Grade 4 Social Studies
In Grade 4 Social Studies, students expand their understanding of historical and cultural thinking, spatial thinking, civic participation, and economic decision-making. They explore the Indigenous peoples of the Caribbean and European colonization, examine geographic features of their island, learn about democracy and government systems, and investigate how natural resources shape their way of life. Through diverse learning experiences, students develop critical thinking skills and a deeper appreciation of their Caribbean heritage and identity.
Historical and Cultural Thinking
Students explore the Indigenous peoples of the Caribbean and European colonization, learning about the Taíno and Kalinago people, their way of life, contributions to the region, and how European colonization affected their societies.
Spatial Thinking
Students learn about important geographic features that make their island unique, including how to locate their island using latitude and longitude, identifying geographic divisions, and understanding the impact of climate and weather on their environment.
Civic Participation
Students examine how communication and transportation technologies have evolved over time, explore their country's path to nationhood, learn about democracy and government systems, and understand their responsibilities as citizens.
Economic Decision Making
Students understand how natural resources shape their way of life, explore major economic activities, examine land use patterns, investigate the blue economy, and learn about renewable and non-renewable energy sources.
Grade 4 Social Studies Overview
Learning Approach
Students engage in inquiry-based learning through discussions, role-plays, field trips, research projects, and community service activities. They develop critical thinking skills by analyzing primary and secondary sources, comparing past and present, and exploring the interconnections between history, geography, civics, and economics.
Assessment
Assessment includes observations of student participation, conversations about concepts, and products such as research projects, role-plays, journals, digital presentations, and creative expressions that demonstrate understanding of social studies concepts and their application to real-world contexts.
Cross-Curricular Connections
- Language Arts: Reading historical texts, writing reflections, creating cultural stories
- Mathematics: Using coordinates, measuring distances on maps, analyzing data
- Science: Understanding climate change, renewable resources, and environmental impacts
- Arts: Creating visual representations of historical events and cultural heritage
- Technology: Using digital tools for research, mapping, and presentations
