Peabody School 4th Grade Social Studies Year at a Glance* Essential Questions: ●
Why study history?
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What can we learn from the past?
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How do we know what happened in the past?
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How am I connected to the past?
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In what ways is the past about me?
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Whose story do we believe?
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How can individuals make a difference?
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What are the roles and responsibilities of government?
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Is change inevitable/what causes change?
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Why is “where” important?
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How does geography affect people’s lives?
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How and why do maps change?
Topic History
1st Trimester ● ● ●
Virginia Colonial History Colonial America American Revolution
2nd Trimester ● ● ● ●
American Revolution Declaration of Independence Constitution- Creation of, Importance of, Modern Relevance of “Know Your Rights”
Geography
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Five Regions of Virginia Physical Features 13 Colonies
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United States East of the Mississippi River Physical/Human Features Influence on History
Research
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Students model the process and research methods of professionals such as historians, archeologists, and anthropologists. Note Taking- Cornell Notes Paraphrasing Presenting Information- Clear/Informative/Engaging
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Developing Research Questions Internet Research- What Makes a Good Source? Site Validity/Reliability Citing Sources
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Current Events
3rd Trimester Project Ephesus: Project Ephesus is a multi-disciplinary urban planning project where students are challenged to work collaboratively and individually in order to create an urban environment that is socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable. Project Ephesus will require students to utilize skills developed in the preceding two trimesters regarding geography, mapping, research, history, and current events. They will also explore issues facing modern communities in order to look toward the future. There may be opportunities to collaborate with content in math and science classes as well.
Students will be studying current events throughout the year. They will look for the influence of the past on the present, and use current events to look toward the future. They will examine environmental, political, and social issues as they manifest themselves in our world today. Students will also begin to learn to distinguish reliable and objective journalism from fake news, op-eds, and branded content. Students will become responsible and thoughtful media consumers.
* This is a tentative plan and is subject to change based on students’ needs.