AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUBJECT/COURSE: Social Studies
IPG: First Nine Weeks
MAJOR CONCEPT #1: Freedom
GRADE LEVEL: 4
Overarching Idea
Citizens understand the importance of patriotism and appreciate the basic democratic values of our
national heritage.
Guiding Questions
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What is the significance of Constitution Day?
Why is freedom important?
What actions in history helped promote freedom in America?
MAJOR CONCEPT #2: Location and Place
Overarching Idea
Location and place can be determined by the tools of geography.
Guiding Questions
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What are the physical characteristics of Texas?
What are the unique characteristics of the four regions of Texas?
What are the cultural characteristics of each region of Texas?
© Austin Independent School District 2009-2010
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AUSTIN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUBJECT/COURSE: Social Studies
IPG: First Nine Weeks
GRADE LEVEL: 4
MAJOR CONCEPT #3: Resources
Overarching Idea
Resources include production of goods, services, and capital.
Guiding Questions
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How do Texas’ resources impact the United States’ economy?
How do changes in resources impact the past, present, and future?
How do consumers and producers of resources participate in the state’s economy?
MAJOR CONCEPT #4: Culture
Overarching Idea
Cultures have multiple elements that have a strong influence on how people live.
Guiding Questions
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How do different groups of people adapt to different environments?
What influences do different groups have on the culture and environments of an area?
What influences from different cultures can be seen in Texas today?
© Austin Independent School District 2009-2010
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