4th Grade Science Unit 7

Big Idea:

The movement of water occurs on Earth in a continuous cycle.

Student Expectations:

Priority TEKS

4.8(A) [Readiness] Measure, record, and predict changes in weather

4.8(B) [Supporting] Describe and illustrate the continuous movement of water above and on the surface of Earth through the water cycle and explain the role of the Sun as a major source of energy in this process

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(C) [Ways to Show] Construct simple tables, charts, bar graphs, and maps using tools and current technology to organize, examine, and evaluate data

4.2(D) [Ways to Show] Analyze data and interpret patterns to construct reasonable explanations from data that can be observed and measured

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

4.3(B) [Ways to Show] Represent the natural world using models such as the water cycle and stream tables, and identify their limitations, including accuracy and size

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 describe and illustrate the water cycle.
• I will write to explain the role of the sun in the water cycle.
• I will measure and record changes in weather patterns.

Essential Questions:

• How does water renew itself?
• How can we observe weather patterns?
• What would happen to the water cycle if the sun was removed?

Extra Information:

Adopted Textbook: ScienceFusion, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

District Grading Policy

Texas Gateway Online Resource Center