennsylvania's nickname, the Keystone State and the years between the American Revolution and the War of 1812.  They will identify the impact of new developments in transportation on Pennsylvania, and explain the economic and social effects of the Industrial Revolution.

    Unit 3 - Growth and Change

    Ch5-Lesson 1: Divided States

    Ch5-Lesson 2: Civil War

    Ch5-Lesson 3: The War and Pennsylvania

    Skill: Identify Primary & Secondary Sources

    • Between 1861 - 1865 the Civil War was fought.  One of the main issues was slavery.  Key people will be studied as well as major battles.  As the country industrialized, important individuals are noted as well as working conditions, the growth of cities, and the uses of Pennsylvania's natural resources.

    Ch6-Lesson 1: Manufacturing & Business

    Ch6-Lesson 2: Making Steel

    Ch6-Lesson 3: Immigration & Reform

    Ch6-Lesson 4: Changing Times

    Skill: Identify Cause & Effect

    • After the Civil War, the Industrial Revolution greatly changed our state economy.  Students discover Pennsylvania's industry and natural resources including lumber, coal, natural gas, and oil.  Many innovators and businesses contributed to the success of Pennsylvania including Henry Heinz, Milton Hershey, George Westinghouse, John Wanamaker, and F.W. Woolworth.  Andrew Carnegie and Henry Bessemer headed up the steel industry and helped others improve their lives through philanthropy.
    • In the late 1800s and early 1900s, many immigrants left their home countries due to lack of jobs, land, and unfair treatment.  They came to Pennsylvania seeking opportunity in the state's coal, steel, and textile industries.  Many immigrants came from Italy, Poland, Russian, Ireland, Wales, and England.
    • Students will continue to learn about Pennsylvania's role in World War I and World War II as well as during the Great Depression during 1930s.  The impact of segregation and the Civil Rights movement are discussed as students look at progress and change in the mid-1900s.

    Unit 4 - Pennsylvania Today

    Ch7-Lesson 1: United States Government

    Ch7-Lesson 2: State Government

    Ch7-Lesson 3: Rights & Responsibilities

    Skill: Resolve Conflicts

    • The United States is democracy, or system of government where people hold the power to decide what the government will do.  Students will learn about taxes, elections, the Constitution, and three branches of government as well as Pennsylvania's government and local levels.  They will explore what it means to be a good citizens and their rights and responsibilities as a citizen of Pennsylvania and the United States.

    Ch8-Lesson 1: People of Pennsylvania

    Ch8-Lesson 2: Working in Pennsylvania

    Ch8-Lesson 3: Connections to the World

    Skill: Read a Circle Graph

    • Pennsylvania has a vast economy.  Students discuss products, trade, and what it means to import and export goods and trade with other countries.

    Unit 5 - The East

    Ch9-Lesson 1: Land and Climate

    Ch9-Lesson 2: Resources & Economy

    Ch9-Lesson 3: The Mid-Atlantic

    Skill: Use Reference Materials

    • Pennsylvania is part of the East.  The East is a region of large cities, suburbs, and small towns, fertile farmland, and ocean shorelines.  It has a large population, and people work at many types of jobs.  
    • Students will discuss the natural resources found in the East and understand the meanings of market economy, factors of production, and private ownership.  They continue to understand the Mid-Atlantic region and patterns in settlement of the Mid-Atlantic states as well as the system of government.


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