4th grade curriculum at IWIA is based on the Georgia Performance Standards.
In fourth grade, students begin the formal study of United States history. At this grade, the four strands of history, geography, civics, and economics are fully integrated. Students begin their study of United States history with the development of Native American cultures and conclude with the antebellum period ending in 1860. The geography strand emphasizes the influence of geography on early U. S. history. The civics strand emphasizes concepts and rights developed during the formation of our government. The economics strand uses material from the historical strand to further understanding of economic concepts.
Historical Understandings
SS4H1 The student will describe how early Native American cultures developed in North America.
SS4H2 The student will describe European exploration in North America.
SS4H3 The student will explain the factors that shaped British colonial America.
SS4H4 The student will explain the causes, events, and results of the American Revolution.
SS4H5 The student will analyze the challenges faced by the new nation.
SS4H6 The student will explain westward expansion of America between 1801 and 1861.
SS4H7 The student will examine the main ideas of the abolitionist and suffrage movements.
Geographic Understandings
SS4G1 The student will be able to locate important physical and man-made features in the United States.
SS4G2 The student will describe how physical systems affect human systems.
Government/Civic Understandings
SS4CG1 The student will describe the meaning of
SS4CG2 The student will explain the importance of freedom of expression as guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U. S. Constitution.
SS4CG3 The student will describe the functions of government.
SS4CG4 The student will explain the importance of Americans sharing certain central democratic beliefs and principles, both personal and civic.
SS4CG5 The student will name positive character traits of key historical figures and government leaders (honesty, patriotism, courage, trustworthiness).
Economic UnderstandingsSS4E1 The student will use the basic economic concepts of trade, opportunity cost, specialization, voluntary exchange, productivity, and price incentives to illustrate historical events.
SS4E2 The student will identify the elements of a personal budget and explain why personal spending and saving decisions are important.