Most of your class likely will be composed of immigrants' descendants. Some students may even have immigrated recently themselves. Help students understand the influx of immigration in the early 20th century with a unit on Ellis Island, the former immigration portal in New York City. If possible, arrange a visit to the island and its museum for students to learn about the Ellis Island experience firsthand.
If a site visit is not possible, there are numerous educational books and videos that will help students understand the importance of the immigration station and, more generally, how immigration has shaped America. Talk about why people wanted to come to America and the struggles immigrants faced when they arrived.
Toward the end of the unit, assign each student a specific immigrant profile -- for instance, a 16-year-old Irish boy -- and have her write a report on why that person may have come to the U.S., what his experience was probably like when he came, where he likely lived, and so on. Encourage students to gather immigration stories from their families and share them with the class to help personalize the lesson.
It is equally important for students to realize that America had indigenous populations before even the earliest European settlers arrived. Design history activities that explore indigenous populations, especially those in your area. This history activity looks at the life of American Indians before settlers arrived, how immigrants changed that lifestyle and how indigenous populations live today in your area.
Combine this activity with lessons on common foods, celebrations, styles of dress and other cultural touchstones to help your fifth-graders get a better understanding of indigenous groups. If you are close enough, contact a school on a local reservation to arrange for classes to meet and spend the day together.
Many 5th grade classes begin to study America's founding in greater detail. Help students learn about the Constitutional Convention by reviewing why the Founding Fathers held the gathering, what they hoped to accomplish and how they solved disagreements over what the Constitution should include.
Once students have this knowledge, arrange a role-play of the Constitutional Convention. Split students into different state contingents to have them re-enact key moments, such as the Great Compromise. You can act the part of George Washington to keep the re-enactment on track. A visit to Philadelphia's Independence Hall and Constitution Center also would help your fifth-graders connect with this history lesson.
Just as fifth-graders learn about America's founding, many school districts focus on state history as well. Help your class understand more about their state's history and government by visiting the state capitol building. State capitol buildings hold a plethora of information, and usually have guided tours geared toward children. If a tour is not possible, have your class write skits about your state, its founding, its major historical figures and the state symbols. Have them perform the skits for parents or for younger classes as a way to help your fifth-graders remember the history behind their home state.