4th Grade Social Studies
Skills to Know
History
Describe early American Indian cultures and their development in North America
Describe European exploration in North America.
Explain the factors that shaped British Colonial America.
Geography and Map Skills
Locate major topographical features on a physical map of the United States.
Locate and describe the equator, prime meridian, and lines of latitude and longitude on a globe.
Government and Civics
Describe the elements of the representative republic in the United States. (branches of government)
Explain the importance of Americans sharing certain central democratic beliefs and principles, both personal and civic.
Economics
Define and give examples of the four types of productive resources. (natural, human, capital, entrepreneur)
Explain that governments provide goods and services (schools, libraries, roads, police/fire protection, and military) and pay for these through taxes.
Give examples of interdependence and trade and explain the benefits of voluntary exchange.
Explain the concept of opportunity cost as it relates to making a saving or spending choice.
Activities to Try
- History
Interview an older family member or friend to find out what life was like when they were a child. Write a summary to compare and contrast your lives. Click HERE for sample questions, or make up your own.
Select a region of North America and research the American Indians who lived there. Use this site for support.
Research one of the explorers who came to North America. What was their motivation for exploring, and what obstacles did they face?
Watch the video; 13 American Colonies. Create a chart to show the differences in each region of the colonies.
- Geography and Map Skills
Create a map of your room, home, or neighborhood. Provide a map key and compass rose. Practice writing directions to various locations. Give the directions to a family member to see if they can find their destination.
Practice finding locations by playing these games: ABCya Latitude and Longitude and Seterra Latitude and Longitude Map Game.
Select a river you studied in 3rd grade (Hudson, St. Lawrence, Ohio, Mississippi, Rio Grande, and Colorado). Research the location of the river; find out about the jobs people have on the river and how the location impacts the economy. How has the river changed over time?
- Government and Civics
Watch these videos, then create a visual to show the branches of government. Describe the role of each branch. Video 1, Video 2
- Economics
Interview an adult in your life to find out more about making economic choices. Use the suggested questions (HERE) or add in some of your own.
Complete activities from Piggy Bank Primer from the St. Louis Federal Reserve
Select an item from your home, create and sort a list of the resources used to make the product, and get it to your home. Video 1 Example here!
