Grade 4 - Virginia Studies SOL Study Guide

History and Social Science Skills

• VS.1 — Apply history and social science skills to explain the relationship between physical geography and the lives of Virginia's peoples, past and present.

Physical Geography

• VS.2 — Locate Virginia and its bordering states on maps of the United States and North America.
• VS.3 — Locate and describe the relative location and physical characteristics of Virginia's five geographic regions on a map.
• VS.4 — Locate, identify, and describe the impact of Virginia's bodies of water on its history, economy, and culture.

Virginia's Indigenous People

• VS.5 — Describe the Indigenous nations of Virginia past and present.

1607 through the American Revolution

• VS.6 — Explain the causes and effects of events associated with the first permanent English settlement in North America.
• VS.7 — Understand life in the Virginia colony.
• VS.8 — Explain Virginia and Virginians' role during the American Revolution.

Political Growth and Western Expansion: 1775 to the Mid-1800s

• VS.9 — Explain the establishment and growth of the new American nation with emphasis on the role of Virginians and events in Virginia during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Civil War and Postwar Eras

• VS.10 — Understand the key people, events, and issues of the Civil War and Virginia's role.
• VS.11 — Explain the reconstruction of Virginia following the Civil War.
• VS.12 — Recognize why Virginia is known as the "Mother of Presidents."

Virginia: 1900 to Present

• VS.13 — Understand the ways in which Virginia became interconnected and diverse.
• VS.14 — Understand the role Virginians played in American history during World War I and World War II.
• VS.15 — Understand the Civil Rights Movement in Virginia.
• VS.16 — Use history and social science skills to recognize why Virginia is known as the "Mother of Presidents."
• VS.17 — Explain Virginia's role in the global economy in the 21st century.

What is on the Grade 4 - Virginia Studies SOL test?

The Grade 4 - Virginia Studies Virginia SOL test is organized into 7 reporting strands: History and Social Science Skills, Physical Geography, Virginia's Indigenous People, 1607 through the American Revolution, Political Growth and Western Expansion: 1775 to the Mid-1800s, Civil War and Postwar Eras, Virginia: 1900 to Present. It assesses the 17 Standards of Learning listed on this page.

How many standards does Grade 4 - Virginia Studies cover?

Grade 4 - Virginia Studies covers 17 individual Virginia SOL standards across its 7 strands.

Where can I find Grade 4 - Virginia Studies SOL practice tests?

The Virginia Department of Education publishes official released tests and practice items at doe.virginia.gov — see our Virginia SOL practice tests guide for direct links. SOL Prep adds standard-by-standard practice for each of the 17 Grade 4 - Virginia Studies standards below.

How should I study for the Grade 4 - Virginia Studies SOL?

Start with a diagnostic to find which of the 17 Grade 4 - Virginia Studies standards you're weakest on, then focus practice there instead of re-reviewing what you already know. Work each standard's skills, then take a mixed practice check.