Wisconsin Grade 4 Social Studies

What do two map editions establish?

Two invented maps show the same imaginary river community. Their titles are “Transport and industry, 1930” and “Transport routes, 2020.” The 1930 legend includes factories; the 2020 legend includes only transport features. Both identify the road bridge symbol. Use the descriptions below to explain a supported change and a claim that needs another source.

Follow the reasoning

The maps both show a railway, supporting continuity in that represented feature. A road bridge is shown in 2020 and not shown in 1930, so the two representations differ. The pair can begin an inquiry into a transport change, but confirming when a bridge was built requires dated records and checking map accuracy and coverage. The factory comparison is more limited: the later map’s purpose and legend exclude a factory category. Its lack of a factory symbol therefore does not establish that the factory closed. A later industry map or other dated source would be more useful for that question. Nor do these maps alone establish population growth or prove that a bridge caused economic change. The title, date, and legend help determine what each source is suited to show before comparing its symbols.

Check the explanation’s limits

These maps and dates are invented. No actual Wisconsin bridge, factory, or railway is identified. “Not shown” and “did not exist” are different claims. A source can omit a feature because of its purpose, scale, available information, or error. Compare relevant sources before treating an omission as evidence of disappearance.

Try the next step

1. Read each map’s title, date, and legend.
2. Separate a represented change from a category the later map does not include.
3. Choose an additional source for the factory or bridge question.

Add a dated factory register stating that the imaginary factory operated in 2020. Explain why this supports continued operation and resolves the omission differently from assuming closure. Propose a sourced investigation of transport in a teacher-selected Wisconsin community.

Connect the activity to further study

Selected state references: SS.Geog3.b.4, SS.Hist2.b.i. Read each complete source component before planning instruction.

Choose additional practice for a concept that needs explanation. General lessons and quizzes can include review or enrichment beyond this course; match them to the school’s current topic.