Energy
Mystery Science Unit: Waves of Sound
Embedded Files
ReadyGen / Literacy Connections
ReadyGen / Science / Social Studies Connections by Grade & Unit
Unit 4: The Boy Who Invented TV (4-PS4-1: Wave Model)
Mystery Science 4th Grade Student Notebook
Nonfiction Science Literacy Resources
Graphic Organizers / Thinking Maps
Multilingual Learner Language Expectations
Clarification & Boundary Statements
Clarification Statement: Examples of models could include diagrams, analogies, and physical models using wire to illustrate wavelength and amplitude of waves.
Boundary Statement: Assessment does not include interference effects, electromagnetic waves, non-periodic waves, or quantitative models of amplitude and wavelength.
4-PS4-3: Information Transfer Solution
Generate and compare multiple solutions that use patterns to transfer information.
Clarification & Boundary Statements
Clarification Statement: Examples of solutions could include drums sending coded information through sound waves, using a grid of 1’s and 0’s representing black and white to send information about a picture, and using Morse code to send text.
Boundary Statement: none
Anchor Phenomenon / Local Colorado Phenomenon Connections
Waves of Sound
The anchor phenomenon for this unit is a music video by composer Nigel Stanford, that showcases a series of devices that make sound waves visible. Students generate observations and questions about the phenomenon and create an initial conceptual model to explain what is happening.
Waves of Sound - Mystery Science Lesson / Connections to Anchor Phenomenon
Sound, Vibration & Engineering / How far can a whisper travel?
Sound & Vibrations / What would happen if you screamed in outer space?
Sounds Waves & Wavelength / Why are some sounds high and some sounds low?
Local Colorado Phenomena Connections
Here are several local Colorado phenomena that you can use to address the concept of energy in your fourth-grade science class:
The Great Sand Dunes: Explore how wind energy shapes the dunes and discuss the role of solar energy in the desert ecosystem.
Pikes Peak Cog Railway: Investigate the conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy as the train ascends and descends the mountain.
Geothermal Energy at Glenwood Springs: Examine how geothermal energy heats the hot springs and discuss its potential as a renewable energy source.
Wind Farms: Discuss the use of wind energy in Colorado and how wind turbines convert kinetic energy from wind into electrical energy.
Solar Energy in San Luis Valley: Explore the solar power plants in the area and discuss how solar panels convert sunlight into electrical energy.
These examples can help students understand different forms of energy and how they are utilized in Colorado.
Using SchoolAI, Gemini, ChatGPT to find local Colorado Phenomena
Use the following prompt, adjust accordingly. "I am a middle school science teacher looking for a local Colorado phenomena to address NGSS standard (enter standard you are looking for... example MS-PS1-4)"
Using SchoolAI
1) Navigate to Assistants
2) Select Curriculum Coach
3) Use the prompt above
Mystery Science Units
4th Grade Phenomenon Storylines
What is an Anchoring Phenomenon?
Mystery Science 4th Grade Student Notebook
Waves of Sound - In this unit, students investigate the science of sound. Students construct physical devices to feel the vibrations that allow us to communicate across distances. Students also use digital devices to visualize the characteristics of different sound waves that cause us to hear different things.
Hands On, Minds On Connections
The Importance of creating Active Learners
Mystery Packs:
You should have received your Mystery Pack at the start of the school year. This includes all you should need to pair your science instruction with your literacy resources. If you have not received your Mystery Pack or need additional supplies, please contact Gunilla Godebu at the St Vrain Science Center godebu_gunilla@svvsd.org
Additional Hands on Options
PebbleGo Lessons / Activities / Videos
Nearpod Lessons / Activities / Videos
STEM Connections
Virtual Field Trips - National Parks, Space, Famous Landmarks, Museums, Zoos, Aquariums, Historical Sites, Theme Parks & Stadiums
CDE: Grade Level Expectations
Elementary Report Card Indicators and Brochures
Prepared Graduates:
1-4 Students can use the full range of science and engineering practices to make sense of natural phenomena and solve problems that require understanding how waves are used to transfer energy and information.
Grade Level Expectation:
1.5 Waves are regular patterns of motion.
1.6 An object can be seen when light reflected from its surface enters the eyes.
1.7Patterns can encode, send, receive and decode information
Colorado Department of Education - Elementary Science Standards
Assessments / Career Connections
Elementary Report Card Indicators and Brochures
STEM Student Explore Boards
Science Database
Offers elementary students a safe place to find answers to their questions, practice research skills, and explore a broad range of subjects like animals, science and more, all in one place. Gale in Context: Elementary
3 Dimensional Science Assessments
This spreadsheet is a collection of existing assessments from across the country designed to support implementation of NGSS and similar state standards. The openly available tasks represent a wide range of task types and purposes. Some of these assessments are similar to what your students will experience on their 5th grade CMAS Exam. It is a good idea to introduce these types of assessments to students at all grade levels to better prepare them for success demonstrating their science knowledge. Combined 3D Task Inventory
Career Connections
Connecting what students are learning to careers not only deepens their engagement in school but also helps them make more informed choices about their future. Browse the following related career profiles to discover what scientists really do on the job and what it takes to prepare for these careers. For additional profiles visit your Year at a Glance Page. Gale in Context: Scientist and Inventor Biographies
Pebble Go Career Connections
Connecting classroom content to real-world careers can enhance student engagement and understanding. Here are some Colorado-based career connections related to energy that you might consider:
Renewable Energy Engineers: Engineers working in wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. You can explore companies like Vestas (wind energy) or SunShare (solar energy) based in Colorado.
Environmental Scientists: Professionals working on sustainable energy solutions and environmental impacts assessment. Organizations such as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado, can be a great resource.
Energy Policy Analysts: Individuals involved in shaping energy policies at local or state levels. The Colorado Energy Office is a good place to look for connections.
Geologists: Experts studying earth processes that affect energy resources, often working in areas related to natural gas or geothermal energy. Colorado Geological Survey might have professionals willing to speak with students.
Utility Company Representatives: Professionals from local utility companies like Xcel Energy, which work on energy distribution and management.
Consider reaching out to these organizations for potential guest speakers or virtual tours. Additionally, you can explore the Discover page for any Spaces that might offer interactive experiences related to these careers.
Connecting Thinking Maps to Science Instruction
To help students Think Like a Scientists, they need to know how to question and gather evidence in order to refine and revise what they know and understand. The information below provides suggestions for connecting Thinking Maps to our science concepts. The thinking maps listed are general connections and should not be seen as the only maps that could be used. To better understand how to use Thinking Maps in Science, reference pages 188 to 196 in your Thinking Maps Teacher Guide. Each Thinking Map listed below includes the page number where it can be found in your Thinking Maps Teacher Guide
Graphic Organizers (Science Practices & Cross-Cutting Concepts)
Thinking Maps Guide Thinking Maps Guide (Spanish)
Thinking Map Resources (Spanish)
Patterns
Critical Questions: Is there a pattern? What caused the pattern? What predictions can I make? How does this pattern compare to others?
Possible Thinking Maps:
Flow or Bridge Maps for analyzing patterns (Page 54)
Tree Map for classifying (Page 42)
Bridge Map for relationships (Page 66)
Multi-flow Map for causes of patterns and making predictions (Page 60)
Double Bubble Map for comparing / contrasting patterns (Page 36)
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