4

toc = Fourth Grade Course Description = The fourth grade science curriculum consists of four main FOSS (Full Option Science System) units: Scientific Process (Ideas and Inventions), Water, Structures of Life and Magnetism and Electricity. In the Scientific Process (Ideas and Inventions) Module, the focus will be on the use of the scientific process, and the importance of observation in that process. In the Water Module, the focus will be on exploring properties of water, using water to do work, the impact the water cycle has on life, and water's interactions with earth materials. In the Magnetism and Electricity Module students will be learning about the forces of electricity and magnetism, and their impact on our lives. In the Structures of Life Module, students will work with living organisms to explore their different observable properties and how an organism meets its basic needs for survival. Students will explore these modules through multisensory methods including inquiry (scientific process), hands-on active learning, interaction with other students, discussion, reflective thinking and reading and research.

= Vocabulary =

= Concept Maps =

= Topic List =

Structures of Life
(Seeds and fruits, structure of crayfish, animal behaviors)
 * Origin of Seeds: properties of seeds and the impact of water on seeds
 * Shape, size, color, etc.
 * Seed coat, cotyledon, embryo, dormancy
 * Growing Further (hydroponics): properties of germinated seeds, plant life cycles and plant’s basic needs
 * Life cycle of a bean plant – germination, seedling, stem, roots, leaves
 * Meet the Animals (may include studies of crayfish, Bess Beetles, and other animals)
 * Animal structures and their structures’ functions
 * Animal behaviors
 * Animal habitats

Magnetism and Electricity
(Magnetic force, circuits, conductors, insulators)
 * The Force (magnetism)
 * Properties of magnets
 * Magnetic force
 * Characteristics of magnets and objects that are magnetic
 * Magnetic field, attract, repel, permanent and temporary magnets
 * Making Connections (electricity and circuits)
 * Source and receiver, creating simple circuits, switch, conductors and insulators
 * Advanced Connections (parallel and series circuits)
 * Creating parallel and series circuits
 * Current Attractions (electromagnets)
 * Building an electromagnet
 * Click It! (building a telegraph) optional extension for individual students, not a whole-class experience

Water
(Properties of water, changes in water and erosion processes)
 * Water Observations (properties of water)
 * Absorbency, surface tension, transparency, shapelessness, flow
 * Hot Water/Cold Water (density)
 * Expansion and contraction
 * Sink and float
 * Mass of solid water vs. liquid water
 * Water Vapor (water cycle)
 * Evaporation, condensation, precipitation
 * Surface area and temperature – impact on rate of evaporation
 * Water Works (water through different earth materials)
 * Flow and absorption (motion)
 * Flowing water can be used to do work

Ideas and Investigations
(Vocabulary and steps used in the scientific process) Students will use the scientific process through the following experiences:
 * Shadow Lab
 * Rubbing Techniques
 * Carbon Printing
 * Color Writing (Chromatography)