The social studies standards in grades four and five are a comprehensive history of the United States. The first part of this story, which dates from the exploration of the New World to the end of the Civil War, is the focus for grade four. Students learn about the contributions of Native Americans, the exploration and settlement by the Europeans, the beginnings of the United States as a nation, the westward expansion and its implications, and the problems that tore the nation apart and caused a civil war. Students also explore the documents, people, and events that have made the United States what it is today.
South Carolina Grade 4 Social Studies Standards
4-1: The student will demonstrate an understanding of political, economic, and geographic reasons for the exploration of the New World.
4-2:The student will demonstrate an understanding of how the settlement of North America was influenced by the interactions of Native Americans, Europeans, and Africans.
4-3: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the conflict between the American colonies and England.
4-4: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the beginnings of America as a nation and the establishment of the new government.
4-5: The student will demonstrate an understanding of westward expansion of the United States and its impact on the institution of slavery.
4-6: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the causes, the course, and the effects of the American Civil War.