Lower School - Fourth Grade Social Studies

World Geography – The study of geography embraces many topics throughout the fourth grade program of studies, including topics in history and science. Geographic knowledge includes a spatial sense of the world, an awareness of the physical processes that shape life, a sense of the interactions between humans and their environment, an understanding of the relations between place and culture, and an awareness of the characteristics of specific regions and cultures. The students learn to read maps and globes with accuracy. They study the major mountains and mountain ranges of the world.

Ancient History – We begin the study of ancient cultures with Europe in the Middle Ages. Students continue the lessons learned in third grade concerning the Roman Empire. We begin with the events leading up to the fall of the Roman Empire. We study the history of the Christian Church. We then move to the spread of Islam and the “Holy Wars” or crusades.

American History – During the second half of the year, the fourth grade students undertake a detailed study of the causes, major figures and consequences of the American Revolution. We then examine some of the basic values and principles of American Democracy, in both theory and practice, as defined in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Students come to appreciate the unique nature of the American experiment, the difficult task of establishing a democratic government, the compromises the framers of the Constitution were willing to make, and the persistent threats to success.

Leadership

Self Awareness – “Medieval Feast” Students research and portray a significant figure from the time of the Middle Ages and perform for an audience. During the study of American History, students ponder the “big” questions that the framers of our Constitution had to: Why do we need government and laws? Who makes the laws? What might happen in the absence of government and laws.

Academics – “Landmarks and Symbols” projects. Students research and create three dimensional models of significant American landmarks such as the White House.

Coaching (Mentoring) – Students are charged with the task of researching one of the early presidents or American symbols and landmarks. It is then their responsibility to teach their classmates what they have learned.

Reading – Literature studies include stories set in the Middle Ages (The Whipping Boy) and the American Revolution (The Secret Soldier). The stories include central figures who have shown leadership attributes such as overcoming adversity, having courage and taking action.

Adversity/Challenges/Opportunities – “Patriot’s Challenge” Students are given the task of memorizing excerpts of four famous speeches from the time of the Revolutionary War.

Leadership Observation – Field trips include visits to Mount Vernon and/or Washington D.C. Portrait studies of the Gerstell Leaders who relate directly to the Social Studies curriculum (Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Mahatma Gandhi)

Experience Leadership/Community Service – *Potential involvement with the upcoming elections. Having students experience Democracy at work.