Social Studies Grade Four

Unit 4: Decision Making

Unit Overview for Grades 1 to 5

Learning at each grade level is organized around four units of study.
Unit 1 Identity Unit 3 Interdependence
Unit 2 Heritage Unit 4 Decision Making

This curriculum uses a spiral model for organizing learning objectives. With this developmental model, concepts are introduced and developed within the context of a theme and at a level appropriate for the students in the classroom. The unit "Decision Making" is developed in the following way:

Unit Summary for Grade Four
Students will learn the differences between rules and laws and will link specific rules and laws with their purposes. They will learn about the provincial government and be able to identify some laws it has made, some of its expenditures and revenues, and the roles of some provincially elected politicians.
Students will understand that making decisions often result in change and will have the opportunity to practice various ways of making decisions.
Students may apply the knowledge and skills gained during the year to create a province.

Major Concepts and Learning Objectives
Concepts
Decision making

rules, laws, change, government, capital city, taxes, revenues, expenditures
Knowledge Objectives
Students will know that:

rules are made by groups and organizations and are enforced in various ways. (PSVS, CCT)
laws are made by government and enforced by the justice system. (PSVS, CCT)
rules and laws may change in response to changing needs and wants. (PSVS, TL, CCT)
the provincial government makes laws, finances projects, provides services, and collects taxes. (PSVS, TL, N)
decisions often result in change. (PSVS, CCT)
change is an integral part of our lives. (PSVS)
Skills/Abilities Objectives
Students will:

categorize rules and laws and link them with their purpose. (C, CCT, IL)
identify and use various methods of decision making. (C, PSVS, CCT)
identify some roles and responsibilities of the provincial government. (C, IL)
understand the relationship between services and taxes. (C, CCT)
identify decisions that resulted in change. (C, CCT)
Attitudes/Values Objectives
Students will:

value rules and laws as necessary components of society. (PSVS)
appreciate and value the role of the provincial government. (N, PSVS)
value decisions made for positive changes. (CCT, PSVS)
Citizen Action Objectives
Students may:

participate in decision-making processes. (C, CCT, PSVS)
host an MLA. (C, PSVS, IL)
participate in a simulation activity. (C, CCT, PSVS)
apply learnings to creating a province. (CCT, PSVS, C, TL, IL, N)

Suggestions for Integration

Language Arts:
Use literature related to the themes and concepts. Use decision-making strategies in other subject areas.
Student skills/abilities may be supported in all subjects.