Fifth Grade Social Studies Unit and Student Readings.

The social studies resource unit and student readings for fifth grade pupils present the main idea that America is a heterogeneous society composed of different racial, religious, cultural, and ethnic groups who have continued the struggle to gain equal rights and opportunities. Pupils discover where immigrants came from, why they came to America, and what their problems of adjustment were after arrival. Study and analysis of democratic ideals and values leads to an understanding that they are not applied equally to minority groups. Past treatment of Indians, and Negroes is examined. Activities that provide opportunities for learning how it feels to be discriminated against are given. Emphasis is upon recognition of the many cultural and political contributions made by the ethnic groups. Thinking tasks supplied in this unit are on concept formation, interpretation of data, and application of generalizations. Twenty-five learning activities are coordinated with the thinking tasks. Supplementary features include a bibliography of books, filmstrips, films, and maps, and three teacher appendices. (Related documents are: ED 048 035 through ED 048 041.) (Author/SJM)