Grade Four

Social Studies

HSS.4.1 The student will explain the impact of geographic factors in the expansion and development of Virginia, with emphasis on

• the location of American Indians, various European settlers, and African slaves; and
• the location and growth of cities in relation to the Atlantic Ocean, the Chesapeake Bay, major rivers, the fall line/fall zone, and the Shenandoah Valley.

The geographic factors of the Appalachian mountain range delineated travel and settlement along the ridge. At the same time, the rich gem and mineral deposits influenced expansion and development in Virginia. Virginia City is located at a historic trading crossroads—now expanded into modern day highways. Learn about travel and settlement of this area.

HSS.4.7 The student will develop historical analysis skills including

• identifying, analyzing, and making generalizations about the life in Virginia history using primary sources including artifacts, diaries, letters, photographs, art, documents, and newspapers;
• distinguishing fact from fiction by comparing documentary sources on historical figures and events with fictionalized characters and events; and
• summarizing and sequencing major events in Virginia history from 1607 to the present and locating significant places and events on a map.

Students can improve their historical analysis skills by assimilating their firsthand experiences with the documentary and primary sources they study in the classroom. The rich mineral deposits are part of the native industry of this region, and our original buildings are themselves historical artifacts which students can analyze in comparison with their textbook.

Science

SCI.4.8 The student will investigate and understand important Virginia natural resources. Key concepts include

• watershed and water resources;
• animals and plants, both domesticated and wild;
• minerals, rocks, ores, and energy sources; and
• forests, soil, and land.

Students can discover, identify, and classify many of Virginia’s natural gems and minerals, including the state mineral. They can examine natural resources of the area such as iron, salt, lead, and timber, and can study historic energy sources: an original period steam powered grist mill and saw mill.