Local History and Local Government “Local History and Local Government” applies the course of study to the Empire State. Students begin the course with a study of the symbols that identify New York, as well as the diverse population of the state that has made significant contributions to the country and world. The geography section introduces students to the regions in the state and the human and physical geographies that define these regions. Students also look at unique alterations people have made to their landscape and state parks that preserve landscapes. Students learn about similarities and differences between the United States government and their New York State government, including the different roles citizens play in these two scales of governance. The course focuses on the unique technological innovations that have strengthened the state and its role in the global economy. The history section in the course takes students back to a time where there were no Europeans and only Native Americans living in the state. Through the course, students learn about how Europeans shaped where and how Native Americans lived, as well as how Europeans made claims and were shaped by their settlement in the state. The subsequent chronological study focuses on British colonization, the American Revolution, New York’s role in founding the United States, the changing racial profile of the state, and the new economic opportunities that have made New York State a global financial and production center. As with all of our educational programs, all instruction is centered in our Catholic faith foundation.
In the context of all social studies instruction, students are expected to use social studies practices which include:
- chronological and reasoning causation – how events are related chronologically and how they relate to earlier ideas and events and subsequent ideas and events which in turn result in periods of history
- comparison and contextualization – similarities and differences among geographic regions where varying historical development affected societies, economics and culture
- geographic reasoning – the relationship between people, places, and the environment and the overall effects on human activities over time
- gathering, using and interpreting evidence – using evidence from diverse sources and multiple perspectives to understand as well as to construct and deconstruct arguments related to topics of social studies
- role of the individual in social and political participation-investigate ways of participation, respectful dissent and engaging in methods of change including written, verbal (debate) and social media
The content of Grade Four Social Studies is centered around the following Common Core Domains and Key Ideas:
The Empire State Identity
- there are many landmarks, symbols, and icons that reflect the identity of the State of New York
- New Yorkers have made political, cultural, social, scientific, and economic contributions
The Geography of the United States and New York
- the U.S. has extensive, diverse and unique geography comprised of different regions, physical features, climates, and human communities
- the geography and natural resources of New York affect where and how people live
History of the United States and New York
- Native American groups, chiefly Iroquois and Algonquin, inhabited New York in the early period of its history
- the movement of Europeans and enslaved Africans into NYS led to conflicts and cultural interactions with the Native Americans
- under British rule, New York was a politically, economically, and socially influential colony
- the American Revolution resulted from growing conflicts with Great Britain over issues of political and economic self-rule and beliefs about natural rights and the purpose of government
- the foundation for the new U.S. government and the principles guiding the American democratic system are found in the Declaration of Independence and the constitution of New York State and the United States
- each century, including the 21st, has brought new political, social, and economic challenges and opportunities
Governance and Citizenship in New York
- systems of government exist at the local, county, state and federal level to create and enforce laws, to protect the people and general interests of the community, state, and nation
- there are many formal and informal ways for citizens to have an impact on their community, state and nation
New York Economy Contributes to the Country and World
- technological innovations in the state have sparked economic growth
- New York provides important economic goods and services to its citizens as well as the U.S. and world