In fourth grade Social Studies, students learn concepts based on the following Strands:

• History
• Geography
• Civics
• Economics

History

Students:

· examine important events and developments in Virginia’s history and present-day society and their influences on culture and lifestyles

· demonstrate knowledge of the early inhabitants of Virginia (American I12/08/2005 y significant events and people in Fairfax County’s history and modern society

· describe the culture, beliefs, and lifestyles of Virginians from different periods of history

· identify the contributions of influential Virginians, including minorities and women, in the past and present

· determine how events and people in Virginia history influenced United States history, influence the present day, and will influence the future

· develop strategies for organizing and communicating information about Virginia from a variety of sources

· study significant events and people in Fairfax County’s history and modern society

Geography

Students:

· study how Virginia’s geographic location and features affected its history and culture

· identify the five geographic regions of Virginia (Coastal Plain (Tidewater), Piedmont, Blue Ridge Mountains, Valley and Ridge, and Appalachian Plateau), and learn how the geography of each region influenced the lifestyle and economy of its people

· locate the three American Indian language groups on a map of Virginia

· use a world map or globe to study the patterns of movement of people, products, and information as they relate to Virginia’s place in the world

· describe how different groups of people have adapted to the climate and environment of Virginia

· use concepts of absolute and relative location to find continents, oceans, the United States, and Virginia and its major cities, mountains, and rivers on a map or globe

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Civics

Students:

· show respect for the American flag by saying the Pledge of Allegiance

· learn about important documents in Virginia’s history and their influence on today’s governmental system

· study the development of Virginia’s government from its early stages to the present day

· examine how Virginia’s first government influenced the development of democratic ideals and self-government in America

· use the democratic process to solve problems and make decisions in the classroom

· demonstrate knowledge of changes that occurred in Virginia as a result of the Civil Rights Movement

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Economics

Students:

· discuss the role of technology in Virginia’s economic development and its effect on the environment

· identify Virginia’s economic interdependence with other states and countries

· demonstrate an understanding of economic principles as they apply to the different historical time periods in Virginia’s history

· describe the use of money, barter, credit, debt and savings in Virginia history

· describe the importance of railroads, new industries, and the growth of cities to Virginia’s economic development

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