Grade 4 Social Studies – Strand 2
In this strand, students explore the important geographic features that help them understand the unique features of their island. This includes learning to locate their island and determine its geographical divisions. There is a strong environmental theme so that students can examine the impacts of weather and climate change, and see the importance of parklands and fresh water and the ways that human activity shapes their natural environment.
To understand that our island has important geographic features that make us unique.
Locate the island where you live on maps/globes using lines of latitude and longitude
Activities: Treasure Hunt to find maps (physical, political, Caribbean); Map Exploration identifying common elements; video viewing on map elements and latitude/longitude; hands-on Earth model creation with string; "Find Me" activities using Globe/Google Earth; Island Hopping Bingo with coordinates
Describe our island's location in relation to the wider Caribbean
Activities: Eight Point Compass Rose construction using transparent paper; floor map creation of the Caribbean with sketched islands; description of island location using directional vocabulary (east, north-east, south-west)
Appreciate the advantages of maps and technology such as Google Earth in locating and describing our island's geography
Activities: Discussion imagining life without maps; Dramatisation and roleplay demonstrating the value of maps and technology
Identify the geographic divisions of the country
Activities: "Let's Create" activity viewing blank maps and discussing geographic divisions; create textured maps using various materials (paint, glue, sand, beans, paper, styrofoam, air drying clay)
Label a map of the country to identify the geographic divisions
Activities: "Dive Deeper" using Google Maps/Atlas; "Where in the Country?" puzzle game; field trips to observe geographic divisions; short story writing about island travel
Define and classify the major physical features of our island
Activities: Gallery Walk showcasing physical, natural, and built features; bulletin board creation classifying features; table creation with definitions
Observe the differences between various land and water features of our island
Activities: Research and presentation using chartlets, PowerPoint, or flipbooks; map work plotting physical features with symbols; musical activities (songs about natural features); field trips with observation checklists; exhibition of models
Appreciate that our island has natural geographic features that are environmentally vulnerable
Activities: Discussion of "vulnerable" concept; bumper sticker creation for conservation; review games; Exit Slip on protecting natural features
Describe the climate of our island(s)
Activities: Inquiry thinking comparing weather patterns across countries; video viewing on climate and climatic zones; map skills locating Tropic of Cancer, Equator, and Tropic of Capricorn; drawing pictures representing climate
Investigate the changes in climate
Activities: "From the Eyes of an Elder" - interviews with elderly community members about climate changes; bar graph creation from interview data; Climate Prediction roleplay as elderly persons 50 years in future; field trips to climate-affected areas; resource person visits from meteorology departments; photo collages of before/after climate impact
Appreciate that our climate has risks for our population
Activities: Group work creating concept maps of climate risks; video viewing and discussion; Climate Awareness campaigns (video ads, PSAs, brochures, posters about safety measures)
Identify significant weather events that have impacted the natural environment
Activities: Video viewing of weather events (wind, flooding, rainfall, temperature extremes); class discussions; graphic organizers showing weather impact on environment
Investigate the consequences of recent weather events on the built environment of your country
Activities: Picture analysis of post-weather event damage; virtual field trips; community member witness stories (e.g., Ravine Poisson Disaster in Saint Lucia, Hurricane Maria in Dominica); paired projects; mini exhibitions
Appreciate the need to prepare for climate emergencies and actions to lessen effects of natural forces
Activities: Scenario discussions about emergency situations; Family/School Emergency Plans; Communication Plans; Family Emergency Kit preparation; Property Inspection education; blueprint creation for family emergency plan
Determine the scope and nature of the areas of your country that are parklands or natural reserves
Activities: Research activities on local parklands and reserves; identification of protected areas
Locate and describe the features and characteristics of these parklands or reserves
Activities: Map work locating parklands; virtual tours and field trips; research on flora, fauna, and unique characteristics; presentations on importance to environment and economy
Parklands and natural reserves play vital roles in environmental conservation, biodiversity protection, water resource management, and eco-tourism. Students should understand the importance of protected areas and how human activity can both threaten and support these natural spaces.
