Social Studies — Grade 4

Writing a ghost story/mystery

Building upon the students' knowledge base of Blackbeard the Pirate, the numerous shipwrecks off of the N.C. coast, myths, and legends of the Carolinas, and/or The Lost Colony, students will write a ghost story or mystery narrative of their own.

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 English Language Arts and Social Studies)

By laura ritchie.

Why is the past important?

In Intrigue of the Past, page 1.2

As an introduction to the study of North Carolina's archaeological heritage, students will use personally owned object to share the importance of their past and connect this importance with reasons why the human past is important.

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Social Studies)

What does it mean?

In Teaching about North Carolina American Indians, page 3.5

Introduction Visual symbols can be important ways of communicating ideas. Individuals, corporations, communities, and organizations use logos, seals, flags, icons, and other visual symbols to represent their values, share their histories, and send...

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 and 8 English Language Arts and Social Studies)

By Gazelia Carter.

Observing connections: North Carolina pottery and face jugs (Lesson 3)

This is the third lesson in a series of three in which students are creating art based on their observations: Lesson 1 Observing connections—art, poetry and the environment; Lesson 2 Observing connections—changing landscapes; Lesson 3 Observing connections—North Carolina pottery and face jugs.

Format: lesson plan (grade 4–5 Visual Arts Education and Social Studies)

By Lisa Mitchell.

North Carolina numerals

Students will design their own numeric system using North Carolina state symbols.

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Mathematics and Social Studies)

By Wendy White.

Native American music: Two North Carolina tribes

In this lesson plan, students will listen to songs from two North Carolina tribes. Students will learn about the music through listening, analyzing, singing, moving, and playing instruments.

Format: lesson plan (grade 4–5 Music Education and Social Studies)

By Merritt Raum Flexman.

Lumbee learning

In Teaching about North Carolina American Indians, page 3.2

Introduction Education for the Lumbee tribe has always been important. After Reconstruction ended and the state of North Carolina began its journey to educate its people, no provisions were made for American Indians. Segregated schools provided education...

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 and 8 English Language Arts and Second Languages)

By Gazelia Carter.

Cherokee clans

In Teaching about North Carolina American Indians, page 4.1

Introduction Hollywood movies have not accurately portrayed American Indians who lived in North Carolina. By researching and role playing the seven clans of the Cherokee, the false stereotypes will be replaced with factual knowledge and understanding....

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Social Studies)

By Linda Tabor.

Blackbeard: The most feared pirate of the Atlantic

Students will acquire information about Blackbeard through primary resources and apply their knowledge to create a newspaper article concerning his life.

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 English Language Arts and Social Studies)

By Carol Holden and Tanya Klanert.

Avast ye mateys - Learning about Blackbeard the Pirate

Using both print and internet sources, students will explore a collection of information associated with pirates and Blackbeard, in conjunction with their studies of North Carolina History. Students will explore and read a variety of books from the library and will access a controlled collection of websites regarding Blackbeard the Pirate within to complete a Scavenger Hunt. Scavenger Hunt can be completed as a group in the computer lab, or independently on classroom computers.

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Information Skills and Social Studies)

By Kathy Beck.

Resources on the web

What makes a hero?

A common lament one hears today is that young people lack heroes to emulate. Is that true? Do your students have heroes? Who are they? What qualities of a hero do they represent? Which historical figures would students recognize to be heroes? Are there... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 English Language Arts and Social Studies)

Provided by: EDSITEment

Immigrating to America

Students learn about what it was like for new immigrants to come through Ellis Island at the turn of the century. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–4 Social Studies)

Provided by: The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

History in quilts

Students will recognize how people from different cultures and time periods have passed down the tradition of quiltmaking. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 Visual Arts Education and Social Studies)

Provided by: National Endowment for the Humanities