4th Grade Social Studies
4th Grade Social Studies
In this comprehensive social studies course, students will embark on a journey through the rich history and diverse culture of Colorado. The course is divided into eight units that cover various aspects of Colorado's past and present, providing students with a well-rounded understanding of their home state. Students will be introduced to the physical geography of Colorado and its neighboring states. Through the use of geographic tools and maps, students will explore the unique features of the state, understand the impact of the physical environment on human activities, and investigate the changes and developments that have occurred over time. The history of Colorado's Indigenous groups and their significant contributions will also be examined. Students will analyze primary sources, such as journals, diaries, and oral histories, to gain insights into the perspectives and experiences of the historic tribes of Colorado. They will also examine the interactions between Indigenous Peoples and other cultures that migrated to present-day Colorado. Unit 3, "Explorers and Fur Traders," takes students on a journey through time as they learn about the explorers and fur traders who ventured into Colorado. Through the examination of primary and secondary sources, students will understand the motivations and impacts of these explorers, including Spanish explorers and trappers, and explore the human interactions that shaped Colorado's history. Westward Expansion will be examined and its effects on Colorado's political and cultural landscape. Students will analyze primary sources to gain multiple perspectives on settler colonialism and its impact on the region. They will explore the contributions and influences of various cultural and ethnic groups, such as African Americans, Latino, Asian American, Indigenous Peoples, religious groups, and European settlers. Students will then explore the major events and transformations that shaped Colorado's history during the 20th century. Students will investigate significant events like the Great Depression, Dust Bowl, Amaché, Chicano movement, and busing in Denver. They will examine the past and present interactions among diverse people and cultures in Colorado, fostering an understanding of the state's dynamic and evolving identity. Students will be introduced to the origins, structures, and functions of the Colorado government. They will explore civic issues faced by the state and develop possible solutions. They will explain the roles of leaders, citizens, and others in state government. Analyze the relationship between economic incentives and the production of goods and services in different historical periods in Colorado, and they will evaluate opportunity costs in different scenarios and understand the relationship between long-term goals and opportunity cost. By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the history, geography, civics, economics, and personal financial literacy of Colorado, preparing them for a deeper exploration of their state's story.
Unit 1: The Land We Call Home (Sept)
Unit 2: The First People (Oct)
Unit 3: Explorers and Fur Traders (Nov)
Unit 4: Moving West (Dec)
Unit 5: A Changing Colorado (Jan)
Unit 6: Colorado in the 20th Century (Feb)
Unit 7: Citizenship and Government (Mar-April)
Unit 8: Economics and You (May)