Grade 4 Social Studies – Strand 3
This strand includes communication technology and how they impact our role in society. It also explores some of the factors that led to the development of their nation, including major political events that shaped the nation and helped develop the political system they enjoy today. Students learn the elements of their government system, including responsibilities and purposes and how this relates to the roles of local constituency representatives. The unit ends with an examination of what role they each can play in being responsible citizens.
To determine that how we communicate with one another shapes our health, safety, and progress.
What changes in communication technologies have influenced our way of life the most?
Identify ways in which communication technology has evolved over time
Assessment: Observation of communication technology demonstrations; student exit slips listing evolution examples; creative drawings of future technology
Activities: Paper cup phone construction and testing; concept development discussions using scenarios (e.g., Sam communicating with parents abroad); brainstorming ancient vs modern communication methods; Mini Research on communication evolution; sequencing activities arranging technologies by invention date
Create a timeline of changes in communications technology
Activities: Group timeline creation using Bristol board or digital tools; include images and replicas from earliest forms (smoke signals, carrier pigeons) to modern innovations (smartphones, social media)
Appreciate that improvements in technology have significantly impacted how people communicate with each other
Activities: Dramatisation/Reflection with letter writing and "postman" delivery; comparing past and present methods; sending messages to loved ones using chosen technology; group skits showcasing technological advances (smoke signals → smartphones, letters → email, radio → podcasts)
Compare current forms of transportation used in our country to those used in the past
Activities: Jigsaw Puzzle activities depicting transportation forms; Think/Pair/Share with transportation clues (air, land, water transport); story-telling with slideshows; interactive presentations of transportation evolution; video viewing
Investigate challenges in local transportation and predict possible future solutions to the transportation issues
Activities: Guided Research through data collection tools; student interviews about transportation challenges (How do you travel to school? What challenges do you face? What would make travelling easier?); group presentations of findings with proposed solutions
Students explore major political events, government structure, roles of constituency representatives, and responsible citizenship. They learn about the path to nationhood and the democratic system.
Students research and present on National Heroes of OECS countries, understanding their contributions to nationhood.
Students participate in mock elections to understand democratic processes, and engage in debates on civic issues.
Students plan and participate in community service activities, developing understanding of civic responsibility.
