Grade
4: Science
Scientific Investigation,
Reasoning, and Logic
4.1 The
student will plan and conduct investigations
Force, Motion, and Energy
4.2 Understand
simple machines and their uses. Key concepts include:
-
energy forms (electrical, mechanical, and chemical energy)
-
potential and kinetic energy
-
simple and complex machines
-
efficiency, friction, and inertia
RESOURCES
The
Mummy's Tomb
Robot
Zoo Manmade robotic
animals show the internal workings of living animals including the giraffe,
squid, and chameleon.
Spotlight
on Simple Machines Share your ideas for compound
machines--two or more simple machines working together (in the compound
machine gallery).
4.3 Understand
the characteristics of electricity. Key concepts include:
-
the nature of electricity (voltage, ampere, resistance, conductors,
and insulators)
-
circuits (open/closed, parallel/series)
-
magnetism and magnetic fields
-
static electricity
-
historical contribution in understanding electricity
RESOURCES
Alliance
for Competitive Electricity From
Ben Franklin's famous kite to today's power grid, check out this site to
learn about electricity today. How does power flow?
Frankenstein's
Lightning Laboratory Learn about different forms
of electricity and electrical safety.
Life Processes
4.4 Understand basic plant anatomy
and life processes. Key concepts include:
-
the structures of typical plants (leaves, stems, roots, and flowers)
-
processes and structures involved with reproduction (pollination, stamen,
pistil, sepal, embryo, spore, and seed)
-
photosynthesis (chlorophyll, carbon dioxide)
-
dormancy
RESOURCES
The
Circle of Life
Living Systems
4.5 Understand how plants and
animals in an ecosystem interact with one another and the nonliving environment.
Key concepts include:
-
behavioral and structural adaptations
-
organization of communities
-
flow of energy through food webs
-
habitats and niches
-
life cycles
-
influence of human activity on ecosystems
RESOURCES
Ecosystems,
Biomes, and Habitats Ecosystems vary in size. They
can be as small as a puddle or as large as the Earth itself.
Any goup of living a nonliving things interacting with each other
can be considered as an
ecosystem.
Scientists
in The City Students, teachers, families, and science
enthusiasts who are investigating their ecosystems. To be a scientist
in your own city, you need to look at your city through a scientist's eye.
Is that a garbage can, or is it a habitat for bees? Is that a brick wall,
or atoms rearranged in constructive ways?
Interrelationships in Earth/Space
Systems
4.6 Understandhow weather conditions
and phenomena occur and can be predicted Key concepts include:
-
weather factors (temperature, air pressure, fronts, formation and type
of clouds, and storms)
-
meteorolical tools (barometer, hygrometer, anemometer, rain gauge, and
thermometer)
RESOURCES
Making
Weather Instruments
Franklin's
Forecast Try your own weather forecasting. Make
your own weather station, learn about weather satellites, and practice
reading RADAR images. Like Ben Franklin did, you'll find that your
own observation skills are the best tool for weather forecasting.
Earth Patterns, Cycles, and
Change
4.7 Understand the relationships
among the Earth, moon, and sun. Key concepts include:
-
the motions of the Earth, moon, and sun (revolution and rotation)
-
causes for the Earth's seasons and phases of the moon
-
the relative size, position, and makeup of the Earth, moon, and sun
-
unique properties of the Earth as a planet and as part of the solar
system
-
historical contributions in understanding the Earth-moon-sun system
RESOURCES
Views
of the Solar System
Earth
and Moon Viewer
Natural Resources
4.8 Understand important
Virginia natural resources. Key concepts include:
-
watershed and water resources
-
animals and plants, both domesticated and wild
-
minerals, rocks, ores, and energy sources
RESOURCES
Wildlife
Mapping Learn more about how you can become more
involved in helping conserve Virginia's wildlife
through learning how to assist the Virginia Department of Game and
Inland Fisheries with monitoring and mapping your area wildlife.
Virginia
Tech Museum of Natural History: Educational Resource Kits
Return
to General Science
Date Entered: March 6, 1998
Date Updated: January 8, 2001