4th Grade Social Studies Units
Unit 1: Before the Borders of Colorado
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 Mountain’s 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. Students will examine the major events in Colorado history through the arrival of Europeans, connecting to events in US history that occurred at the same time. Through the study of peoples and groups such as Paleo-Indians, Ancestral Puebloans, other Native Americans and Europeans, students will consider how the physical places in the area to become Colorado changed and developed because of human activity as well as how people used geographic factors in creating settlements. They will consider multiple perspectives in examining the interactions between these groups of people that lived in or migrated to what would eventually be called Colorado. Students will begin to understand that for Native Americans, their culture, spirituality, and identity are directly entrenched with the land. They will encounter the belief that the earth is a living, breathing entity to cultivate and care for, so that future generations can continue to thrive long after individuals are gone. Additionally, students will understand that Indigenous tribes were (and still are) intimately tied to the land they inhabit.
Unit 2: Becoming Colorado
What considerations did peoples of Colorado 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. The standards addressed in this unit are history, geography and economics.
Unit 3: Defining Colorado
What motivates a territory to become a state?
A study in the process of Colorado statehood including key events and peoples.
This unit is a study in 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. For example, students could examine how rights and access to water have influenced laws, allegiances, and agreements between individuals and communities across the land of Colorado. Students consider the purposes of government and examine the historical foundation and events that led to the Colorado Constitution and Colorado statehood. The standards addressed in this unit are civics and history.
Unit 4: Growth of Colorado
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. The standards addressed in this unit are economics, history and geography.
Unit 5: Colorado Today
How do diverse opinions enrich a community? Why is it important to research issues and engage in civil debate? How does an individual’s experience and background influence perception of an issue?
A study in Colorado and its issues today. This unit is a study in the issues facing Colorado today. Students examine the history, economics and civics behind some of the major issues in Colorado today. They identify, investigate, and analyze multiple perspectives on civic issues (for example, local laws, government funding, park spaces). They provide supportive arguments for both sides of the issue and discuss how various individuals and groups influence the way an issue is viewed and resolved. In considering Colorado today students will examine the roles in state government and how the government factors into local issues. These studies can be done through the context of a variety of Colorado issues (for example, pine beetles, 1976 Olympics, new energy, or the Chicano movements). Students should be encouraged to engage to make a change through their research, reporting, and writing. The standards addressed in this unit are civics and history.