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

Strand 3: Expansion (1847-1896)

Students will learn about the unprecedented migration, dramatic cultural change and conflicts, and new technologies of this era. Students will study the migration of diverse populations who settled across the region that would become Utah. They will learn about some of the implications of this settlement on Native American communities. Students will evaluate the relationships between the Industrial Revolution, the completion of the transcontinental railroad, other technologies, and the human and physical geography of the region. Students will also learn about the process and challenges Utah faced transforming from a territory to the 45th state.

Compelling Questions:

  • What factors led people from all over the world to settle in Utah and positioned Utah to become “The Crossroads of the West”?
  • Why did Utah struggle to attain statehood?
  • How did new immigrant communities contribute to the history and culture of Utah?
  • How did Native American life change as settlement continued?
  • How did improved transportation, industry, and mining transform Utah’s economy, politics, and other aspects of culture?


Standard 4.3.1

Use primary sources to compare experiences of at least three groups’ migration to Utah between 1847–1896 (for example, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, people from Greece, Italy, China).
  • UEN Lesson Template SS 4th Grade
    Students will list three or more types of evidence of prehistoric cultures that encouraged archaeologists to investigate the marshes around the Great Salt Lake. Students will also explain why it is important not to disturb archaeological remains.


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 These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake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