This unit is an integration of the fifth grade standard course of study for language arts and social studies.  It is designed to accommodate all students on their instructional reading levels.  A part of this unit shows teachers how to instruct special needs learners while still using this unit plan.  Students engage in many activities that focus on the Dust Bowl in the Pan Handle of Oklahoma.  In this unit you will find launch activities to start your unit, social studies lessons, a guide to the three reading levels using literature circles, and closure ideas that could be modified to fit different teachers needs.