T4 - Jordan School District

4th Grade Science Standard 1: Water Cycle

Objective 1: Describe the relationship between heat energy, evaporation and condensation of water on Earth.

• Visit Water Science for Kids (http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/index.html), an extensive site that covers all the basics of water and more!

Objective 2: Describe the water cycle.

• Have students visit these sites with animated images of the water cycle. After students have viewed several of the sites, have them create their own animation using KidPix Studio. Introduce the project with this sample and a storyboard. Water Cycle animations:
  • The Water Cycle at Work
    (http://www.epa.gov/OGWDW/kids/cycle.html)
  • Round & Round it Goes. The Water Cycle
    (http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/eek/earth/groundwater/watercycle.htm)
  • The Water Cycle
    (http://mbgnet.mobot.org/fresh/cycle/cycle.htm)
  • The Water Cycle - A middle school project
    (http://www.heronsgate.milton-keynes.sch.uk/projects/water/wat.html)
• Have students visit Drippy's World (http://www.kimballmedia.com/Drippy), and read the stories about the Water Cycle with Drippy the Raindrop and friends. An e-mail is required to enter this site. All resources are available for 15 days.
• Use the Tom Snyder Science Court: Water Cycle. This software asks students to work in groups to participate in a courtroom scenario by answering scientific questions and conducting experiments. Information about this program can be found at (http://www.teachtsp.com/classroom/scicourt/watercycle.html).

4th Grade Science Standard 2: Weather

 Objective 1: Observe, measure, and record the basic elements of weather.

• Recipe for Weather
  (http://www.ucar.edu/educ_outreach/webweather/basic.html). This site discusses the major components of weather including Temperature | Pressure | Density | Volume
• Brainstorm questions students may have about weather. Read Weather Triviahttp://www.uen.org/weather/html/triv.html) to answer any questions. Have students create their own Weather Trivia Book using unanswered questions. Students can include their trivia questions in a class project. Possible projects include: the mini book template, fan book template, or brochure template. Have each question start with How? Where? Why? Who? When? or What? (
• What is Weather? This site contains short animations that illustrate weather terms. Many animations allow students to change variables.
• Learning about the main types of clouds.
  • Have students explore the three main types of clouds. The following organizers can be used as students gather information:
    • Types of Clouds. (PDF) Students record the appearance of each cloud, the types of weather found with each type of cloud, and an illustration of the clouds.
    • Types of Clouds Chart. Students record the apearance of each cloud and the weather associated with each of the cloud types.
    • Types of Clouds Lesson Plan. (PDF) This lesson plan has students explore clouds and create a KidPix slide show demonstrating their understanding. Includes note-taking sheets.
    • Types of Clouds. (PDF) Students draw each of the types of clouds and include characteristics of each type.
    • Label the Clouds. Students label the clouds using terms provided.
  • The following resources will help students as they complete the organizers above:
    • Cloud Guide
      http://www.uen.org/weather/html/clouds/cloud_id.html
    • Types of Clouds
      http://schoolscience.rice.edu/duker/weatypeclouds.html
    • Cloud Types. A PowerPoint slideshow that provides images of clouds. Students identify the type of cloud.
    • What Type of Cloud is That? A PowerPoint slideshow that reviews the three main types of clouds. Listed for grades 5-8, but would be appropriate for 4th grade.
  • Have students complete a project to demonstrate their understanding of the three types of clouds. Possible projects could include:
    • KidPix SlideShow (Or other multimedia program)
    • Cloud Poems. Students can use an AppleWorks Template such as a 2-page poster to publish poems.
    • Have each student illustrate one type of cloud and identify the type of weather that accompanies that cloud. (Samples from a 1st grade class).
    • Have students write a story or a class book about clouds. (Sample from a 3rd grade class.)
• Learn about weather instruments
  • Learning Segment on Weather Instruments. This slide show reviews the various weather instruments. Includes links with instructions for making each type of instrument as well as a quiz.
  • Weather Forecasting Tools. Students can read about weather instruments and learn how to make them.
  • Weather Instruments. A brief description of various weather instruments.

Objective 2: Interpret recorded weather data for simple patterns.

Use The Graph Club or another graphing program to track weather over several weeks. Graph winds, temperature, etc. Identify patterns.

Objective 3: Evaluate weather predictions based upon observational data.

• Wonderful World of Weather(http://www.k12science.org/curriculum/weatherproj/weather_teacherarea_NEW.html) is a collection of lessons using real-time data.

4th Grade Science Standard 3: Rocks and Soil

Objective 1: Identify basic properties of minerals and rocks.

• Explore the three basic types of rocks. Classify rocks found in Utah according to the three basic types.
  • Visit the sites listed below and use an organizer to identify the three basic types of rocks and the characteristic of each type of rock.
  • Rocks Graphic Organizer - PDF version | Inspiration version
  • WebSites:
    • Rocky the Rock Hound - How Rocks are Created
      http://www.fi.edu/fellows/payton/rocks/create/index.html
    • Brain Pop - Students watch a short movie of the rock cycle
      http://www.brainpop.com/science/theearthsystem/rockcycle/
    • Look What I Found - An easy-to-read site that gives an overview of each type of rock. Students can look at rock examples for each type of rock by clicking on "If Rocks Could Talk..."
      http://www.amnh.org/education/resources/rfl/web/earthmag/look/index.htm
    • SurWeb Slide Shows - Provides a brief description of each type of rock and includes examples of rocks found in Utah.
      Sedimentary | Igneous | Metamorphic
  • Use what you learned to classify rocks found in Utah. (This organizer could be used as a pre-test as well as a post test.)
• Classify Utah Rocks - PDF Version | Inspiration version
• Additional Sites to visit to gather more information
  • GeoMysteries Fast FAQs about rocks and minerals - Provides a description and animation of each type of rock.
    http://www.childrensmuseum.org/geomysteries/faqs.html
    • Graphic Organizer - PDF version | Inspiration version
  • Interactive Rock Cycle Animation - Shows where some common rock-forming processes occur.
  • Rocks and Minerals Slide show - Provides several examples of each type of rock.
    http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/vwlessons/lessons/Slideshow/Slideindex.html
• Create an illustrated mini dictionary of science terms relating to rocks. Select eight words from the list below. Use the mini-book template (AppleWorks required) to create the book.
• Word List: mineral | weathering | erosion | sedimentary | igneous | metamorphic | basalt | granite | obsidian | pumice | sandstone | conglomerate | shale | marble | gneiss | schist
• Use Surweb Image Collections to gather images.
  (Choose to "View" the "Image Collection" and do a search in "keywords" for the word.)
• Have students complete the following organizers as they learn about rocks.
  • Rock Vocabulary 1 | Rock Vocabulary 2 | Rock Vocabulary 3
• Create a classroom collection of Rock Trading Cards. Assign each student a rock. Have them gather information about the rock, including the type of rock, how the rock is used, and other facts about the rock. Students can use the sites listed above to gather information and find images. Use the trading card template.
• Rocks and Soils. This short animated clip allows students to test a rock to determine if it is permeable, if it splits, if it is wearing, and if it floats.

Objective 2: Explain how the processes of weathering and erosion change and move materials that become soil

• Identify the processes of physical weathering that break down rocks at Earth's surface.
  • Have students create a web showing all the different ways the Earth's surface can be changed. Graphic Web PDF Version | Inspiration Version
    • Take the Changing Earth Challenge
      http://www.amnh.org/education/resources/rfl/web/earthmag/peek/pages/changes.htm
    • Our Changing World
      http://www.surweb.org/search/media_shows.asp?msid=20926
      A slide show highlighting the various processes involved in changing the formation of land.
    • After viewing the movie and slideshow, have students add to their web.
    • Have students use the information gathered and create their own illustrated slideshow of how the Earth Changes. Have students create their own, or use this KidPix Template.
• Investigate the layers of soil in the local area and predict the sources for the sand and rocks in the soil.
  • Follow the procedures suggested at this site:
    Underground Network
    http://www.fieldmuseum.org/ua/nettop.htm
    This site takes students through the process of conducting a field study on a small section of their playground. They go through each step of the process with the help of a scientist (Quicktime movies). A field journal is provided and teacher instructions are included for each section. The recommended procedure in as follows: Start a Journal, Select a Field site, Identify Scientific Variable, Test Soil Structure, Look for Organisms, Build a Terrarium, Publish your work. Students can work at any level as desired by the teacher.

  
  

Objective 3: Observe the basic components of soil and relate the components to plant growth.

• Have students determine if soil is a necessity or just a bother. Students will gather information on how soil helps plants, people, and animals and create a presentation that demonstrates how the earth would be different without soil.
• Students complete a graphic organizer as they gather information throughout the unit. PDF Version | Inspiration Version
• WebSites useful for gathering information
  • Soil Science - This slide show gives the students an overview of soil composition, why soil is important, and different types of soil. A quiz is included.
    http://www.surweb.org/ls/ls_view.asp?lsid=1221
  • What on Earth is Soil? - This site provides facts about soil.
    http://www.epa.gov/gmpo/edresources/soil.html
  • Soil and Stuff by Skworm - This site is easy to read and includes 13 questions about soil.
    http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/education/squirm/skworm.html
  • Soil Biological Communities - Soil -- Just for Kids - This site includes a information about soil as well as several activities. If students stay within the topics "Soil Importance," Incredible Journey," and "Amazing Facts," they will be able to gather information for their presentation. Other sections of the site can be visited as the project is close to completion.
    http://www.blm.gov/nstc/soil/Kids/index.html
• Once students have gathered sufficient information to complete the organizer, they can begin working on their presentation. Any Multimedia Program can be used. KidPix Studio, HyperStudio, AppleWorks SlideShow, PowerPoint, mPower, or Presentations. Students should complete a storyboard.
  Blank storyboard | A storyboard with a description of required components.
• Assess student presentations using a Rubric.

4th Grade Science Standard 4: Fossils in Utah

Objective 1: Describe Utah fossils and explain how they were formed.

Describe three ways fossils are formed in sedimentary rock

• How Fossils are Formed (http://www.surweb.org/search/media_shows.asp?msid=21394). This slide show covers how Utah fossils have been formed.
• "Getting into the Fossil Record" (http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/education/explorations/tours/fossil/5to8/Intro.html). This interactive module covers several areas from the core including: What a fossil is; Ways fossils are formed; Why fossils are found in sedimentary rock. It includes a 7-question quiz for each section. These modules do not have a lot of reading; however, the reading is on a higher level. Students may have to do this activity with a group or with the entire class. Some of the modules are a little easier than others.

Research locations where fossils are found in Utah and construct a simple fossil map.

• Compare the number of fossils found in each state at Enchanted Learning's Zoom Dinosaurs. (Select North American Fossils from this site.) Students tally the number of fossils found in each state and then create a color code representing specific number ranges. Students can then identify any patterns of fossils throughout the United States.
• Identify the types of fossils found in Utah with the PowerPoint Show, "Utah Fossils Map." - This map shows the locations of fossils throughout Utah. This could be used as an introduction to Utah fossils. (http://www.carbon.k12.ut.us/che/Utah%20fossils%20show.pps). Students could use the information from this site to categorize Utah fossil types and create their own Utah map. This slide show comes from a site from Mrs. Jeweks hotlinks. The site includes several Power Point slide shows on Utah Fossils (http://www.carbon.k12.ut.us/che/jewkes.htm).
  • Class Activity. Have class work in groups. Give each group a Utah Map with counties labeled. Distribute fossil cards to various groups. Groups use the fossil cards to guess the locations of Utah fossil. Students label the map with their guesses. Groups can share their map and discuss their reasons for marking their map. Share the presentation with the class and have them label their map correctly. Discuss differences.
    Map (with fossil locations highlighted) | Map (without fossil locations) | Fossil Card 1 | Fossil Card 2 | Fossil Card 3 | Fossil Card 4 | Fossil Card 5
• Visit these additional sites that highlight fossils found in Utah:
  • Images from BYU's Earth Science Museum. This site provides images of fossils found in Utah. (http://nauvoo.byu.edu/museums/esm/thumbnails.html)
  • Dinosaur Tracks slide show (http://www.surweb.org/search/media_shows.asp?msid=21393). This slide show reviews several dinosaur track fossils found in Utah.

Objective 2: Explain how fossils can be used to make inferences about past life, climate, geology, and environments.

Explain why fossils are usually found in sedimentary rock.

• Have students go on a fossil fact finding mission at Enchanted Learning's Zoom Dinosaurs. (http://www.EnchantedLearning.com/subjects/dinosaurs/dinofossils/First.shtml). This site is divided into several sections. Assign students to read a section in order to uncover three facts about fossils to share with the class. Students can use this Fact Finding sheet to record their facts. Have students create a fan book with their facts. Once the fact cards are completed and cut out, the class can categorize the facts and divide the pages into sections for the book.

Based on the fossils found in various locations, infer how Utah environments have changed over time.

• Identify 10 things fossils can tell us while watching the "What Can A Bone Tell Us" slide show. Students can complete this task card as they read the information. (http://www.surweb.org/search/media_shows.asp?msid=36050)
• Read Stories from the Fossil Recordhttp://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/education/explorations/tours/stories/index.html). This interactive module includes four areas that help students understand what fossils can tell us about past life. The areas include: Biodiversity, a section that provides some theories for extinction; Geologic Time Events, a section that provides information on geological time period;. Paleoecology, a section that provides information on how animals interact with each other. Past Lives, a section that discusses how fossils can teach us about how animals lived in the past. These modules do not have a lot of reading; however, the reading is on a higher level. Students may have to do this activity with a group or with the entire class. Some of the modules are a little easier than others. Each module includes a review at the end. (
• Learn about what fossils can tell us about life and the environment at "Fossils of Plants and Marine Life" slide show (http://www.surweb.org/search/media_shows.asp?msid=21382).
• What can we tell about the past by looking at the fossils? Review what we can tell about Utah's history from the fossils found throughout the state by watching this Fossil Inferences slide show (http://www.carbon.k12.ut.us/che/Fossil%20Inference%20show.pps). This slide show comes from a site from Mrs. Jeweks hotlinks. The site includes several Power Point slide shows on Utah Fossils (http://www.carbon.k12.ut.us/che/jewkes.htm).

Research information on two scientific explanations for the extinction of dinosaurs and other prehistoric organisms.

• Help students learn about dinosaur extinction theories with this Power Point slide show. Dinosaur Extintion Theories (http://www.carbon.k12.ut.us/che/trial.pps) Read and complete this organizer (Inspiration version | PDF version) as students gather information.
• Students can gather additional information at Dinosaur Extinction from Enchanted Learning (http://www.EnchantedLearning.com/subjects/dinosaurs/extinction/Asteroid.html). This site provides easy-to-read explanations.
• Discovering Dinosaurs from Britannica. This is a lesson plan/activity guide that provides information on extinction theories. The lesson plan is suggested for grades 6-8 but may be adapted for 4th graders (http://www.search.eb.com/dinosaurs/dinosaurs/study/act03.htm).

Formulate questions that can be answered using information gathered on the extinction of dinosaurs.

4th Grade Science Standard 5: Utah Environments

Objective 1: Describe the physical characteristics of Utah's wetlands, forests, and deserts.

• Watch the Utah Habitats slide show and take a quiz. This slide show includes questions comparing Utah's deserts, mountains, and wetlands. http://www.surweb.org/ls/ls_view.asp?lsid=1167

Objective 2: Describe the common plants and animals found in Utah environments and how these organisms have adapted to the environment in which they live.

• Assign students to become experts in one of the following: Plants and Animals of Utah's deserts (http://www.surweb.org/ls/ls_view.asp?lsid=2158) | Plants and Animals of Utah's forests (http://www.surweb.org/ls/ls_view.asp?lsid=2160) | Plants and Animals of Utah's wetlands (http://www.surweb.org/ls/ls_view.asp?lsid=2155). Have students visit the appropriate SurWeb Learning Segment for their area and complete this organizer (PDF version). Have students create a poster or other project highlighting the information they gathered. As students share posters with the class have students complete the Utah Plants and Animals organizer (PDF version)

Objective 3: Use a simple scheme to classify Utah plants and animals.

• Learn how animals are classified with this Animal Classification slide showhttp://www.surweb.org/search/media_shows.asp?msid=8603) that highlights the various characteristics used in classifying animals. The site includes a review slide show where students identify proper classification of animals. Students can complete this task card as they review what they learned. (
• Students can also learn how to classify vertebrates by watching a slide show and completing a quiz at this Classifying Vertebrate Surweb show (http://www.surweb.org/ls/ls_view.asp?lsid=1217).
• Have students practice classifying Utah animals with this Inspiration template. Students can use the Classification Diagram (PDF file) to determine the correct classification. Students can then check their answers at Utah Plants and Animalshttp://www.usoe.k12.ut.us/curr/Science/core/4th/UTP&A/WebPage/index.htm). (

Objective 4: Observe and record the behavior of Utah animals.

• Have students write a research report on a Utah animal. Have students complete this pre-writing activity (PDF Version). Students can gather information about Utah Animals from USOE's Utah Plants and Animals site (http://www.usoe.k12.ut.us/curr/Science/core/4th/UTP&A/WebPage/index.htm).
• Consider alternative projects for students to demonstrate their knowledge of a Utah Animal. Project ideas.

  Other Online Resources:

UEN Science Core Curriculum Resources

USOE Science Resources  

USOE 4th Grade Sci-ber Text - This is a collection of "textbook" lessons for each of the 4th grade science core standards.

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