This handbook outlines the grade 5 course entitled "People of a Nation: The United States." A statement of the California philosophy of history-social studies education precedes the handbook's three sections. The first two sections present major goals of the overall program, an overview of social studies content for grades K-6, and a chart of content areas for grades K-12. Section 3 describes the topics, concepts, skills, learning activities, and media resources for the fifth grade level. Topics covered include California as part of the United States, geography of the United States, the American people, American Indians, explorers and settlers, the Founding Fathers, and American leaders. Appendices contain California education codes concerning history and social science instruction and the observance of special events. (LP)