UTAH Studies: Strand 5

LOOKING TOWARDS UTAH’S FUTURE

(Ca. 2003–Present)

Utah’s recent past, the present, and planning for the future

In the 21st century, central themes endure: the diffusion of cultures, global interconnectedness, the importance of creating and sustaining community, and the need for a strong economy. Most current events—whether they involve interactions between sovereign American Indian tribal communities and state and federal governments; concerns about water;tensions and questions about the proper role and jurisdiction of local,state, and federal governments; or ideas about how best to grow Utah’s economy—have their roots deeply embedded in the rich history of Utah. Students will now have an opportunity to synthesize their study of Utah with capstone academic work.

 UT Standard 5.1: Students will select a recent event they think will be worthy of remembering,recording, orinterpreting, andmake an argumentforits potential historical significance. (history)

 UT Standard 5.2: Students will use geographic tools and resources to investigate a currentissue, challenge, or problemfacingUtah ortheir community, and propose a viable solution.(geography)

 UT Standard 5.3: Students will use data regarding the key components of Utah’s economy to make recommendations for sustainable development.(economics)

 UT Standard 5.4: Students will use recent population growth and other demographic trendstomake predictions aboutUtah’s growth, and create and defend a public policy in response to those trends.(economics)

 UT Standard 5.5: Students will research issues of civic importance in which city, county, tribal, orstate governments have a role. Studentswill use theirresearch to develop and write a policy proposalto the appropriate governmental entity,suchasaboard, commission, council,legislator,oragency.(civics)