Grade Ten

HSS.10.2 The student will analyze how selected physical and ecological processes shape theEarth's surface, in terms of

• how humans influence and are influenced by the environment; and
• how people's ideas and relationship to the environment change over time, particularly in response to new technologies.

Learn how the rich gem and mineral deposits of the Appalachian mountains shaped settlers’ experiences, and how human mining changed the face of the mountains. Experience firsthand the mining process, and learn how mining changed over time. We also have an original period saw mill and grist mill which represent the highest level of technology that steam milling reached. Discuss technological developments in milling and how they affected residents

HSS.10.3 The student will explain how

• geographic regions change over time;
• characteristics of regions have led to regional labels;
• regional landscapes reflect the cultural characteristics of their inhabitants as well as historical events; and
• technological advances have led to increasing interaction among regions.

Learn how the characteristics of this region of Virginia have changed over time and influenced the inhabitants. Virginia City is located at a historic trading crossroads—now expanded into modern day highways. Learn about travel and settlement of this area, and the effect Big Walker Mountain Tunnel had in influencing modern-day expansion. Discuss what characteristics of Appalachia have led to such regional labels as “Blue Ridge Highlands” or “New River Valley.”

HSS.10.5 The student will compare and contrast the distribution, growth rates, and characteristics of human population, in terms of settlement patterns and the location of natural and capital resources.

Compare the trends in settlement patterns in this area of Virginia relate to the distribution and plenty of the mineral deposits here.  Learn about this valuable natural resource by a firsthand experience of mining.

HSS.10.6 The student will analyze past and present trends in human migration and cultural interaction as they are influenced by social, economic, political, and environmental factors.

Compare the trends in migration to this area to the economic factors of the mining and timber trades. Explore how the environmental factor of the chestnut blight sparked a second wave of timber-seeking settlers in the late 1800’s, all brought to life in our preserved and recreated boomtown.

HSS.10.9 The student will identify natural, human, and capital resources, describe their distribution, and explain their significance, in terms of location of contemporary and selected historical economic and land-use regions.

Identify various types of gems and minerals and analyze their significance in the historical settlement and use of this region.