Board Approved – June 2001
Social Studies
GUIDING QUESTIONS
Elementary Social Studies -- 4th Grade
Grade Level Theme: Washington State and World Regions
Guiding Questions:
Geography
1. How does Washington State geography compare to other regions in the United States and around the world?
2. What are the physical characteristics of Washington State?
Civics
1. What is the basic structure and function of our state government?
2. What are a person's rights and responsibilities as a citizen of Washington State?
History
1. How did geography influence the development and history of regions in Washington State and around the world?
Economics
1. What are the economic resources within each major geographic region in Washington State?
2. How do the economic resources within each major geographic region in Washington State compare with those of
similar geographic regions throughout the world?
Social Studies
OVERVIEW
4th grade: Washington State and World Regions
Overview: The purpose of Washington State and World Regions is to introduce, review and make practical application of many social studies
concepts, vocabularies and skills. Students will learn and apply basic map skills as they develop the concept of regions, political and geographic
boundaries. Landforms in Washington State will be studied and compared to similar areas around the U.S. and the world.
Unit
Geography of the
World
(2-3 weeks)
Geography of the
United States
(4-5 weeks)
Learning Outcome
 Develop and apply map skills: scale
and distance, location, direction and
symbols (see appendix - K-8 Social
Studies Scope and Sequence of Skills).
 Understand the relationship between
country, region and state as
geographical and political entities.
Critical Content
 continents and oceans
 names
 locations
 hemispheres
 equator
 prime meridian
 latitude/longitude
 coordinate grids
 geographical regions within the
United States (Northeast/New
England, Mid-Atlantic, South,
Midwest, Gulf States, Plains, Rocky
Mountains, Southwest, Pacific
Northwest, Pacific)
 unique characteristics of regions
 states within regions
 concept of state vs. country
Guiding Questions
Geography 2
Geography 2
EALRS
Geography
1.1, 2.1,
2.1,2.3
Geography
1.1, 2.1,
2.1,2.3
OVERVIEW -- 4th GRADE
Unit
Geography of
Washington State
(2-3 weeks)
Learning Outcome
 Identify the major geological and
physical characteristics of Washington
State.
 Understand the relationship between
city, county and state as major
geographical and political regions.
Geography and
Government
(1 week)
 Describe the roles, branches and
functions of state and county
government.
 Understand basic rights and
responsibilities as a citizen of
Washington State.
Guiding Questions
Critical Content
 physical characteristics of Washington Geography 1, 2
State
 geological influence
 landforms
 bodies of water
 concept of state, county, city
 location -- cities, counties
(Olympia/Thurston, Seattle/King,
Spokane/Spokane, Tacoma/Pierce)
 neighboring counties (Skagit,
Island)
Civics 1, 2
 introduction to state and county
government
 roles, branches and functions
 basic rights/responsibilities
 free education
 voting
 taxation
EALRS
Geography 1.1,
1.2, 2.1, 2.2,
3.1, 3.2 3.3
Civics 1.1, 1.3,
2.1, 2.3, 4.1
OVERVIEW -- 4th GRADE
Unit
Comparative
Regions
(18-20 weeks)
Learning Outcome
 Identify the physical locations and
characteristics of major landforms in
Washington State.
 Describe how the geography of each
region determines its resources and
influences economic development.
 Understand how Washington State
landforms and regions compare to
similar areas around the U.S. and the
world. (Comparisons should include
physical geography, landforms,
climate, natural resources and current
economics.)
Critical Content
 coastal regions
 Washington State -- Strait of Juan
de Fuca, beach communities,
Willapa Hills, Pacific Coast,
Atlantic Coast, oceans and
selected coastal regions worldwide
 peninsulas
 Washington State -- Olympic
Peninsula, elevation and
climate changes, coastal
mountains
 State of Florida, Iberian and
Yucatan Peninsulas
 tropical vs. temperate rainforests
Guiding Questions
Geography 1, 2
Economics 1, 2
EALRS
Geography
1.1, 1.2, 2.1,
2.2, 3.2
Economics 1.1
OVERVIEW -- 4th GRADE
Unit
Comparative
Regions
(Continued)
See above.
Learning Outcome
Guiding Questions
Critical Content
Geography 1, 2
 mountain ranges
Economics 1, 2
 Washington State -- Olympic,
Cascade and Okanogan
Highlands/Rockies
 Rocky Mountains (U.S.-Canada) -Cascade Range in Oregon and
California, Appalachian Highlands
(old vs. young mountains)
 Andes and Himalayas
 lowlands
 Washington State -- Western
Lowlands & Puget Sound,
metropolitan vs. agricultural
centers, water as a resource,
islands and shores, transportation,
deep water ports
 Alaska and Prince William Sound,
St. Lawrence and Great Lakes
Lowlands, deep water ports (i.e.
Oakland, CA; New York; Hong
Kong; Hamburg; Melbourne)
EALRS
Geography
1.1, 1.2, 2.1,
2.2, 3.2
Economics 1.1
OVERVIEW -- 4th GRADE
Unit
Comparative
Regions
(Continued)
Learning Outcome
See above.
Geographical
Influences on
History
 Analyze the geographical influence on
historical development of regions in
Washington State and around the
world.
Not to be taught as
an individual unit,
but as a synthesis to
the study of
comparative
regions.
Critical Content
 plateau
 Washington State -- Columbia
Basin, “high desert” climate, rain
shadow, Columbia and Snake
Rivers
 Meseta (Plateau on the Iberian
Peninsula), Mexican Plateau
 desert vs. plateau, hot and cold
deserts, Mojave, Sonoran, Gobi,
Kalahari, Antarctic
 geographical influence on the
historical development of regions in
Washington State and around the
world, with respect to:
 population centers
 natural resources
 economics
 government
 transportation
 development of culture
Guiding Questions
Geography 1, 2
Economics 1, 2
History 1
EALRS
Geography
1.1, 1.2, 2.1,
2.2, 3.2
Economics 1.1
History 1.2,
2.3, 3.2
Online Research Module (All students must complete a minimum of one research module every school year.)
Big Adventure in
Washington State
Essential Question: What are the different physical regions of Washington State and how are they alike and different?
Scenario: You want to travel this summer all over Washington State and have a big adventure. You need to persuade your
family that a trip is a good idea. In order to have a successful trip, you need to make sure that everybody has fun. Your dad is
a mountain climber, your mom is a windsurfer, and you love to fish for salmon. You all like to attend festivals. Your task is to
plan a trip around Washington that includes at least three different regions so that each family member can do their favorite
sport. You will create a persuasive brochure, and make a presentation to your family with the information you gather.