Energy
Mystery Science Unit: Waves of Sound
ReadyGen / Literacy Connections
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
Mystery Science Units
4th Grade Phenomenon Storylines
What is an Anchoring Phenomenon?
Mystery Science 3rd 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.
Anchor Phenomenon
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?
Using ChatGPT to find local Colorado Phenomena
Use the following prompt, adjust accordingly. "I am an elementary school science teacher looking for a local Colorado phenomena to address NGSS standard (enter standard you are looking for... example 1-ESS1-2)"
CDE: Grade Level Expectations
Prepared Graduates:
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:
Waves are regular patterns of motion.
An object can be seen when light reflected from its surface enters the eyes.
Patterns can encode, send, receive and decode information
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 contact Michael O'Toole at otoole_michael@svvsd.org
Additional Hands on Options: Science to Go
Nearpod Lessons / Activities / Videos
STEM Connections
Virtual Field Trips - National Parks, Space, Famous Landmarks, Museums, Zoos, Aquariums, Historical Sites, Theme Parks & Stadiums
Teacher Notes / Assessments / Career Connections
STEM Student Explore Boards
Using A.I. to find local Colorado Phenomena
Use the following prompt, adjust accordingly. "I am an elementary school science teacher looking for a local Colorado phenomena to address NGSS standard (enter standard you are looking for... example 1-ESS1-2)"
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
Thinking Map Connections
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
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)
