FOURTH GRADE NORTH CAROLINA: GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY
Fourth grade students proceed from the study of individuals who make a
difference in their communities and the world to a study of North Carolina.
Students explore geographic regions, landforms, climate, and resources of the
state. They learn about the state's social, economic, and political
institutions and how these institutions respond to the needs of North
Carolinians. Students build a base of knowledge about economic principles and
technological developments, about past experiences in the state and about
present day practices. They study the land and its people analyzing the
diverse groups that have contributed to the development of North Carolina
beginning with the American Indians up to the revolutionary period.
Additionally, students have the opportunity to draw parallels between
contemporary issues and their historical origins.
Strands: Individual Development and Identity, Cultures and Diversity,
Historical Perspectives, Geographic Relationships, Economics and Development,
Global Connections, Technological Influences, Government and Active Citizenship
Competency Goal 1 The learner will apply the five themes of geography to
North Carolina and its people.
Objectives
1.01 Locate, in absolute and relative terms, major landforms, bodies of water
and natural resources in North Carolina.
1.02 Describe and compare physical and cultural characteristics of the regions.
1.03 Suggest some influences that location has on life in North Carolina such
as major cities, recreation areas, industry, and farms.
1.04 Evaluate ways the people of North Carolina used, modified, and adapted to
the physical environment, past and present.
1.05 Assess human movement as it relates to the physical environment.
Competency Goal 2 The learner will examine the importance of the role of
ethnic groups and examine the multiple roles they have played in the
development of North Carolina.
Objectives
2.01 Locate and describe American Indians in North Carolina, past and present.
2.02 Trace the growth and development of immigration to North Carolina, over
time from Europe, Asia, and Latin America..
2.03 Describe the similarities and differences among people of North Carolina,
past and present.
2.04 Describe how different ethnic groups have influenced culture, customs and
history of North Carolina.
Competency Goal 3 The learner will trace the history of colonization in North
Carolina and evaluate its significance for diverse people's ideas.
Objectives
3.01 Assess changes in ways of living over time and determine whether the
changes are primarily political, economic, or social.
3.02 Identify people, symbols, events, and documents associated with North
Carolina's history.
3.03 Examine the Lost Colony and explain its importance in the settlement of
North Carolina.
3.04 Compare and contrast ways in which people, goods, and ideas moved in the
past with their movement today.
3.05 Describe the political and social history of colonial North Carolina and
analyze its influence on the state today.
Competency Goal 4 The learner will analyze social and political institutions
in North Carolina such as government, education, religion, and family and how
they structure society, influence behavior, and respond to human needs.
Objectives
4.01 Assess and evaluate the importance of regional diversity on the
development of economic, social, and political institutions in North Carolina.
4.02 Identify religious groups that have influenced life in North Carolina and
assess the impact of their beliefs.
4.03 Explain the importance of responsible citizenship and identify ways North
Carolinians can participate in civic affairs.
4.04 Examine ways North Carolinians govern themselves and identify major
government authorities at the local and state level.
4.05 Identify and assess the role of prominent persons in North Carolina, past
and present.
Competency Goal 5 The learner will examine the impact of various cultural
groups on North Carolina.
Objectives
5.01 Explain different celebrated holidays, special days, and cultural
traditions in North Carolina communities.
5.02 Describe traditional art, music, and craft forms in North Carolina.
5.03 Describe and compare the cultural characteristics of regions within North
Carolina and evaluate their significance.
Competency Goal 6 The learner will evaluate how North Carolinians apply basic
economic principles within the community, state, and nation.
Objectives
6.01 Explain the relationship between unlimited wants and limited resources.
6.02 Analyze the choices and opportunity cost involved in economic decisions.
6.03 Categorize the state's resources as natural, human, or capital.
6.04 Assess how the state's natural resources are being used.
6.05 Recognize that money can be used for spending, saving, and paying taxes.
6.06 Analyze the relationship between government services and taxes.
6.07 Describe the ways North Carolina specializes in economic activity and the
relationship between specialization and interdependence.
6.08 Cite examples of interdependence in North Carolina's economy and evaluate
the significance of economic relationships with other states and nations.
Competency Goal 7 The learner will recognize how technology influences change
within North Carolina.
Objectives
7.01 Cite examples from North Carolina's history of the impact of technology.
7.02 Analyze the effect of technology on North Carolina's citizens, past and
present.
7.03 Explain how technology changed and influenced the movement of people,
goods, and ideas over time.
7.04 Analyze the effect of technology on North Carolina citizens today.
7.05 Identify the advantages and disadvantages of technology in the lives of
North Carolinians.