Education is disciplined reflection on experience. — Mary Ann Brittain, NC Museum of Natural Sciences

9. Curriculum Connections: Science and Social Studies


Niche

For teachers it often seems that everything conspires against school field trips, but nothing takes the place of experience. There are many prescribed places for students to visit during their study of both science and social studies, and there is no better place than the outdoors to reconnect children to their natural and cultural history. This may help them understand where they live; what some call their ecological address. Thanks to the efforts of the Coastal Land Trust and their colleagues and friends, teachers and their students have the opportunity to plan a visit to the Savannah. There, students may learn more about the history of B. W. Wells, the stories of conservation in the state, and see first hand the results of conservation: plants and animals that make the Savannah and North Carolina, a special place.

Below are competency goals drawn from the North Carolina Standard Course of Study for science instruction in grades 4 and 5, and social studies in grades 4 and 8, when North Carolina’s creation, history and development are studied.

In the “Dig Deeper” section, there are links to the NC Standard Course of Study competency goals and objectives for grades 4 and 5 in science, and 4 and 8 in social studies. Additionally there is a link to the Course of Study in 4th grade English/ Language Arts, where students learn to read and create diaries and journals.

Goals from the NC Course of Study that are relevant include:

    Science Grade 4
  • Competency Goal 1: The learner will make observations and conduct investigations to build an understanding of animal behavior and adaptation.
    Science Grade 5
  • Competency Goal 1: The learner will conduct investigations to build an understanding of the Interdependence of plants and animals.
  • Competency Goal 2: The learner will make observations and conduct investigations to build an understanding of landforms.
  • Competency Goal 3: The learner will conduct investigations and use appropriate technology to build an understanding of weather and climate.
    Social Studies grade 4
  • Competency Goal 1: The learner will apply the five themes of geography to North Carolina and its people.
  • Competency Goal 2: The learner will examine the importance of the role of ethnic groups and examine the multiple roles they have played in the development of North Carolina.
  • Competency Goal 3: The learner will trace the history of colonization in North Carolina and evaluate its significance for diverse people’s ideas.
  • Competency Goal 4: The learner will analyze social and political institutions in North Carolina such as government, education, religion, and family and how they structure society, influence behavior, and respond to human needs.
  • Competency Goal 5: The learner will examine the impact of various cultural groups on North Carolina.
  • Competency Goal 6: The learner will evaluate how North Carolinians apply basic economic principles within the community, state and nation.
  • Competency Goal 7: The learner will recognize how technology influences change within North Carolina.
    Social Studies grade 8
  • Competency Goal 5: The learner will evaluate the impact of political, economic, social and technological changes on life in North Carolina from 1870 to 1930.
  • Competency Goal 6: The learner will analyze the immediate and long-term effects of the Great Depression and World War II on North Carolina.
  • Competency Goal 7: The learner will analyze changes in North Carolina during the post war period to the 1970’s.
  • Competency Goal 8: The learner will evaluate the impact of demographic, economic, technological, social and political developments in North Carolina since the 1970’s.
  • Competency Goal 9: The learner will explore examples of and opportunities for active citizenship, past and present, at the local and state levels.

Dig Deeper
 
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