The science curriculum for fifth graders in Maryland focuses specifically on landforms. You can ask your students to make clay or papier-mache models of the various landscapes found in the state. Apart from the model, the project also should include a written description of the individual landscapes, and information of the wildlife and habitat found there. Landforms to be depicted can include the Appalachian Ridge, Chesapeake Bay and the Piedmont.
Fifth grade is a good time to introduce students to the works of Edgar Allen Poe who spent a considerable part of his life in Maryland. Ask your students to make their own Tales of Mystery and Imagination anthology by collecting ghost stories and urban myths that originate in the state. Material can be found online, through visits to museums or by talking to local historians. Every student writes an essay retelling a story, which she can illustrate with photos and drawings. To avoid duplicate content, have a list of unique mysteries at hand and let the students choose. Stories can include the Poe Toaster, the Dwayyo coyote or the goatman. The project will comply with the state curriculum by encouraging the student to perform research, to summarize the material and to paraphrase their findings.
The Civil War is part of the social studies curriculum for fifth graders and students can undertake a project in which they investigate why men chose to become either a Confederate or a Union soldier. That Maryland was a border state during the conflict, and had citizens fighting on both sides of the war, should give the project a particular local impact. Divide the class into two groups and ask each team to investigate a political side and their arguments. During the project, each team chooses a leader, designs recruitment posters and writes a speech outlining their argument. On the final day, the leaders of each group will give a speech during which they will present their groups' findings.
Students in fifth grade learn about design and conveying a personal message through art. To comply with the curriculum, ask your students to find their favorite landmark in the Maryland region, for which they will design a full-page advertisement or poster. The artwork can be assembled through drawings, photographs or collages, and include slogans or text that explains why the landmark is worthwhile visiting. At the end of the project, display all artwork in an exhibition in either the classroom or the assembly hall.