4th Grade Science Unit 9

Big Idea:

Organisms within an ecosystem interact with one another and with their environments.

Student Expectations:

Priority TEKS

4.9(B) [Readiness] Describe the flow of energy through food webs, beginning with the Sun, and predict how changes in the ecosystem affect the food web

Focus TEKS

4.9(A) [Supporting] Investigate that most producers need sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make their own food, while consumers are dependent on other organisms for food

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(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

4.4(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 identify the main components and their purpose within a food web.
• I will identify the origin and movement of energy within a food web.
• I will write a prediction describing how a change in an ecosystem would affect a food web.

Essential Questions:

• What is the role of each component in a food web?
• How are food chains and food webs related?
• How can we model a food web?
• How do changes in ecosystems affect food webs?

Extra Information:

Adopted Textbook: ScienceFusion, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

District Grading Policy

Texas Gateway Online Resource Center