Units for Science This Year
Rocks and Minerals
Our first unit of the year will be all about rocks and minerals. Students will come to gain an understanding of the difference between the two subjects as well as the never-ending process of the rock cycle (metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary rocks). We will learn to classify and organize rocks and minerals using observable properties such as color, streak, luster, cleavage, smell, and hardness (using Moh's hardness scale). During this unit, students will make their own edible rocks and experience an in-house field trip from Diamond Dell.
Magnetism and Electricity
The students will continue with their study of electricity and magnetism. Here, students will learn that all ferrous related items are magnetic (relating to the symbol for iron "Fe" from the periodic table). They will learn that earth's core is made of iron, which makes the earth one giant electromagnet with north and south poles. This transfers to electricity where students will discover the ideas of circuitry - closed, parallel, and series circuit. All of this will be accomplished with hands on materials having students to create their own magnetic fields and own paths of circuits. This unit will be integrated with our novel study of City of Ember.
Light, Heat, and Sound
Our light, heat, and sound unit will have students discovering that all three types of energy have the ability to create motion or cause change. With heat, students will learn the three major concepts of convection, conduction, and radiation (as a premise to the study of weather in 5th grade). Light will have students explore the ideas of reflection, refraction, and absorption and that all light travels in a straight line. Pitch, frequency, hertz, vibrations, and wavelengths will all be central tenants of our work with sound.
Earth and the Universe
With Earth and the universe, the main focus will be on the cause of day and night in relation to the rotation of Earth on it's axis. A heavy focus will also go into the phases of the moon (how they occur and how they affect earth). A limited venture into the sun and the other planets will also occur.
Earth's History
Earth history will have students delve into fossils and how to infer Earth's past based upon what has been preserved within the fossils. Students will even make their own molds and casts to replicate fossils. This will concur with a study of changes in earth's surface that are either rapid (volcanoes, earthquakes, etc.) or slow (weathering, erosion, etc.).
Ecosystems
Students have explored ecosystems from kindergarten to third grade. In fourth grade they will go into a deeper study of symbiotic relationships of organism and how the effect an ecosystem (mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism). The topic of "survival of the fittest" will also be explored to learn how organisms (including humans) have adapted over time. Finally, the unit will end on how humans have affected the planets and ways to improve the longevity of Earth.
Molecular Biology
While the essential standards may call it "Molecular Biology", in laymen terms it's a study of health and nutrition. Students will explore the concept of the USDA MyPyramid with a close look at how food serves as energy and helps to repair our bodies. Students will also examine the role of vitamins, minerals, and exercise in maintaining a healthy body.