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Social Studies Curriculum Social Studies - 4th Grade (2024)
Lesson Plans

Strand 2: Pre-Expansion (Before 1847)

Students will learn that while recorded history spans only a few centuries, humans have lived in the land now called Utah for thousands of years. They will recognize that for centuries the historic tribal groups of Utah—the Goshute, Navajo (Diné), Paiute, Shoshone, and Ute—adapted to their ever-changing environment. Students will understand that more adaptations occurred due to contact and trade while Utah was part of the Spanish Empire and later Mexico. Students will identify the factors that encouraged early trade and exploration among varied explorers and frontiersmen.

Compelling Questions:

  • What can the study of archaeology teach us about the economies, communities, and other aspects of the cultures of indigenous Native American tribes within Utah?
  • How did the arrival of European and American trappers and traders alter the human geography of Utah?
  • What may happen when two or more cultures, with significant differences, come into contact?


Standard 4.2.3

Use primary and secondary sources to compare important aspects of the ways of life of at least two Native American tribal groups (for example, Ute, Paiute, Navajo (Diné), Shoshone, Goshute) existing within the land now called Utah and how those ways of life changed as settlers from Europe arrived prior to 1847.


UEN logo 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 These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake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.