A fourth grade social studies discussion on economics should involve an analysis on capitalism and how the free market economy works. Most importantly, discuss with students the importance of supply and demand. Demonstrate how demand affects the supply of goods in the economy and how the supply also affects how much goods cost. For example, a high demand for a product may cause manufacturers to start producing that product in large numbers. The more plentiful the product, the less it costs. Conversely, a scarce item with high demand costs more since consumers are willing to pay more to have that item.
A civics discussion for fourth graders involves a look at voting and the importance of voter participation. Identify specific problems in society and explain how the voting process allows voters to effectuate change in society. Discuss alternate routes of changing policy and changing society for the better. This includes writing representatives and attending town hall meetings. As a general topic, cover the importance of the democratic system and how it allows all citizens to participate in government.
Discuss the different geological features within the United States, common characteristics and how humans interact with the environment. This gives students a better understanding of how the natural environment has an effect on culture and the way society works. For example, discuss the desert environments in the southwest and how the lack of water impacts population levels and policy. Likewise, discuss the high population levels in coastal regions and how the density of people impacts the overall environment.
By fourth grade, students have a basic understanding of the three branches of the federal government. Talk about the the functions of each branch and how they work to help make society run better. Discuss how the legislative branch passes laws, talk about the major powers of the executive and presidential branches and cover some of the major Supreme Court rulings throughout history.