Sixth Grade Social Studies

Students will compare and contrast the nations of Latin America with an emphasis on the geography, history, and culture of these countries to determine how these elements affect present day life in Latin American society.

Outcome 1: Students will locate important geographical features of Mexico and identify historical event in Mexico’s past and describe the cultural aspects that have shaped Mexican society.

Geography:

• Locate and describe the landforms found in Mexico.
• Identify Mexico’s important natural resources

History:

• Describe how Mexicans won their independence from Spain.
• Identify the cause/results of the period of reform and revolution.
• Identify the leaders of Mexico’s struggle for independence and during the period of reform and revolution.

Culture:

• Identify the features of the Indian and Spanish cultures that have shaped Mexico
• Describe family life in Mexico, and its importance to the social and economic structure of Mexico.
• Understand how Mexican traditions have influenced modern Mexico.

Outcome 2: Students will explain the geographical regions of Central America and the Caribbean, identify ethnic groups that influence the changing cultures of Central America and the Caribbean, and describe the important historical events of two regions.

Geography:

• Explain how landforms and natural forces influence life in Central America and the Caribbean region.
• Compare/contrast the geographic regions of Central America and The Caribbean
• List the Chief natural resources of Central America and the Caribbean.

History:

• Describe how Central America’s governments have developed and moved toward democracy.
• Describe the effects of European colonization of the Caribbean region.
• Describe the role of the US in the regions of Central America an the Caribbean

Culture:

• Identify the ethnic groups affecting life in Central America and the Caribbean today
• Describe how traditional life is changing in Central America and explain the changing Caribbean society.

Outcome three: Students will identify important geographical features of South America, identify historical events in South America’s past, and analyze the cultures of the three basic geographical regions of South America.

Geography:

• List the major landforms, bodies of water, and natural resources in South America.
• Explain how physical features affect population

History:

• Describe how South American colonies won their freedom.
• Identify leaders in South America’s struggle for independence.
• List political and social problems faced by South America

Culture:

• Compare/contrast the cultural characteristics of the three basic geographical regions of South America (the jungle, mountains, and coastal areas)