SCIENCE
UNDERSTANDING LIFE SYSTEMS HABITATS AND COMMUNITIES
Big Ideas
Plants and animals are interdependent and are adapted to meet their needs from the resources available in their particular habitats.
Changes to habitats (whether caused by natural or human means) can affect plants and animals and the relationships between them.
Society relies on plants and animals.
UNDERSTANDING STRUCTURES AND MECHANISMS PULLEYS AND GEARS
BIG IDEAS
Pulleys and gears change the speed, direction, and motion of, and force exerted on, moving objects.
Pulleys and gears make it possible for a small input force to generate a large output force. (Note: Grade 4 students need to understand mechanical advantage only in its qualitative sense).
Gears are specialized wheels and axles that are used daily in many machines.
UNDERSTANDING MATTER AND ENERGY LIGHT AND SOUND
BIG IDEAS
Light and sound are forms of energy with specific properties.
Sound is created by vibrations. Light is required to see.
Technological innovations involving light and sound have an impact on the environment.
UNDERSTANDING EARTH AND SPACE SYSTEMS ROCKS AND MINERALS
BIG IDEAS
Rocks and minerals have unique characteristics and properties that are a result of how they were formed.
The properties of rocks and minerals determine society’s possible uses for them.
Our use of rocks and minerals affects the environment.