Fourth Grade Social Studies

Fourth Grade

Fourth Grade Social Studies

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FIRST SIX WEEKS

SECOND SIX WEEKS

THIRD SIX WEEKS

FOURTH SIX WEEKS

FIFTH SIX WEEKS

SIXTH SIX WEEKS

First Six Weeks

Title: / Grade level:
Geography: Baseball Coast to Coast / Fourth Grade
Subject(s): / Six Weeks/CPG:
Social Studies / First/ 2
Description:
Have a hot dog at the home park and some cotton candy at the coliseum as you take your students on this interactive road trip that teaches geography concepts of direction, scale, landforms, regions and population. From the Green Monster at Fenway to a "Mile High" in Denver, students in grades four through eight will journey to famous baseball stadiums in this barnstorming study of how technological advances, transportation and westward migration have shaped American history in every decade since the 1890s.
Objectives:
Learning Standards 2005, 2006, 2014, 2015
The participant will:

Examine historical photos, diagrams, maps and primary source documents.
Analyze how the effects of westward migration, innovations in transportation and the Industrial Revolution have impacted American culture as reflected in the location and construction of baseball stadiums.
Understand, through reasoning and critical thinking, how population shifts, economic variables and geographic factors often determine the location of major league baseball teams.

Content Provider/Project Creator:
National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
Cost (subject to change):
$125
Link for more information:

Title: / Grade level:
Where in Texas is Carmen Sandiego? / Fourth Grade
Subject(s): / Six Weeks/ CPG:
Social Studies / First/2
Description:
Each school will take a region of Texas. They will develop clues that they will give to the receiving school. The clues will lead the receiving school to decide in which region of Texas Carmen Sandiego can be found.
Objectives:
Learning Standards 2006 and 2005
The student will:

Understand how a region is defined by its physical and human characteristics.
Describe the physical regions of Texas.

Content Provider/Project Creator:
Point-to-Point or MultiPoint (DISD class to DISD class)
Cost (subject to change):
Free
Link for more information:
CPG 1st six weeks/week 2
Title: / Grade level:
Come and See / Fourth Grade
Subject(s): / Six Weeks/ CPG:
Social Studies / First/2
Description:
The participating classes will create a travel commercial for a major Texas city. The commercial will include the information about the political, population, and economic regions. The commercial will be creatively presented. Once everyone has presented their projects, there will be discussion about the city they would like to visit and justification.
Objectives:
Learning Standard 3022, 3023, 3026, 2010
The student will:

Know how geographic factors influence the area’s economic activities.
Analyze the effects of immigration, migration, and limited resources on the economic growth.
Explain how people in different regions of Texas earn their living.
Describe regions of Texas.

Content Provider/Project Creator:
Point-to-Point or MultiPoint (DISD class to DISD class)
Cost (subject to change):
Free
Link for more information:
CPG 1st six weeks/week 2
Title: / Grade level:
Encounters! / Fourth Grade
Subject(s): / Six Weeks/ CPG:
Social Studies / First/3
Description:
How did early native peoples encounter their environment, other native groups, and the Spanish Conquistadors in the vast landscape that would become Texas? Dr. Source, Primary Investigator, will lead students as they search for evidence from artifacts and explore stories that reveal the many meanings of Encounters on the Land.
Objectives:
Learning Standards 1011, 4005, 2025
The student will:

Compare the ways of life of Native American groups in Texas.
Compare how selected Native American groups governed themselves.
Describe ways people have adapted to their environment in Texas.

Content Provider/Project Creator:
The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
Cost (subject to change):
Unknown – Check the calendar of events on Connect2Texas
Link for more information:

Title: / Grade level:
Images of American Indians-People of the Plains / Fourth Grade
Subject(s): / Six Weeks/ CPG:
Social Studies / First/3
Description:
Making observations about art will be an important component of the People of the Plains videoconference. The pre-broadcast activities will prepare students by having them focus on and practice the skills of looking and describing. During this broadcast, students will use selected works to analyze and discuss Plains Indian culture, including the following themes: family/home, games/play, art/decoration, protection/self-defense, dances/ceremonies, and hunting. The students will work in groups to complete an activity sheet using a reproduction of an artwork in the museum's permanent collection. Once the groups have finished the activity, each group will present their response. A discussion and a more in-depth look at the subject matter will follow each presentation.
Objectives:
Learning Standards 1011, 4005, and 2025
The students will:

Make observations and draw conclusions about what they see in a work of art.
Engage in a dialogue about what they see in a work of art.
Discuss the life of the Plains Indians and increase their knowledge about the subject.

Content Provider/Project Creator:
Amon Carter Museum
Cost (subject to change):
$100
Link for more information:

Title: / Grade level:
Show Me, Tell Me About American Indian Heritage / Fourth Grade
Subject(s): / Six Weeks/ CPG:
Social Studies / First/3
Description:
Discover what daily life as an American Indian was like prior to the arrival of European settlers and how the contact changed the Indian way of life. Students will learn the distinction between prehistory and history, how metal was introduced into the lives of the American Indians, and the impact and importance of fur trade.
Objectives:
Learning Standards 1011, 4005, and 2025
The student will:

Understands family life now and in the past and family life in various places long ago.
Understands the history of the local community and how communities in North America varied long ago.
Understands the people, events, problems, and ideas that were significant in creating the history of their state.

Content Provider/Project Creator:
Ohio Historical Society
Cost (subject to change):
$125
Link for more information:

Title: / Grade level:
Native Americans / Fourth Grade
Subject(s): / Six Weeks/ CPG:
Social Studies / First/3
Description:
Learning activities about different Native American cultures will take place while students create their very own Hopi Kachina puppet. Activities focus on three Native American cultures (Eastern Woodlands, Plains, Southwest), the use of natural resources from the different regions, and how these resources shaped their lives in regards to clothing, shelter and even transportation. Students also discuss Kachinas and the Hopi culture in general. This is a great arts and social studies lesson all in one!
Puppet materials are easy-to-find, low-cost items that can mostly be found around the classroom. The materials list, templates, and curriculum-based study guide can be downloaded from our website.
Objectives:
Learning Standards 1011, 4005, and 2025
The student will:

Compare and contrast NativeAmerican cultural groups.
Engage in a discussion about culture and how it is defined by natural resources.
Explore the Hopi culture.
Create a working puppet based on a Hopi Kachina.
Develop an appreciation of another cultural group that makes up the U.S.

Content Provider/Project Creator:
Center for Puppetry Arts
Cost (subject to change):
$145
Link for more information:

Title: / Grade level:
Who’s Making the News? / Fourth Grade
Subject(s): / Six Weeks/ CPG:
Social Studies / First/4,5
Description:
After studying the different explorers who explored Texas, the students will then create questions for an interview of different explorers. One school will be the explorer and the other school will be the television interviewer. They will ask the questions of the explorer. Then the “explorer” school could ask questions of the other school which will be a different explorer.
Objectives:
Learning Standards 2016, 5003, and 5018
The student will:

Understand how the physical characteristics of a region determine where settlements are located.
Analyze information by sequencing, categorizing, identifying cause-and-effect relationships, comparing, contrasting, finding the main idea, summarizing, making generalizations and predictions, and drawing inference and conclusions.
Create written and visual material.

Explain when and where the Spanish established Catholic missions in Texas.
Explain the geographic factors that influence patterns of settlement and the distribution of population in Texas.
Analyze information.
Create written and visual materials.
Organize and interpret information.

Content Provider/Project Creator:
Point-to-Point or MultiPoint (DISD class to DISD class)
Cost (subject to change):
Free
Link for more information:
CPG 1st six weeks/weeks 4-5
Title: / Grade level:
First Encounters! When the Conquistadors Met the Karankawa / 4
Subject(s): / Six Weeks/CPG:
Social Studies / First/5
Description:
How did early native peoples encounter their environment, other native groups, and the Spanish Conquistadors in the vast landscape that would become Texas? Dr. Source, Primary Investigator, will lead students as they search for evidence from artifacts and explore stories that reveal the many meanings of Encounters on the Land.
Objectives:
U.S. National Curriculum Standards
NSS-USH.K-4.2 THE HISTORY OF STUDENTS' OWN STATE OR REGION
Understands the people, events, problems, and ideas that were significant in creating the history of their state
NSS-USH.K-4.3 THE HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES: DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES
Content Provider/Project Creator:
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
Cost (subject to change):
$80.00
Link for more information:

Title: / Grade level:
Gone to Texas! Part of the Nation's Immigration Story / 4
Subject(s): / Six Weeks/CPG:
Social Studies / First/5
Description:
Why did people move to Texas from other countries? Were they always welcomed when they arrived? Dr. source, primary investigator, will discuss the four primary waves of immigration to the United States through Texas, the history behind the movement of people to Texas then and now, interesting stories from immigrants, and look at artifacts that people brought with them on the journey. Pre and post lessons are included.
Objectives:
explore the role of immigrants in US History (4 waves)
Compare and discuss historical issues of immigration to modern topics of immigration
Learn about immigrant stories and their "piece in the bigger picture"
Content Provider/Project Creator:
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
Cost (subject to change):
$80.00
Link for more information:

Second Six Weeks

Title: / Grade level:
Texas Wants You!!! / Fourth Grade
Subject(s): / Six Weeks/ CPG:
Social Studies / Second/2
Description:
The students will create a poster, or flyer, which encourages the farmers in the U. S. to come to Texas in the early 1800s. They will share their flyers with the other school. After viewing both schools’ flyers, they will then decide which flyer best encourages U. S. farmers to come to Texas.
Objectives:
Learning Standards 1004, 1003, and 1029
The student will:

Understand that history divides into eras and periods defined and shaped by events and people.
Understands the concepts of chronology and time.
Understands the causes, characteristics and effects that led to the expansion and encounter of societies during the era of exploration and colonization.
Explain the impact of American ideas about progress and equality of opportunity on the economic development and growth of Texas.

Content Provider/Project Creator:
Point-to-Point (DISD class to DISD class)
Cost (subject to change):
Free
Link for more information:
CPG 2nd six weeks/week 2
Title: / Grade level:
Land Ho!! / Fourth Grade
Subject(s): / Six Weeks/ CPG:
Social Studies / Second/2
Description:
The students will create television commercials which advertise land in Texas, such as Stephen F. Austin would have created. They will share their commercials with the other school. Which school will receive the Clio award (the award presented that honors creativity in advertising) for the best commercial and why would it win?
Objectives:
Learning Standards 2014, 2016, 5017, and 5019
The student will:

Describe the location of cities in Texas and explain their distribution, past and present.
Explain the geographic factors that influence patterns of settlement and distribution of population in Texas.
Create written and visual materials.
Organize and interpret information.

Content Provider/Project Creator:
Point-to-Point (DISD class to DISD class)
Cost (subject to change):
Free
Link for more information:
CPG 2nd six weeks/week 2
Title: / Grade level:
PIONEERS / Fourth
Subject(s): / Six Weeks/CPG:
Social Studies / Second/4
Description:
Experience life on the frontier in the 1800's. Be prepared for lots of chores when you take a long journey across the wilderness to make a new home. See a washboard, homemade soap, a quilt and a slat bonnet as you learn about lives of the early pioneers. All ages. Sample Topics: Transportation - Shelters - Some reasons why people venture into the unknown
Objectives:
Geography- The student understands how the physical characteristics of a region determine how humans adapted to and modify their environment.
2025 Describe ways people have adapted to their environment in Texas, past and present. 9a, (B)
2026 Indentify reasons, why people have adapted to their environment in the United States, past and present such as the use of natural resources to meet basic needs. 9b, (B)
Students should have an understanding of how Anglo Americans adapted to life in the Texas.
Content Provider/Project Creator:
Institute of Texan Cultures
Cost (subject to change):
$150 per session/connection
Link for more information:

Title: / Grade level:
Name that Hero / Fourth Grade
Subject(s): / Six Weeks/ CPG:
Social Studies / Second/4/5
Description:
The students will create a baseball card to “swap” with the other school. On this card will be information about a hero of the Texas Revolution. Using the internet they will find interesting facts about their person. After the card is created, the students will present,via the document camera, their cards to the participating school, hiding the name. The other school will attempt to name that hero.
Objectives:
Learning Standards 4013, 4044, 5017, 1036
The student will:

Explain how individuals can participate voluntarily in civic affairs at state and local levels.
Summarize the contributions of people of various racial, ethnic, and religious groups in the development of Texas.
Create written and visual materials.
Identify the contributions of significant individuals during the Texas Revolution.

Content Provider/Project Creator:
Point-to-Point or MultiPoint (DISD class to DISD class)
Cost (subject to change):
Free
Link for more information:
CPG 2nd six weeks/weeks 4-5
Title: / Grade level:
Come and Take It! / Fourth Grade
Subject(s): / Six Weeks/ CPG:
Social Studies / Second/6
Description:
Have you ever dared someone to try to take something from you? With helpful assistance from Dr. Source, Primary Investigator, students will examine artifacts and documents to compare and contrast two sides of a story to learn about this 1835 "dare" by Texians taking a stand.
Objectives:
Learning Standards 1003, 1034, 1036
The student will:

Identify the importance of 1836.
Analyze the causes of the Texas Revolution.
Identify the contributions of significant individuals during the Texas Revolution.

Identify the issues surrounding major events of the Texas Revolution.
Analyze information by sequencing, identifying cause-and-effect relationships, comparing, contrasting, making generalizations and predictions, and drawing conclusions.
Create written and visual material.
Organize and interpret information.

Content Provider/Project Creator:
Point-to-Point or MultiPoint (DISD class to DISD class)
Cost (subject to change):
Free
Link for more information:
CPG 2nd six weeks/week 6
Title: / Grade level:
Texas Hold ‘Em Jeopardy / Fourth Grade
Subject(s): / Six Weeks/ CPG:
Social Studies / Second/6
Description:
Prior to the video conference, prepare questions about “Explorers”, “Native Americans”, “Regions of Texas”, “Texas Revolution”, and perhaps “American Revolution”. Once the Jeopardy game is ready, prepare for competition. Each school might have their own individual game. The schools could compete by answering the opposing school’s questions.
Objectives:
Learning Standards 1037, 5002, 5017, 5019, 2016, 5003, 5018, 1011, 4005, 2025, 3022, 3023, 3026, 2010
The student will:

Identify the issues surrounding major events of the Texas Revolution.
Analyze information by sequencing, identifying cause-and-effect relationships, comparing, contrasting, making generalizations and predictions, and drawing conclusions.
Create written and visual material.
Organize and interpret information.
Understand how the physical characteristics of a region determine where settlements are located.

Compare the ways of life of Native American groups in Texas.
Compare how selected Native American groups governed themselves.

Describe ways people have adapted to their environment in Texas.

Know how geographic factors influence the area’s economic activities.
Analyze the effects of immigration, migration, and limited resources on the economic growth.
Explain how people in different regions of Texas earn their living.

Describe regions of Texas.

Content Provider/Project Creator:
Point-to-Point (DISD class to DISD class)
Cost (subject to change):
Free
Link for more information:
CPG 2nd six weeks/week 6
Title: / Grade level:
A Paradise Called Texas / Fourth Grade
Subject(s): / Six Weeks/ CPG:
Social Studies / Third
Description:
At the beginning of the 3rd six weeks, the teachers begin reading A Paradise Called Texas to their classes. Once the book is completed, the participating teachers should decide which part of the book they would like to represent. The students create a reader’s theater, practice, and create costumes. By week 6 of the 3rd six weeks, the classes should be ready to present their portion of the theater via video conferencing.
Another possibility could be a book discussion about the historical novel.
Objectives:
Learning Standards 1124, 2004, 2005, 2014, 2015
The student will:

Identify clusters of settlements.
Analyze the effects of immigration on the economic growth of Texas.

Content Provider/Project Creator:
Point-to-Point or MultiPoint (DISD class to DISD class)
Cost (subject to change):
Free
Link for more information:
CPG 3rd six weeks

Third Six Weeks