4th Grade Science Units
Introduction to 4th Grade Science
We will begin our journey through this year’s science class by covering procedures and information that we will be using throughout the year. This will include our science journals, the Scientific Method, and general lab and safety procedures. These lessons will lay the foundation for all of our labs, experiments, activities, and observations; so be sure to familiarize yourself with all of the material.
Unit 1: Earth in the Universe
In unit 1, we will be learning about how our planet’s movement affects us. We will explore the causes of day and night, as well as changes in the seasons. We will also discuss Earth’s moon and observe how its appearance in the sky changes in a consistent 28-day pattern known as a lunar cycle.
Unit 2: Magnetism and Static Electricity
In unit 2, we will explore the forces of magnetism and static electricity. As we go through these lessons, we will engage in many activities to discover characteristics of magnets are and how they are able to attract certain materials. Once we know what causes a substance to be magnetic, we will also be able to create different types of magnets.
Unit 3: Properties of Matter, Rocks, and Minerals
In unit 3, we will learn about matter – the atoms and molecules that make up everything around us. We will also look at minerals and how they can combine together to form rocks. As we study many of the different rocks and minerals that make up our planet, we will learn how they can be identified based on their physical properties, as well as how these different rocks are formed.
Unit 4: Energy - Conservation and Transfer
In unit 4, we will be studying energy – the ability to do work. Energy can exist in many forms such as light, sound, heat, and electricity. We will be exploring these different forms of energy and learning more about energy can be transferred and changed.
Unit 5: Earth History and Fossils
In unit 5, we will be learning more about our planet – how it is made and the natural forces that are constantly changing its surface. We will also see how fossils – preserved remains of living organisms – can help us learn about Earth’s history and allow us to theorize about extinct animals and plants and characteristics of their environments.
Unit 6: Ecosystems
In unit 6, we will explore ecosystems – communities of organisms interacting with their environments. We will learn about the different groups of living organisms that inhabit different types of ecosystems and characteristics that allow them to compete for resources in their environments. We will also examine factors that can cause changes in ecosystems that can affect organisms that live there.
Unit 7: Molecular Biology
In order to be alive and healthy, all organisms need certain things. In unit 7 we will look at several common needs that all living things have, as well as how we use vitamins and minerals from our food to support our body systems. In order to maintain a healthy body, we need to maintain a balance of healthy eating habits and proper exercise.