Social Studies - 4th Grade (2024)
Lesson Plans

Strand 1: Utah's Unique Geography

Students will examine Utah’s geography, and analyze its historical and current impacts on residents.

Compelling Questions:

• Where is Utah located in the world?
• Why is Utah’s most populated area along the Wasatch Front?
• How does the physical geography of Utah affect its inhabitants?

Standard 4.1.1

Use a variety of geographic tools to identify Utah and its surrounding states: latitude, longitude, hemisphere, climate, natural resources, landforms, and regions (for example, Rocky Mountains, Colorado Plateau, Basin and Ridge Region).

• Physical Attributes of Utah
  Students will understand that the physical attributes of Utah have changed over time.During this lesson students will use maps to investigate how the geography of Utah has changed over time.
• Physical Attributes of Utah
  Enduring Understanding:Students will understand that the physical attributes of Utah have changed over time. Essential questions:How did the three major landforms of Utah affect settlement patterns?How did Lake Bonneville change Utah?During this lesson students will use maps to investigate how the geography of Utah has changed over time. 
• Playground Grid
  Students will learn about latitude, longitude, and how to read a grid.
• Why the North Star Stands Still: A Paiute Tale
  In this lesson, students will learn about the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah through a slide show presentation that helps students learn more about traditional vs. current ways of living, learning and governing. Each of these short descriptions help students to better understand that the Paiute people continue to thrive in Utah.Students will also listen to a Paiute Tale which is part of the Native American Indian Literacy Project and be able to use the book as an English Language Arts comprehension activity. The extensions and additional resources help the teacher to be aware of other ways that students can engage.  

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http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Robert  Austin and see the Social Studies website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer  Throndsen.

These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.