In this fifth grade social studies course, students begin their studies with geography and move into the beginnings of United States history. The course will focus on culture, geography, economics, civics and history. Students will participate in the study of the exploration and development of settlements along the Atlantic coast from early history to the establishment of the independent colonies' new government in the late 1700's. Students will gain knowledge of why Europeans came to North America, relationships with Native Americans, influential people of the period, and how independence was achieved. Additionally, students will participate in investigating, reading, and discussing current events throughout this course and incorporating them into the subject matter.