Social Studies

The North Carolina Standard Course of Study in Social Studies provides students the opportunity to engage in the disciplines inquiry; behavioral sciences; civics and government; economics; geography; and history. As students develop cognitively, these disciplines become more focused based on the grade-level content and disciplinary thinking skills. Classrooms are structured with highly collaborative activities that allow students to engage in academic conversations and study rich academic topics. Resources provide an opportunity for reading, writing, speaking, and listening through a variety of instructional strategies.

Fourth Grade: North Carolina History

Pursuant to the passage of House Bill 1032 An Act Modifying the History and Geography Curricula in the Public Schools of North Carolina, the new standards for 4th grade will cover North Carolina history from pre-colonial times through the present day. These standards are designed to be taught throughout the timeline of North Carolina history from the pre-colonial period to the present day. They are meant to be revisited throughout the course of the school year so that by the end of the school year students can understand the ways in which the standards relate to North Carolina throughout history.


In the behavioral science strand, students will look at how various groups have contributed to the diversity of North Carolina throughout its history.


In the history strand, students will examine North Carolina’s role in major United States events. This will lay the foundations necessary for delving into United States history in 5th grade.


In the geography strand, students will address the concept of movement and its impact on people, goods, and ideas in North Carolina. Fourth-grade standards help prepare students for more sophisticated studies of our state, nation, and world in later grades.

Civics and Government: Students will also prepare for their role as responsible and informed citizens by examining the North Carolina Constitution and the separation of powers in state government.


Students will also explore the strand of economics, where they will learn how natural resources have influenced economic development in the state.


What can I do to support my elementary students with Social Studies?

You may want to consider reading around the topic your child is learning about and sharing your own experiences related to the topic. Engage in conversations by asking probing questions about your child’s learning experience such as:

  • What new information did you learn about?

  • What does this new learning remind you of?

  • What do you wonder about?

  • How can I help you find out more?

  • What questions do you have?

  • Read your child’s writing and work sent home or have your child read his/her writing or work aloud to you.

    • Not only will you as a parent or guardian begin to understand your child’s thinking, but you can also help your child clarify his/her own thinking by talking through the process with him/her.

  • Ask your child what he/she is doing for research around the topic.

  • Support your child with independent reading (i.e., encourage your child to go to your school’s media center or public library, encourage time and space for independent reading at home).