Focus: This unit (Unit 3 for schools using the CKHG series in Sequence grade-level order) begins by providing geographical information on Scandinavia, homeland of the Vikings, whose expertise as sailors and shipbuilders—and their fierce raiding spirit—enabled them to trade, conquer, and explore over a vast area. Students learn about the voyages of Eric the Red and his son, Leif Eriksson. Students are introduced to Norse mythology, including stories of Odin, Thor, and Loki.
Number of Lessons: 15
Lesson Time: 30 minutes each daily. Lessons may be combined into longer sessions.
Additional Search Terms: social studies • geography • map skills • nonfiction • informational text • Iceland • Greenland • Newfoundland • longships • Asgard • Valhalla
CKHG Grade Levels: CKHG units are correlated to topics at the grade levels specified in the Core Knowledge Sequence, which allows students in schools following the Sequence to build knowledge grade by grade. In other settings, individual CKHG units may be used as supplemental resources. In general, the content and presentation in the CKHG units for Grades 3-5 are appropriate for young readers from the upper elementary grades through middle school.
