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In this course, fifth-grade students study North American history from the precolonial and colonial period through the Civil War and Reconstruction, and then study the 20th-century movements for civil rights for all people. Underpinning the approach to the 5th-grade curriculum is the view that the United States has been shaped by the experiences, contributions, and perspectives of diverse peoples; lessons provide a path to critically examine the nation's founding, expansion, and efforts to become "a more perfect Union" throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Sixth-grade students are introduced to early human history and to the multi-faceted societies that developed in the Middle East and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Central and South America. Through exploring the interrelationship between environmental features and patterns of life, students understand how physical and human geography are connected in myriad ways. Over the course of the year, students gain appreciation of the sheer diversity of human societies — and the inventive ways they have grappled with core human dilemmas.
Grade 6, Unit 2: Please note that in school year 2026-27, this unit will also include a cluster on the origins of monotheistic religions in this region in alignment with Topic 6.T3e of the 2018 History/Social Science Framework. These materials are undergoing additional revision and their publication is forthcoming. For the 2025-26 school year, we recommend that teachers address this content using the legacy materials (available on our preview site) or others that are in alignment with the Framework.
Preview Additional Grade 6 Units: Unit 4 is now available for preview . This unit will eventually be fully published to this page.
In seventh grade, students continue their regional study of the world's ancient history and its contemporary geography through examining South and Central Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia and Oceania, and Europe. In particular, this course deepens their understanding of the role of religion and leadership in human societies. Students explore the different values, beliefs, and governments that have shaped civic life for people throughout history.
Preview Additional Grade 7 Units: Unit 5 is now available for preview , while Unit 4 will be available for preview shortly. These units will eventually be fully published to this page.
If you would prefer professionally printed versions of the Investigating History materials such as bound teachers' guides and student workbooks or durable, color-printed classroom resources, these orders can be fulfilled by Commonwealth Print and Mail Services (CPMS) and TigerPress/dcc. Both vendors offer a variety of ordering and pricing options and educators are encouraged to explore each print partner to determine the best fit for their needs. You can access the CPMS order form (select "register for an account" and follow these instructions ) or TigerPress order form directly. For support, please reach out directly to Matt Brogna at CPMS or Jamie O'Connell at Tiger Press.
We are continuously improving our curriculum materials and appreciate your feedback! Please submit all feedback using this form: Investigating History Curriculum Feedback .