The Ohio Fourth Grade
Proficiency Test for Citizenship
Web Sites on Social Studies and Citizenship
The Citizenship test also includes multiple-choice, short answer and extended repines items. Students are asked to provide examples, complete charts, interpret information, reach a conclusion and justify that conclusion. The topics on the test may include:
- reading timelines
-identifying appropriate informational sources
- identifying cultural groups that live in Ohio and that have influenced the state's development
- locating major landforms and bodies of water on a world map
-using a number/letter grid, a map key and map scale
-recognizing continents by their outline
-explaining the influence of the environment on population patterns
-describing the location of Ohio in relation to other states and to major physical features on a map
-identifying the factors of production (land, labor, capital, entrepreneurship) needed to produce a good or source
-determining of given economic activities are examples of production or consumption
-stating the three branches of state government and the function of each
- listing the roles of state and local government
- distinguishing fact from opinion about public issues
- explaining the results of cooperation and involvement in community activities
-explaining fair play
The third and fourth grade curriculum covers all topics assessed on the Proficiency Test. Students study map and globe skills in social studies and math. Students complete in a variety of research projects, after instruction in the use of appropriate reference sources. Economics and cultures are themes covered in both third and fourth grade. An in-depth study of Ohio history and government is completed in fourth grade. Charts, graphs and timelines are assigned and discussed within the context of many units and activities.
- Discuss current events with your child. Help your child to locate the city or country on a map. Explain the location in relation to Ohio and name the continent it is on. If your child has an opinion on the event ask why he feels that way. Predict the effects this event may have.
- Use everyday situations to show the functions of state and local government. Discuss how fire and police services, road construction and parks are provided by the government and paid for by taxes.
- Encourage your child to read age appropriate articles from the newspaper or news magazines.
- When traveling, have your child help to plan the route, using highway maps. Have him calculate direction and distance traveled and name the states you'll pass through if driving or flying.
Web Sites on Social Studies and Citizenship
CNN - news for kids with audio play of text
Back to the Proficiency Test Page