South America

South America is a continent located in the western hemisphere, mostly in the southern hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the northern hemisphere. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

Geography

South America is home to diverse geography, including the Andes mountain range, the Amazon rainforest, the Atacama Desert, and the Pantanal wetlands. The continent is also known for its rich biodiversity.

Countries

South America is comprised of 12 countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

Culture

The continent has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, influenced by the indigenous peoples, European colonization, and African heritage. South American countries are known for their music, dance, literature, and cuisine.

Study Guide

What are the major geographical features of South America?
How many countries are there in South America? Name them.
What are some of the cultural influences in South America?
Identify and locate the Andes mountain range, the Amazon rainforest, and the Atacama Desert on a map.
Compare and contrast the cultural traditions of two South American countries.

◂Social Studies Worksheets and Study Guides Fifth Grade. First Americans

The resources above cover the following skills:

National Standards for Civics and Government (NSCG)

What are the foundations of the American political system? What values and principles are basic to American constitutional democracy?

Fundamental values and principles. Students should be able to explain the meaning and importance of the fundamental values and principles of American constitutional democracy. To achieve this standard, students should be able to

Explain the meaning and importance of the following fundamental principles of American constitutional democracy

Constitutional government which includes the rule of law; representative institutions; shared powers; checks and balances; individual rights; separation of church and state; federalism; civilian control of the military

National Center for History in Schools (NCHS)

Historical Thinking Standards

Historical Comprehension

Reconstruct the literal meaning of a historical passage.

United States History Content Standards

Era 1: Three Worlds Meet (Beginnings to 1620)

Comparative characteristics of societies in the Americas, Western Europe, and Western Africa that increasingly interacted after 1450.

The student understands the patterns of change in indigenous societies in the Americas up to the Columbian voyages.