Fourth Grade

Physical Science: Energy Exploration

Fourth graders will investigate energy systems and energy transfers in this physical science module. Students will explore solar energy, light and heat energy, energy collisions, and even connecting circuits with our own bodies!  We learn how William Kamkwamba, a real-life problem solver, brought electricity to his community by designing and building a windmill to convert wind energy to electricity. Inspired by Kamkwamba’s story, students follow the design process as they design a windmill prototype with blades that turn when moving air passes over them. 

Computer Science: Input/ Output: Computer Systems

In this module, students become computer scientists as they explore how a computing system works together to process input and produce output. Students apply their understanding of computing systems as they compare them to human body systems and explore the binary system to represent data. Students will create programs using a block-based coding language in Scratch. Students follow the Use-Modify-Create Framework to write programs with sequences, events, loops, and variables. Applying skills and knowledge learned from the activities and project, students work together to design and program a digital game that keeps children busy while they are waiting.