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Grade 4: New York State and Local History and Government
In fourth grade, students will study “New York State and Local History and Government
Our fourth graders engage in structured inquiry to learn about:
- Civic Ideals and Practices
- Development, Movement, and Interaction of Cultures
- Geography, Humans and the Environment
- Development and Transformation of Social Structures
- Time, Continuity, and Change
- Creation, Expansion, and Interaction of Economic Systems
- Power, Authority, and Governance
- Science, Technology, and Innovation
- Global Connections and Exchange
Grade 4 Social Studies is focused on New York State and local communities and their change over time, incorporating the study of geography, history, economics, and government. Students will make local connections throughout the year. The year is divided into seven Key Ideas that span the State’s history from before the European colonial era to the modern period. The Key Ideas allow students to make connections to present-day New York State and the local community.
The New York State K-12 Social Studies Framework is designed to prepare students for college, careers, and civic life with courses that are rigorous and aligned to New York State Learning Standards.
Concord Road Elementary Students are taught key ideas and conceptual understandings in Social Studies using structured inquiry. We use inquiries from The College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards. We utilize the inquiry design model (IDM) to support our instruction. Students are given a compelling question, asked supporting questions and participate in activities that are designed to help students practice the skills and acquire new content. Students often complete a summative assessment or take informed action. A variety of primary and secondary sources are used to help students build their understanding of the compelling and supporting questions and to practice the work of historians and social scientists. Our students also engage in six core practices in social studies. The Social Studies Practices represent the social science and historical thinking skills that students should develop throughout their K-12 education in order to be prepared for civic participation, college, and careers.
Geography
New York State has a diverse geography. Various maps can be used to represent and examine the geography of New York State.
Native American Groups
Native American groups, chiefly the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Algonquian-speaking groups, inhabited the region that became New York State. These people interacted with the environment and developed unique cultures.
Colonial and Revolutionary Period in New York
European exploration led to the colonization of the region that became New York State. Beginning in the early 1600s, colonial New York was home to people from many different countries. Colonial New York was important during the Revolutionary Period.
Government
There are different levels of government within the United States and New York State. The purpose of government is to protect the rights of citizens and to promote the common good. The government of New York State establishes rights, freedoms, and responsibilities for its citizens.In Search of Freedom and a Call for Change
Different groups of people did not have equal rights and freedoms. People worked to bring about change. The struggle for rights and freedoms was one factor in the division of the United States that resulted in the Civil War.Westward Movement and Industrialization
New York State played an important role in the growth of the United States. During the 1800s, people traveled west looking for opportunities. Economic activities in New York State are varied and have changed over time, with improvements in transportation and technology.Immigration and Migration from the Early 1800s to the Present
Many people have immigrated and migrated to New York State contributing to its cultural growth and development.
