TEKS Family Learning Guide8 01
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Fourth Grade Social Studies TEKS In fourth grade, students learn about the history and geography of Texas. They • explain the basic responsibilities of each of the three branches of state learn how Native Americans in Texas lived and adapted to the environment, and government. they study the European exploration and colonization of Texas. Students learn Citizenship how Texans fought for their independence from Mexico, established a republic, • describe important political customs, symbols, and celebrations in Texas. and eventually joined the United States. Students also discuss other important • explain the role of the individual in state and local elections. issues that faced Texans in the nineteenth century and issues influencing our • identify leaders in state and local government and explain how to contact lives today. them. In fourth grade social studies, your child will: Culture History • identify the contributions of people of different racial, ethnic, and religious • compare similarities and differences among Native Americans in Texas and groups in Texas. the Western Hemisphere before European exploration. Science, Technology and Society • explain the causes and effects of the European exploration and colonization • describe the impact of science and technology on life in Texas. of Texas. • explain causes and effects of the Texas Revolution; describe the issues that Social Studies Skills faced the Republic of Texas. • apply critical-thinking skills, communicate effectively, and use problem- • describe political, economic, and social changes in Texas during the last half solving and decision-making processes. of the 19th century. • describe important issues, events, and individuals of the 20th century in Texas. Geography • collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information. • describe the political, economic, and physical regions in Texas. • Study important events in Texas and U.S. history and discuss how they have affected your family. • describe geographic factors that influence where people live in Texas. • Ask your child to plan a family trip to a local Texas • describe how people in Texas have adapted to and modified their history museum. environments. • Read the newspaper and watch TV news with your Economics child. Discuss interesting events and people in the • describe economic activities in Texas during each era of its history. news about Texas. • explain why Texas, the United States, and the world are economically TEKSman’s • Watch educational television programs on Texas history and discuss them with your child. interdependent. Tips for • Visit local art galleries, historic sites. Attend and Government participate in special events and cultural celebrations • compare the organization of governments during different eras of Texas Parents in the community. history. • Help your child use a Texas road map to plan a trip • identify important ideas in historic Texas documents, such as the Texas to an interesting place in Texas. Declaration of Independence. • Discuss the characteristics of a good Texas citizen. 22 Fourth Grade Social Studies Fourth Grade Social Studies Activities and Questions Help your child learn the names and responsibilities of your county commissioner, city council member, school board member, state representative Plan family outings to some of the important museums and cultural sites in the and senator, and U.S. representative and senator. Watch for their names in news Austin area that will help your child learn more about the story of Texas. Free or reports and learn their opinions on important issues. inexpensive sites include: the Texas State Capitol, the Texas State Cemetery, Ask: How are our political leaders selected? Camp Mabry, the French Legation, the Republic of Texas Museum, Jourdan- Would you like to run for office and represent other citizens? Bachman Pioneer Farm, the Governor’s Mansion, and The Bob Bullock Texas Why or why not? State History Museum. Create a journal or scrapbook of your museum visits. How can we let our representatives/council members know our Ask: What was the most interesting fact you learned on the trip? opinions about issues in Texas? What was your favorite exhibit? Why did you like it? How does this issue affect our lives? List three questions you have about the exhibit. Where can we find more information about people, places and events in Texas Learn more about the cultures of other ethnic groups in Texas by preparing a History? special meal. Find ethnic recipes at your local library or on the Internet. Ask: How is this meal similar to or different from the ones we usually Visit interesting places in the Austin area that will help your child understand eat? how the land and climate affect the way people live in Central Texas. Interesting Did preparing the meal require special tools? places to visit include, for example: Mansfield Dam and the Highland Lakes, What do these recipes and foods tell us about the culture? Mt. Bonnell, The Lady Bird Johnson Wild Flower Research Center, Barton Springs, Zilker Botanical Gardens, McKinney State Park, and the Wild Basin Identify advances in science and technology such as personal computers, fax Wilderness Preserve. machines, and cell phones; new medicines and health care products, airbags in Ask: How does the Texas climate affect the way people work and automobiles, microwave ovens, and video games. play in Central Texas? Ask: How will these inventions change in the future? Why was Austin built on a river? What are the benefits of living What product should we invent to help solve a problem facing on a river? What are the dangers? Austin or Texas? Identify important businesses in Austin and other Texas cities such as Dell Computer, AMD, Motorola, Samsung, Texaco, Exxon/Mobil and watch for news about issues that affect them. Discuss how large businesses affect communities. Identify other major employers in Austin such as the University of Texas, the State of Texas, and the Austin Independent School District. Discuss how these organizations affect the local economy. Ask: Why would a business decide to come to Austin or to another city in Texas? Who would be affected if a major employer such as Dell Computer or Motorola moved to another city? Why? 23.