4th Grade

Curriculum

Bloom with Books

This interdisciplinary unit includes lessons for each grade level 1-5 connected to different children’s books, selected for their rich use of language and high interest for advanced readers. The activities are based upon a variety of content areas, including language arts, math, science, and social studies.  

Students will be able to independently use their learning to…

• Develop an appreciation of reading by selecting and reviewing texts.

• Comprehend and explain a variety of texts.

• Make connections to real-life experiences.

Students will show that they really understand by evidence of…

• Rating and recommending books through book talks. 

• Reviewing books organized by grade and genre.

 Robotics

In many ways, Robotics is a natural synthesis of the previous years’ learning in PACE; however, students new to PACE in 4th grade are not at any disadvantage. Students work in teams to research a real-world situation perceived to be an unfavorable condition for humans, and then build their own robot to solve the chosen problem through a performance task of their choice. Students present their solution, and the robot performs its tasks in the fictional context of a presentation to a specific audience such as NASA. Additional learning includes an introduction to the literary genre of science fiction, how science fiction can become science fact, icon-driven computer programming, and various methods of inquiry. 

Students will be able to independently use their learning to…

• Make inferences.

• Solve problems using deductive reasoning skills.

Students will show that they really understand by evidence of…

• Designing and implementing a program for their robot.

• Creating a persuasive presentation.

Leadership

In the leadership unit students begin to explore qualities that make good leaders and identify leadership skills in themselves and others.  Through classroom discussions and journal reflections, students learn that anyone can be a leader and that sometimes leaders need to follow.  Students will determine their leadership style and analyze how it can be used to have a big impact on the future as well as come up with a leadership growth goal to become a stronger leader.  A research project based on a leader allows students to practice research and public speaking skills. 

Students will be able to independently use their learning to…

• identify and develop leadership skills in themselves and others.

Students will show their learning by evidence…

• Researching a leader.

• Presenting their findings.

• Reflecting on their own leadership style/skills, including goal setting.

Microworlds  Pro

Students are taught basic logical programming skills using Logo programming. Students learn the language of the program and put together smaller programs to complete a larger, more complicated program.

Students will be able to independently use their learning to…

• Understand and explain the importance of computer coding.

• Diagnose and solve problems using logical reasoning

• Create innovative products from newly acquired coding skills.

Students will show that they really understand by evidence of…

• Completing required criteria in final project.