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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 4.2.2

Explain the economic concepts of trade, scarcity, and supply and demand. Apply these concepts in analyzing the economic activity of Native American tribal groups that existed during this period in the land now called Utah and their trade with European-American trappers and traders.


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.

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