UAE Grade 5 Social Studies

Unit 1: Charity, Sympathy, and Generosity

This unit explores the meaning of benevolence, compassion, and generosity. Students learn to differentiate between these concepts and apply them to real-life situations. They also examine moral dilemmas and learn to consider different points of view. The unit includes lessons on the types of empathy and how to express compassion towards others. Students also learn about the importance of empathy for the survival of a community. Examples of generosity and compassion from the UAE are presented, including the biography of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the "Year of Giving" initiative.

Unit 2: Me and My World

This unit focuses on the concept of responsibility, both for oneself and for others. Students learn about self-responsibility, family responsibility, and social responsibility. They explore the benefits of taking responsibility and the factors that might lead people to abandon their responsibilities. The unit also covers methods and types of help, the purpose of assuming responsibility towards society, and the importance of perseverance and resilience. The principles of the scouting movement are used to illustrate these concepts.

Unit 3: Ancient Civilizations

This unit explores ancient civilizations from around the world, including prehistory, Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Ancient China, and the development of transport and trade routes.

• Prehistory: Students investigate what life was like in the Stone Age and how archaeologists learn about prehistoric peoples. They examine artefacts and cave paintings to understand the lives of people during this period.
• Ancient Egypt and the Nile: Students learn about the importance of the Nile River to the Ancient Egyptian civilization, the benefits and problems of living near rivers, and the concept of dynasties.
• Mesopotamia and Agriculture: Students explore why the Sumerian civilization settled in Mesopotamia, the importance of agriculture and domestication to ancient civilizations, and facts about the Indus Valley Civilization.
• Ancient China - Shang and Zhou Dynasties: Students examine the dynasty system in Ancient China, the concept of monarchy as a type of government, and basic economic concepts of wealth and poverty.
• Transport and Trade in Ancient Civilizations: Students learn how travel over water helped ancient civilizations and examine early examples of water transport.