Settlements and Trade

Settlements and Trade is a mini unit created to align with Section 4 of the unit “Time and Space” Alberta Grade 5 social studies new curriculum. It’s completely laid out with teacher notes and a sequence of activities, so very little prep is required by the teacher.

This resource includes:

1. Teacher Notes
2. Student Notes
3. Ancient River Settlements
4. Getting Settled
5. River or Coast?
6. Urbanization
7. Quiz
8. Answer Keys

The standards are:

1. Ancient civilizations were complex societies that existed thousands of years ago.
2. Many civilizations grew along major river valleys because the geographical features supported agriculture.
3. Increased agriculture led to a shift from nomadic to settled societies.
4. Regular flooding brought sediment to river valleys, which made the soil good for farming.
5. Some ancient civilizations were established along coastlines because the geographical features supported settlement.
6. Environmental features affect the distribution and movement of people.
7. Ancient civilizations found geographical features necessary to establishing urban areas.
8. Students will evaluate the opportunities and challenges of establishing settlements along river valleys and coastlines.
9. Advancements in agriculture, including irrigation and the use of domestic animals for labour, allowed for more agricultural goods to be produced by fewer people.
10. Urban settlements were created as fewer people engaged in agriculture (surplus labour).
11. Excess agricultural products (surplus goods) were traded for goods and services.
12. River valley civilizations and coastal civilizations developed urban settlements where people had specialized jobs.
13. Economic practices developed in response to the growth of urban centers.
14. Economic practices include exchanging goods at markets, storing valuables in banks, purchasing goods and services with currency, and supporting government services with taxation.
15. Innovations and urbanization contributed to the development of economic practices.

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