4th  Grade  Science  Semester  A  Syllabus  

   

Course  Description:  
 
Grade  4  Science  includes  the  three  main  domains  of  science  which  are  physical,  life,  and  
earth  and  space  science.    Learners  will  use  various  kinds  of  experimenting,  including  field  
studies,  systematic  observations,  models,  and  controlled  experiences.    The  course  begins  
with  the  explanation  of  the  scientific  method  which  the  students  continue  to  use  and  build  
upon  throughout  the  course.    The  big  picture  of  the  earth  is  examined  as  students  review  
the  life  on  planet  earth,  salt  and  fresh  water,  and  fast  and  slow  changes  that  occur  on  the  
planet.      Students  go  beyond  planet  earth,  though,  as  they  study  galaxies,  the  solar  system  
and  other  planets.  Students  examine  the  ways  that  forces  and  motion  can  be  measured  and  
the  concept  that  a  single  kind  of  matter  can  exist  as  a  solid,  liquid  or  gas.    Grade  4  science  
uses  many  modes  of  instruction  including  video  presentations,  enrichment  activities,  and  
hands-­‐on  experimentation.  
 
 
Module   Lesson  Title   Objectives   Materials  Needed  
 
1.  Define  science,  and  describe  why    
it's  important.  
2.  List  common  steps  in  a  scientific  
method.  
Using  
3.  Design  and  carry  out  your  own  
Scientific   What  Is  Science?  
simple  experiment  using  the  
Methods  
scientific  method.  
 
 
 
1.  In  this  lesson  you  will  learn  about   Optional  -­‐  shoebox  
observation.   or  brown  paper  bag  
Observations  and  The  
  2.  List  common  steps  in  a  scientific  
Scientific  Method  
method.  
 
1.  Describe  the  shape  of  the  Earth.   One  white  paper  
2.  List  and  define  common  terms   plate  
used  to  describe  Earth.    
3.  Describe  at  least  five  reasons  that   Modeling  clay  in  a  
life  can  exist  on  Earth.   range  of  colors  
  Living  On  Planet  Earth   4.  List  and  describe  at  least  five   (blue,  brown,  green,  
landforms  that  exist  on  Earth’s   white,  gray)  
surface.    
  10  toothpicks  
 
Black  marker  
              4th  Grade  Science  Semester  A  Syllabus  
   
Module   Lesson  Title   Objectives   Materials  Needed  
 
1.  Describe  the  size  and  some    
benefits  of  the  world  ocean.  
2.  Name  the  five  oceans  on  Earth  
that  make  up  the  world  ocean.  
  Ocean  Features   3.  Describe  the  role  of  an  
oceanographer.  
4.  Recognize  important  features  of  
the  ocean.  
 
1.  In  this  lesson  you  will  learn  about  Poster  board  
marine  life.   Optional  -­‐  
  Marine  Life     Magazines  or  
internet  images  to  
make  a  collage  
1.  Describe  lakes,  rivers,  and  other   Optional  -­‐  Poster  
water  sources.   board,  markers,  and  
2.  Explain  the  water  cycle  and  how  it   magazines  for  
connects  fresh  and  saltwater   making  a  collage  
Freshwater  
Freshwater  on  Earth   sources.   Optional  -­‐  Materials  
on  Earth  
3.  Define  groundwater  and  key   to  demonstrate  the  
terms  related  to  it.   states  of  water;  pot,  
  stove,  freezer,  ice  
cube  tray  etc.  
1.  Describe  how  weathering  can    
  Weathering   cause  slow  changes  on  Earth.  
 
1.  Explain  how  erosion  affects  Earth    
  Erosion   over  time.  
 
1.  Describe  the  process  of   Optional  -­‐  Digital  
deposition  and  give  two  examples.   camera  
Optional  -­‐  Colored  
  Deposition  
pencils  or  crayons  

 
1.  Describe  how  volcanoes  can   Optional:  
cause  rapid  changes  on  Earth's   Medium-­‐sized  box  
surface.   Scissors  
2.  Explain  how  earthquakes  can   Plastic  bottle  (such  
cause  rapid  changes  on  Earth's   as  a  20  oz.  water  
  Rapid  Changes  on  Earth   surface.   bottle)  
3.  Describe  how  natural  disasters   Masking  tape  
can  rapidly  cause  changes  to  Earth's   Medium-­‐sized  bowl  
surface.   1  cup  flour  
4.  Define  how  mass  wasting  can   1  cup  water  
rapidly  change  Earth's  surface.   Newspaper  
              4th  Grade  Science  Semester  A  Syllabus  
   
Module   Lesson  Title   Objectives   Materials  Needed  
 
  Small,  plastic  
(grocery)  bag  
Water-­‐based  paints  
(red,  green,  brown  
and  other  colors)  
Paint  brushes  
Rocks,  sticks,  and  
pieces  of  shrubs  to  
decorate  
Funnel  
¼  cup  vinegar  
2  Tbsp  baking  soda  
Red  or  orange  
gelatin  granules  
1.  Explain  the  formation  of    
mountains  in  the  context  of  the  
theory  of  plate  tectonics.  
Mountains  and  Ocean   2.  Describe  how  fault  block  and  
 
Ridges   folded  mountains  are  formed.  
3.  Describe  how  ocean  ridges  and  
ocean  trenches  are  formed.  
 
1.  Define  the  atmosphere  and    
The   describe  what  it’s  made  up  of.  
Atmosphere   The  Atmosphere   2.  Name  and  describe  the  five  layers  
and  Air   of  the  atmosphere.  
 
1.  Describe  characteristics  of  water   Optional  -­‐  Balloon  
in  the  atmosphere,  including   Optional  -­‐  Scale  
  Characteristics  of  Air   humidity,  dew  point,  evaporation,   House  plant  
transpiration,  and  condensation.   Clear  plastic  bag

1.  Define  weather  and  the   2-­‐Liter  plastic  bottle  

ingredients  needed  to  make   A  Match  
  Weather   weather.  
   
 
1.  Give  examples  of  different  types    
of  weather  and  clouds.  
Types  of  Weather  and  
 
Clouds  
              4th  Grade  Science  Semester  A  Syllabus  
   
Module   Lesson  Title   Objectives   Materials  Needed  
 
1.  Provide  examples  of  instruments    
scientists  use  to  measure  and  
  Observing  Weather   predict  weather.  
 

1.  Identify  several  key  factors  that    

affect  climate.  
  Understanding  Climate   2.  Describe  several  types  of  climate.  
 

1.  Explain  how  climate  is  related  to   Inflatable  Globe  

the  seasons.   Lamp  from  your  
Types  of  Climate  and  the  
    home  or  school  
Seasons  
Black  marker  

1.  Explain  examples  of  human    

effects  upon  climate.  
  Human  Effects  on  Climate    

1.  Be  able  to  tell  the  difference    

between  a  solar  system,  a  galaxy,  
Galaxies  and  
The  Universe   and  the  universe.  
Stars  
 
 
1.  Identify  key  properties  of  the  sun,   Straight  pin  
  The  Sun  and  Other  Stars   including  location  and  movement.  
 
1.  Describe  our  solar  system.   Optional  -­‐  Marble,  
  walnut,  golf  ball,  
  The  Solar  System   acorn,  basketball,  
soccer  ball,  softball,  
small  grapefruit  
1.  Identify  and  describe  the  four    
  Inner  and  Outer  Planets   inner  planets.  
 
1.  Describe  the  inner  planets  and    
The  Inner  Planets  and  
  space  objects.  
Space  Objects  
 
1.  Identify  and  describe  the  four    
  The  Outer  Planets   outer  planets.  
 
1.  Identify  several  key  types  of    
  Natural  Resources   natural  resources.  
 
              4th  Grade  Science  Semester  A  Syllabus  
   
Module   Lesson  Title   Objectives   Materials  Needed  
 
1.  Distinguish  between  renewable    
Renewable  and   and  nonrenewable  natural  
 
Nonrenewable   resources.  
 
1.  Explain  how  to  conserve  natural    
  Conservation   resources.  
 
1.  Describe  the  differences  between   Liquid  Measuring  
metric  and  customary  units  of   Cup  
Measuremen
measurement.   3  Liquids  (pint  of  
ts  and   Customary  vs.  Metric  
  milk,  bottle  or  
Instruments  
water,  can  of  juice  
etc.)  
1.  In  this  lesson  you  will  learn  about    
  Measuring  Length   measuring  length.  
 
1.  In  this  lesson  you  will  learn  about    
  Measuring  Mass   measuring  mass.  
 
1.  Learn  about  measuring   Rubbing  alcohol  
temperature.   Water  bottle  
  Food  coloring  (any  
  Measuring  Temperature   color  will  work)  
Clear  plastic  
drinking  straw  
Modeling  clay  
1.  Identify  several  important    
scientific  instruments  and  describe  
  Science  Instruments  
how  they  are  used.  
 
1.  Describe  observable  properties  of   2  Clear  drinking  
matter.   glasses  
  Properties  of  Matter     2  eggs  
Table  salt  
Measuring  spoon  
1.  In  this  lesson  you  will  learn  about   2  Clear  drinking  
the  property  of  measurement.   glasses  
2  eggs  
  Property  of  Measurement  
Table  salt  
Measuring  spoon  
 
1.  Describe  the  three  main    
Three  Categories  of   categories  of  matter.  
 
Matter   2.  Identify  the  boiling  and  
freezing/melting  points  of  water.  
              4th  Grade  Science  Semester  A  Syllabus  
   
Module   Lesson  Title   Objectives   Materials  Needed  
 
 

1.  Name  three  common  states  of   Can  of  frozen-­‐

matter  and  describe  their  key   concentrate  orange  
properties.   juice  
  Large  spoon  
Pitcher  
Several  paper  cups  
  States  of  Matter  
Wooden  craft  sticks  
Aluminum  foil  
2-­‐Liter  bottle  of  
soda  
Balloon  
Watch  or  clock  
1.  Explain  the  law  of  conservation  of    
  Conservation  of  Mass   mass.  
 
Building   1.  Describe  the  building  blocks  of   Large  leaf  
Blocks  of   Building  Blocks   matter:  elements,  atoms,  and   Bag  of  gumdrops  
Matter   molecules.   Box  of  toothpicks  
1.  Form  a  basic  understanding  of  the    
  Periodic  Table   periodic  table  of  elements.  
 
1.  Explain  the  difference  between  a    
  Mixtures  and  Compounds   mixture  and  a  compound.  
 
1.  Define  a  solution,  and  give  several   3  Clear  drinking  
examples.   glasses  
  3  Index  cards  
Black  marker  
Measuring  cup  
Measuring  spoon  
4  and  1/2  teaspoons  
of  regular  granular  
sugar  
  Solutions  
Clock  or  watch  
6  Sugar  cubes  
Spoon  
8  glass  jars  with  lids  
1  Cup  and  1/2  
Teaspoon  Vinegar  
1/2  Teaspoon  
Rubbing  alcohol  
1/2  Teaspoon  Solid  
              4th  Grade  Science  Semester  A  Syllabus  
   
Module   Lesson  Title   Objectives   Materials  Needed  
 
laundry  soap  
1/2  Teaspoon  Liquid  
soap  
1/2  Teaspoon  Flour  
1  Teaspoon  Cooking  
oil  
1/2  Teaspoon  
Ground  up  chalk  
1/2  Teaspoon  Dirt  
1.  Define  motion  and  position.    
  Motion    

1.  Explain  how  forces  cause  changes    

  Forces  and  Movement   in  motion.  
 
1.  Describe  how  the  position  and   3  Small  toy  cars  of  
motion  of  an  object  can  be  changed.   different  sizes  
  Flat  piece  of  
plywood  
3  or  4  hard  covered  
  Friction   books  
Towel  
3  or  4  pieces  of  
sandpaper  
Mirror  
Ruler  
 
              4th  Grade  Science  Semester  B  Syllabus  
   

Course  Description:  
 
Semester  B  of  Grade  4  Science  focuses  on  the  relationship  between  heat,  light,  sound,  and  
electrical  energy  and  the  way  they  can  be  transferred  between  each  other.    Learners  
distinguish  between  natural  objects  and  objects  made  by  humans  as  they  examine  
technology  and  the  role  it  plays  in  science.    Students  also  look  at  life  cycles  of  animals,  
plants,  and  humans  and  how  they  interact  with  each  other.    The  course  ends  by  looking  at  
the  ways  that  humans  interact  with  the  environment.      Students  will  use  research  skills,  
watch  videos,  and  get  their  hands  dirty  as  they  complete  projects  that  require  them  to  dig  
through  dirt  and  trash  in  order  to  learn  broader  lessons  that  have  to  do  with  helping  the  
environment.  
 
Module   Lesson   Objectives   Materials  Needed  
  Title  
1.  Describe  how  vibrating   All  the  materials  listed  are  optional  
objects  produce  sound.   Materials  to  create  a  homemade  musical  
2.  Define  pitch,  and  explain  how   instrument  
it  can  be  varied.   Walking  spring  toy,  such  as  a  Slinky®  
  Medium-­‐sized  bowl  
Plastic  cling  wrap  (for  covering  food)  
Rubber  band  
Several  grains  of  uncooked  rice  
1   Sound  
Metal  clothes  hanger  with  no  plastic  
coating  
2  pieces  of  string  about  1  meter  long  
Plastic  ruler  
9  drinking  glasses,  the  same  size  if  possible  
Pitcher  
Metal  spoon  
 
1.  Describe  how  light  travels.   All  the  supplies  listed  are  optional  
2.  Explain  how  light  is  reflected,   Plastic  report  cover,  clear  
refracted,  and  absorbed.   Pen  or  marker  
  Metric  ruler  
Scissors  
Clear  tape  
Cardboard  paper  towel  tube,  cut  to  20  cm  
long  
  Light  
10  cm  square  of  black  construction  paper,  
of  plastic  wrap,  and  of  waxed  paper  
Small,  colorful,  and  lightweight  objects  
such  as  transparent  beads,  shiny  confetti,  
and  sequins  
Rubber  band  
Magazines  
Poster  board  
              4th  Grade  Science  Semester  B  Syllabus  
   
Module   Lesson   Objectives   Materials  Needed  
  Title  
Quarter  
Shallow  pan,  such  as  a  cake  pan  
3  index  cards  
Ruler  
Mounting  tack  (for  holding  cards  upright)  
Flashlight  
Sheet  of  black  construction  paper  
 
1.  Describe  how  heat  can  be   2–3  trays  of  ice  cubes  
produced.   3  small  zip-­‐close  plastic  bags  
2.  Understand  the  difference   Clock  or  watch  
between  heat  and  temperature.   3  bowls  
3.  Explain  how  heat  can  move   3  identical  plastic  cups  
Heat  and  
from  one  object  to  another.   Materials  for  wrapping  cups  (such  as  
  Temperatu
  bubble  wrap,  aluminum  foil,  plastic  bags,  
re  
newspaper,  cardboard,  or  cloth)  
Tape  or  rubber  bands  
Large,  shallow  baking  pan  
Thermometer  
 
1.  Define  electricity,  describe  its   D  battery  
importance,  and  name  some   Tape  
people  who  discovered  how  to   Indoor  holiday  light  wire  with  one  bulb  
put  that  energy  to  use.   (use  an  old  chain  that  doesn’t  work  
2.  Describe  static  electricity  and   anymore)  with  the  ends  bared  
how  it  forms.   Wire  
3.  Describe  current  electricity,   Cork  or  plastic-­‐foam  
electric  circuits,  and  materials   2  metal  thumbtacks  
2   Electricity   that  allow  for  the  transfer  of   Metal  and  non-­‐metal  objects  
electricity.   1  pair  of  socks  
  2  balloons  
tap  water  
Long  string  
Lemon  
Zinc  nail  (galvanized  nails  are  zinc  coated)  
Copper  nail  (or  thick  piece  of  copper  wire)  
 
1.  Describe  how  magnets  affect   All  materials  listed  are  optional  
one  another  and  objects  around   2  bar-­‐shaped  or  cylindrical  magnets,  of  the  
them.   same  type  
2.  Describe  the  effects  of  Earth’s   Objects  to  test  for  magnetic  attraction  
  Magnetism   magnetism.   10  small  steel  paper  clips  
3.  Understand  that  an  electrical   Large  steel  paper  clip  
current  can  create  a  magnetic   10  small  metal  washers,  all  the  same  size  
field,  and  name  some  uses  for   (about  2  cm  in  diameter)  
electromagnets.   Masking  tape  
              4th  Grade  Science  Semester  B  Syllabus  
   
Module   Lesson   Objectives   Materials  Needed  
  Title  
  1  Needle  
1  Cork  
Sharp  knife  and  an  adult  helper  to  use  it  
Small  dish  
Large  iron  or  steel  nail  
60  cm  of  insulated  copper  wire,  with  the  
insulation  stripped  off  of  both  ends  
1  D  battery  
Strong  tape,  such  as  packing  tape  or  duct  
tape  
 
1.  Distinguish  between  natural   materials  for  making  a  poster  (optional)  
objects  and  objects  made  by   newspaper  
humans.   transparent  tape  
2.  Describe  the  relationship   scissors  
Science  &  
  between  science  and   meter  stick  or  tape  measure  
Technology  
technology.   digital  camera  
3.  Understand  the  technological    
design  process.  
 
1.  Describe  how  the  type  of   Optional  -­‐  Digital  or  physical  materials  to  
organisms  living  on  Earth  has   create  a  visual  of  organisms  from  geologic  
changed  over  time.   time  periods  
2.  Describe  how  fossils  can   Sponge  (simple,  inexpensive  sponge  with  
provide  evidence  about  the   no  scrubber  side)  
History  of   plants  and  animals  that  lived   Scissors  
3   Life  on   long  ago  and  the  nature  of  the   Plastic  cup  
Earth   environment  at  that  time.   Saucer  
3.  Explain  how  fossils  can  be   Sand  
compared  to  one  another  and  to   Bath  salts  (such  as  Epsom  salts-­‐-­‐they  must  
present  day  organisms  to  find   contain  magnesium  sulfate)  
similarities  and  differences.    
 
1.  Describe  the  basic  needs  of  all   All  materials  listed  are  optional  
living  organisms.   1  Apple  
2.  Explain  how  organisms  rely   an  earthworm  (in  a  jar  with  soil)  
upon  their  environments.   1  Rock  
3.  Give  examples  of  plant  and   2  drinking  glasses  
animal  structures  that  serve   Leaf  
Characteris
  essential  functions.   4  shallow  trays  (could  be  cookie  sheet,  pie  
tics  of  Life  
  tin,  cake  pan,  etc.)  
50  cereal  O's  
50  dry  spaghetti  sticks  
50  marbles  
50  raisins  
Timer  
              4th  Grade  Science  Semester  B  Syllabus  
   
Module   Lesson   Objectives   Materials  Needed  
  Title  
Toothpick  
Pair  of  tweezers  
Clothespin  
Spoon  
Brown  paper  lunch  bag  (you  could  
substitute  a  medium-­‐sized  bowl)  
 
1.  Describe  the  building  blocks    
of  life.  
2.  Describe  the  structure  and  
functions  of  an  animal  cell.  
Animal  and  
  3.  Describe  the  structure  and  
Plant  Cells  
functions  of  a  plant  cell.  
4.  Compare  animal  and  plant  
cells  
 
1.  Explain  why  scientists  use  a   49  Index  cards  
system  for  classifying  animals   Colored  pencils  or  markers  
and  plants.    
2.  Name  the  parts  of  the  
Classifying  
classification  system.  
4   Animals  
3.  Describe  how  animals  are  
and  Plants  
classified.  
4.  Describe  how  plants  are  
classified.  
 
1.  Describe  the  main  parts  of  a   4  different  vegetables  from  different  parts  
plant.   of  plants  (leaf,  root,  stem,  fruit,  flower)  
2.  Explain  the  system  plants  use   Fork  
to  grow.   Knife  
3.  Explain  the  system  plants  use   Salad  bowl  
to  reproduce.   Salad  dressing  
  2  small  glasses  
2  different  colors  of  food  coloring  (dark  
Plant  
  colors  are  best)  
Systems  
Large  stalk  of  celery  
3  different  types  of  flowers  
All  materials  listed  are  optional  
2  different  types  of  seed  pods  
Magnifying  glass  
Drawing  paper  
Colored  pencils  
 
Human   1.  Describe  how  the  skeletal,   Drawing  paper  
  Body   muscular,  and  nervous  systems   Colored  pencils  
Systems   work  together  to  help  humans    
              4th  Grade  Science  Semester  B  Syllabus  
   
Module   Lesson   Objectives   Materials  Needed  
  Title  
move.  
2.  Describe  how  the  respiratory,  
circulatory,  and  digestive  
systems  work  together  to  bring  
essential  materials  to  all  parts  of  
the  body.  
3.  Understand  that  the  human  
body  contains  many  systems  for  
carrying  out  different  functions,  
and  that  these  systems  depend  
on  one  another.  
 
1.  Define  and  give  examples  of   Colored  pencils  
basic  nutrients.    
Human   2.  Describe  tools  you  can  use  to  
5   Nutrition   improve  your  health.  
and  Health   3.  List  several  key  benefits  of  
regular  exercise.  
 
1.  Describe  and  provide   All  materials  listed  are  optional  
examples  of  plant  life  cycles.   Variety  of  fruits,  vegetables,  and  nuts  
2.  Describe  and  provide   Materials  to  create  a  seed  display  
examples  of  animal  life  cycles.   Drawing  paper  
3.  Define  the  stages  of  the   Colored  pencils  
  Life  Cycles   human  life  cycle.   Long  piece  of  paper  or  3–4  pieces  taped  
4.  Describe  the  difference   together  
between  learned  and  inherited   Metric  ruler  
traits.   Index  cards  
  2  different-­‐colored  markers  
 
Describe  how  the  senses  allow   All  materials  listed  are  optional  
us  to  gather  information  about   Dark  scarf  or  bandana  for  a  blindfold  
the  world  around  us.   2  objects  that  are  interesting  to  touch  
Explain  how  internal  and   2  objects  that  are  interesting  to  taste  
external  cues  influence   2  objects  that  are  interesting  to  smell  
behavior.   2  objects  that  make  sounds  
Provide  examples  of  the  natural   Deck  of  cards  
Natural  
  responses  of  plants.   Small  box,  like  a  shoe  box  
Responses  
  Scissors  
Cardboard  or  heavy  paper  to  make  
dividers  
Tape  
Black  paper  
Small  bean  plant  
 
              4th  Grade  Science  Semester  B  Syllabus  
   
Module   Lesson   Objectives   Materials  Needed  
  Title  
1.  Describe  how  energy  flows   All  materials  listed  are  optional  
through  a  food  chain.   200  of  one  color  plastic  building  brick  or  
2.  Describe  how  a  food  web   block  
shows  multiple  energy   20  of  another  color  of  block  
The  Web  of   relationships  in  an  ecosystem.   2  of  a  third  color  of  block  
6  
Life   3.  Explain  how  even  small   1  of  a  fourth  color  of  block  
changes  in  an  environment  can    
have  a  big  impact  on  the  
organisms  that  live  there.  
 
1.  Describe  the  major  parts  of  an   Box  for  a  diorama  
ecosystem.   Scissors  
2.  Explain  how  an  ecosystem  can   Cardboard,  heavy  paper,  and/or  modeling  
Biodiversit
become  balanced  or   clay  to  make  creatures  
  y  &  
unbalanced.   Markers  
Extinction  
3.  Describe  biodiversity.   Tape  
4.  Define  threats  to  biodiversity.    
 
1.  Explain  how  to  balance   All  materials  listed  are  optional  
human  needs  with   1  Apple  
environmental  protection.   Knife  (for  an  adult  to  handle)  
Humans   2.  Describe  human  population   Napkin  
and  the   growth  and  why  it  causes   Objects  from  the  trash  or  recycling  to  
 
Environme concern.   make  recycled  art  
nt   3.  Explain  actions  humans  are   Art  supplies  for  creating  recycled  art  
taking  to  protect  the    
environment.