Civic Participation
This strand includes communication technology and how it impacts our role in society. It explores factors that led to the development of the nation, including major political events that shaped the nation and helped develop the political system. Students learn about government systems, responsibilities, and purposes, and how this relates to local constituency representatives. The unit examines what role each person can play in being a responsible citizen.
Grade Four Expectations for Civic Participation
Essential Learning Outcome: Communication & Transportation
To determine that how we communicate with one another shapes our health, safety, and progress.
- Identify examples of communication technology in the past and their uses
- Describe how communication technology has evolved over time
- Appreciate that improvements in technology have significantly impacted how people communicate with each other
- Identify the various forms of transportation past and present
- Discuss the challenges faced in local transportation and predict solutions to these issues
- Recognize the positive and negative impact of transportation on our economy, environment and health
Focus Questions:
What changes in communication technologies have influenced our way of life the most?
How has transportation technology evolved overtime?
What are the reasons for the changes in transportation technology?
How has transportation technology affected our way of life?
Specific Curriculum Outcomes
By the end of Grade Four, the learner will be expected to:
Inclusive Assessment Strategies
Assessment strategies that provide information about learning:
- Observations: Observe students during role plays, demonstrations, group work, and presentations
- Conversations: Class discussions, think-pair-share activities, debates, interviews
- Products: Timelines, posters, journals, maps, presentations, letters, profiles of national heroes
Sample Assessment Tools:
- Observation checklists for role plays and group activities
- Rubrics for evaluating presentations and written work
- Self-assessment forms for participation in democratic activities
- Peer assessment for collaborative projects
- Exit slips for checking understanding of key concepts
Inclusive Learning Strategies
Additional Resources and Materials
Multimedia Resources
- Videos on communication technology evolution
- Documentaries on transportation development
- Presentations on political history
- Videos about government systems and democracy
- Profiles of national heroes
- Forms of Transportation
- What is Democracy?
- National Heroes Video
Physical Materials
- Paper cups and string for communication demonstrations
- Timeline templates and materials
- Maps of constituencies
- Election posters and materials
- Art supplies for creative projects
- Biographies of national heroes
- Government structure charts
- Democracy simulation materials
Teacher Content Knowledge
Communication technology refers to tools and symbols used to send and receive messages or information, including telephones, letters, radios, computers, the internet, speech, signs, and sign language. Traditional communication has evolved to include more advanced methods such as telegraphs, telephones, smartphones, and social media platforms.
Transportation refers to the movement of people, goods, or animals from one place to another. In the Caribbean, transportation has evolved from traditional forms such as canoes and animals to modern forms like cars, airplanes, cruise ships, and drones. This evolution has brought both positive impacts and negative impacts like higher levels of air pollution, climate change, health risks, increased costs, deforestation, and habitat destruction.
Political events shaped the future of our countries. These events socialize and educate citizens and involve the creation of political parties, accomplishments that shaped the country's future, election processes, famous speeches, and contributions by candidates. Major political events include Independence Day, Emancipation Day, Election Day, naming/renaming to mark significant accomplishments, Labour Day, and conflicts arising from political influence.
Government systems include Parliamentary Systems, Constitutional Monarchies, Republics, and Dependent Territories. The structure typically includes executive, legislative, and judiciary branches. The purpose and responsibility of government include making and maintaining law and order, protecting citizens, and providing public services like health, education, and infrastructure.
Democracy means that governments are accountable to the people and can be voted out of power. In democracies, people have rights and freedoms protected by laws, such as freedom of speech and the right to worship. A national hero is a person admired and acknowledged for their courage, outstanding achievements, and noble qualities, who has made significant, positive contributions to the growth and development of society.