Concept Outline- Introduction to the United States of

America

Day 1-Introduction to Unit and Culture-Wednesday 10/25

Standard - 8.3.4.C
Explain how continuity and change in U.S. history have influenced personal development and
identity.
 Belief systems and religions
 Commerce and industry
 Technology
 Politics and government
 Physical and human geography
 Social organizations

-Pre-test
-What we are talking about in Unit, Geography, Native Americans, Earth Day, Culture
-Introduce culture. What is it? What does it look like?
-YouTube video about culture https://youtu.be/H-P3wm1Fvv4?feature=shared
-Culture is...
-Foods you enjoy, your country, traditions, holidays, songs, what makes you who you are
-Introduce Culture Suitcase homework
-Students create their own culture suitcase with pictures. They can bring items in as well.
Anything that embraces their culture.
-Create a teacher example

Day 2- USA Geographic Features Gallery Walk- Thursday 10/26

Standard - 7.1.4.B
Describe and locate places and regions as defined by physical and human features.
Standard - 7.2.4.A
Identify the physical characteristics of places and regions.

-Four stations with pictures and facts about the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, Appalachian
Mountains, Yellowstone National Park
- How they are formed, what region they are located, and other important information
-Pre-made groups seven minutes at each station
-Packet with space to draw a picture and write down information
Day 3- Native Americans- Friday 10/27
Standard - 8.3.4.C
Explain how continuity and change in U.S. history have influenced personal development and
identity.

-Indigenous people
-Christopher Columbus
-1942 thought he found India, so he referred to the people as Indians.
-Native American Beliefs
-Individualized for each tribe but with deep respect for nature
-Tribes
-Cherokee, Sioux, Apache, Navajo, Iroquois
-Native American homes
-Tipi, wigwam, longhouse, plank house, adobe house
-Powwow dances YouTube video
-https://youtu.be/MONgmqIpaW8?si=F1mNaGg7QJjwAVAC
-Acrostic poem using the word Indigenous

Day 4- Earth Day- Monday 10/30

Standard - 5.2.4.D
Describe how citizens participate in school and community activities.

-Earth Day read-aloud monster

-Video https://youtu.be/pCPJbdK63nw?si=70-J6ozzTY5RXecA
-Vocabulary
-Litter, compost, pollution, recycle
-Earth Day explained. Why do we celebrate and what has it accomplished so far?
-Video https://youtu.be/qXK-2U9NylE?si=wI41lHgPvPllaURp
-Socratic Seminar
-Expectations, participate not shout out, provide reasoning, be kind.
-What human activities cause harm to our planet?
-What can you do at home to help the environment?
-What is something you could implement at school to help the environment?
Day 5- Culture Suitcase- Wednesday 11/1
Standard - 5.3.4.G
Identify individual interests and explain ways to influence others.

-Expectations
-Participate in sharing, listening to others
-Small groups spread out in room and hallway
-Different Cultures in each group
-Anecdotal notes

Day 6- Summative Assessment- Thursday 11/2

-Self-created test with similar questions to the pretest but more in-depth questions.