Why did various people from a variety of cultures migrate to and settle in the Rocky Mountain region?
A study in the area of the Great River (now known as the Colorado River) and the Rocky Mountains early history and geography.
This unit is a study in the ways that human interactions among people and cultures that have been a part of Colorado’s history have helped shape the area before the boundaries of the state of Colorado were put in place during the colonization from Spanish and European peoples. Through the study of peoples and groups such as Paleo-Indians, Ancestral Puebloans, other Indigenous Peoples and Europeans, students will consider how the physical places in the area to that will eventually become Colorado changed and developed because of human activity as well as how people used geographic factors in identifying key areas of agriculture and creating their settlements.
What considerations did groups of people look for in the areas they chose to live?
A study in Colorado's westward expansion: history, geography, and economics of various settlements.
This unit is a study in the ways that continued settlement by various groups in Colorado impacted the people already living there, shaped the land, and led to both positive and negative interactions. Students will analyze primary and secondary sources as they examine the impact of groups who migrated and settled in Colorado as a result of the gold rush, mining, trappers and traders, and westward expansion. Fourth graders will consider the economic factors that led groups of people to migrate to, and settle in, Colorado. Students study the geography of the area, including the use of geographic tools and grid systems to examine how places have changed and developed over time.
What motivates a territory to become a state?
A study in Colorado's journey toward statehood.
This unit is a study of the ways that Colorado moved from a territory to a state. Students examine events, such as the Colorado War and Sand Creek Massacre so they consider how the continued settlement of Colorado and the interactions between groups of settlers and Native Americans led to conflict and disagreement. Students consider the purposes of government and examine the historical foundation and events that led to the Colorado Constitution and Colorado statehood.
How does economic activity affect Colorado’s physical environment and cultural groups?
A study in the interactions between economy and geography.
This unit is a study in the ways that Colorado developed as a state. Through the study of industry growth in Colorado, students examine how positive and negative economic incentives led to the expansion of factories, farming, ranching, transportation, nuclear, computer, and the ski industry. Students analyze how geographic factors contribute to the creation of settlements and have adapted to and modified the local physical environment as industry develops. They study and use geographic tools to study Colorado regions.
What does it take to lead change in Colorado today?
A study in civics and the future of Colorado.
This unit is a study in our state of Colorado today. Students will explore what it means to be a good citizen. They will learn the difference between personal and civic responsibilities and why those roles matter in a democratic society. Students will investigate whose voices have been excluded or empowered, and explore systems of civic inclusion and exclusion. Students will learn to examine multiple perspectives and prepare to take a stand through opinion writing or advocacy pieces.