South Korea Elementary School 4th Grade Curriculum - Social Studies

This information is based on the 2015 Revised National Curriculum of Korea. Social Studies aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes necessary to become democratic citizens who contribute to the development of society. The curriculum emphasizes creative and critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and information utilization.

4th Grade Social Studies

The 4th-grade curriculum builds upon the foundations laid in 3rd grade, focusing on understanding the characteristics of different regions, exploring local history and public institutions, and examining social change and cultural diversity.

First Semester

• Unit 1: Location and Characteristics of Regions: This unit covers the geographical features of different regions and their influence on local lifestyles. Students learn to use maps and other visual data to understand geographical information. They also explore the historical origins and cultural heritage of their region. Specific learning objectives include:
• Drawing the appearance of their town and comparing it with others.
• Identifying the location of major geographical features using maps.
• Explaining the historical origin and characteristics of the village.
• Examining the representative cultural heritage of the region.
• Explaining changes in life according to the development of transportation.
• Explaining changes in life according to the development of communication.
• Unit 2: Exploring Local History: This unit delves into the history of the local area. Students learn about the lives of historical figures and the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of their region. They also investigate the roles of public institutions and explore ways to solve local problems through resident participation. Specific learning objectives include:
• Using geographic information from local maps in real life.
• Examining various centers in the region (administration, transportation, commerce, industry, tourism).
• Recognizing the cultural heritage of the region.
• Learning about the lives of historical figures related to the region.
• Investigating the types and roles of public institutions.
• Examining ways to solve local problems through resident participation.
• Unit 3: Engaging Local Public Authorities and Residents: This unit focuses on the interaction between local authorities and residents. It covers the functions of public institutions and their impact on the lives of residents. Students also explore ways to participate in solving local problems and develop an attitude of civic responsibility.

Second Semester

• Unit 1: Life in Villages and Cities: This unit compares and contrasts life in rural and urban areas. Students explore the problems and solutions that arise in each setting and investigate the interdependent relationship between villages and cities. Specific learning objectives include:
• Comparing the similarities and differences between villages and cities.
• Investigating various exchanges between villages and cities.
• Unit 2: Production and Exchange of Necessities: This unit introduces basic economic concepts such as production, consumption, and exchange. Students learn about the scarcity of resources and the problem of choice in economic activities. They also explore the relationship between economic activities in different regions. Specific learning objectives include:
• Recognizing that the problem of choice arises due to scarcity of resources.
• Explaining economic activities such as production and consumption.
• Exploring the relationship between economic activities between regions.
• Unit 3: Social Change and Cultural Diversity: This unit examines the impact of social changes such as low birth rate, aging population, informatization, and globalization on daily life. Students also explore the challenges and opportunities that arise from cultural diversity and develop an attitude of respect for other cultures. Specific learning objectives include:
• Investigating the aspects of daily life impacted by social changes.
• Exploring problems and solutions that arise from cultural diversity.
• Developing an attitude of respect for other cultures.