4th Grade Science Unit 10

Big Idea:

Organisms have structures that help them survive in their environment.

Student Expectations:

Priority TEKS

4.10(A) [Readiness] Explore how structures and functions enable organisms to survive in their environment

Focus TEKS

4.10(B) [Supporting] Explore and describe examples of traits that are inherited from parents to offspring such as eye color and shapes of leaves and behaviors that are learned such as reading a book and a wolf pack teaching their pups to hunt effectively

Ongoing TEKS

4.1(A) [Tools to Know] Demonstrate safe practices and the use of safety equipment as described in Texas Education Agency-approved safety standards during classroom and outdoor investigations using safety equipment, including safety goggles or chemical splash goggles, as appropriate, and gloves, as appropriate

4.2(A) [Tools to Know] Plan and implement descriptive investigations, including asking well-defined questions, making inferences, and selecting and using appropriate equipment or technology to answer his/her questions

4.2(B) [Ways to Show] Collect and record data by observing and measuring, using the metric system, and using descriptive words and numerals such as labeled drawings, writing, and concept maps

4.2(F) [Ways to Show] Communicate valid oral and written results supported by data

4.3(A) [Ways to Show] Analyze, evaluate, and critique scientific explanations by using evidence, logical reasoning, and experimental and observational testing

4.4(A) [Tools to Know] Collect, record, and analyze information using tools, including calculators, microscopes, cameras, computers, hand lenses, metric rulers, Celsius thermometers, spring scales, balances, graduated cylinders, beakers, hot plates, meter sticks, magnets, collecting nets, and notebooks; timing devices; and materials to support observations of habitats of organisms such as terrariums and aquariums

Student Learning Targets:

• I will write to explain why organisms develop adaptations.
• I will explore plant adaptations.
• I will explore animal adaptations.
• I will examine inherited traits passed from parents to offspring.
• I will identify learned traits of various creatures.

Essential Questions:

• Why do living things adapt to their environment?
• What is an example of a physical adaptation and a behavioral adaptation?
• What is the difference between instincts and learned behaviors?
• What is the role of heredity in determining who a creature/person becomes?

Extra Information:

Adopted Textbook: ScienceFusion, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

District Grading Policy

Texas Gateway Online Resource Center