4th Grade

4th grade students will investigate the function of teachers, students, parents, and equipment on the playground to keep kids safe.  Students will research and inquire on how the function of systems, influence of power, interconnectedness between systems and power impact the playground at Jackson Elementary. Students will have the opportunity to hear from the SEL teacher on social emotional issues that arise on the playground as well as hear firsthand from a playground architect on the process that goes into the planning of playgrounds. Students will use their knowledge of simple machines to improve and create a prototype of ways to improve our playground which includes a Bill of Rights for safety. 

4th grade students will reflect on how migration is caused by and leads to economic, social, and physical changes. Students will specifically look at the impact water (having water, seeking water, and transporting water) has on people's economic, social, and physical lives. Students will research about the global water crisis, imagine ways to improve the collection of clean water, and create test prototypes of ways to solve the problem. This has been done in previous years in many different ways--water filtrations, water collection devices, and even water system plan improvements. 

4th grade students explore how conflict in a community can lead to positive and negative changes.  Students explore the interrelationship between organisms and their roles in the ecosystem. Students learn about the causes and impact, both positive and negative, of conflict in a community in relation to the American Civil War and conflict in ecosystems. Students will create animated PSAs to help others understand the interrelationship and roles of organisms in an ecosystem.