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Social Studies Curriculum 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 4.1.2

Examine maps of Utah’s precipitation, temperature, vegetation, population, and natural resources; make inferences about relationships between the data sets. Describe how and why humans have changed the physical environment of Utah to meet their needs (for example, reservoirs, irrigation, climate, transcontinental railroad).
  • Storytelling in the Transmission of Goshute Culture
    The student will be able to identify important elements of Goshute culture through their oral tradition.
  • 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.
  • Where Do the People in Utah Live?
    Enduring understanding: The physical geography of Utah influences where people live.Essential question:How do the physical features and landforms of Utah affect human settlement? This lesson will look at population concentrations in the State of Utah. Students will discuss the physical features that are part of various population centers and look for effects that those features may have on population. 


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 These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake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