Skip Navigation

Utah Core  •  Curriculum Search  •  All Social Studies Lesson Plans  •  USBE Social Studies website

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

Strand 4: Post-Statehood (1896-1999)

Students will study Utah’s continued development as a state, including learning about its Constitution and the role of geography in Utah’s economy and settlement patterns. Students will evaluate the roles and functions of different levels and types of governments. They will identify and explain the cultural connections that Utah’s diverse communities share.

Compelling Questions:

  • How has Utah’s physical and human geography impacted the development of the state?
  • How is federal and state power balanced in Utah, and what is the function of Utah’s state Constitution?
  • Who are some of the most influential leaders in Utah, and what are some of the contributions they have made to the state?
  • How are issues between state, federal, and tribal lands resolved?


Standard 4.4.4

Use primary and secondary sources to explain how Utah’s economy has changed over time (for example, recreation, tourism, mining, information technology, manufacturing, agriculture, petroleum production).
  • Angel Island
    Students will learn about the importance and impact of immigration to the building of the United States of America.
  • Coyote and Duck: A Paiute Tale
    Coyote tales are part of the Paiute oral tradition used to teach proper behavior and values from an early age. These stories are only told during the winter time. The Coyote illustrates the mischievous nature in all of us. This lesson the Paiute tale, Coyote and Duck to enhance comprehension and prediction skills of students. It also helps students become familiar with cultural storytelling and its importance in Native cultures. Students will have a brief introduction to the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah (PITU) and its location in Utah. The lesson includes a discussion about Native American regalia and explicitly addresses stereotypes. 
  • Ghost Town Awakening
    Students find and research a ghost town of Utah, and select the necessary things that it would need in order for it to function and grow. 
  • Japanese Internment
    Students will learn how various environmental and cultural changes impacted the treatment of Japanese Americans in Utah.so
  • Rethinking First Contact: the Effects of European...
    The student will combine their knowledge of Christopher Columbus with information about first contact among the Great Basin tribes to understand the many consequences of contact between Indians and Europeans in the Great Basin.
  • State of Utah Report
    Students will learn all about the history of the state of Utah. The will research different aspects of Utah and create a digital presentation of their knowledge. 2 weeks (20-30 minutes a day.)Independent or collaborative work depending on teacher preferenceUse books and the internet to gather information.Use Mac Pages to create a presentation.   Image Credit: Sukoff, J. (2019). Delicate Arch [jpg]. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/1NnW4hAwOuQ
  • Utah Ghost Towns - Consumers vs. Producers
    This is a lesson plan created by Jennifer Payne. It is meant to enhance student learning, and supports 4th Grade Utah State Social Studies Standard 2 Objective 3.


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.