Unit 1 Structure, Function, and Information Processing

In this first unit, fourth graders  will extend their experiences of the life sciences. Using phenomena associated with the senses, your child will make observations, develop models to explain their thinking. Emphasis will be that animal systems receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways. They will learn that plants and animals have internal and external structures that are components of systems that support their survival, growth, behavior and reproduction. They will design a model of a mythical creature, explain reasons for their choice of structures, and argue how the structures provide the functions that are beneficial to their creature’s survival.  

Unit 2 Energy

In this second unit, students will learn about Energy systems. Using hands-on investigations, your child will come to understand the relationship between the speed of an object and the energy of the object, that energy is conserved as it is transferred and/or converted from one form to another, and that changes in energy occur when objects collide. Fourth graders will explore energy and fuels that are derived from natural resources and how their uses affect the environment, as well as learning about alternative energy sources and the pros and cons that are considered in decision making processes

Unit 3 Waves: Waves and Information

In our third unit, students will continue learning about Physical Science topics. Using information from several sources, they will develop models of waves that will help them describe patterns and what causes objects to move. Students will explore the evolution of patterns and codes used in communication. Also, they will apply what they have learned to solve an engineering challenge by designing and testing devices that convert energy from one form to another to communicate information over a distance. The students will use real world events and phenomena that will encourage them to explore these concepts and the role they play in the 21st century. 

Unit 4 Earth Systems: Processes that Shape the Earth

In the fourth unit, students will learn about Earth systems. Using information from several sources, children will make observations, predictions and will provide evidence that Earth has patterns in rock formations and layers. They will continue to study changes that occur in Earth’s landscape over time. He/she will provide evidence of the effects of weathering over time based on erosion by water, wind, ice, or vegetation. Students will use maps to describe the patterns of Earth’s features. They will also generate and compare multiple solutions to reduce the impacts of natural Earth processes on humans.