Science
Science is the one subject that kids come to school already knowing how to do. While fourth graders still have a lot of science knowledge to gain, they have plenty of experience being scientists. They’ve spent years exploring bugs, constructing buildings, taking things apart, and observing mud. The key is to tap into that curiosity and motivation; you know, the kind that sent them, as toddlers, to explore every nook and cranny of your home!
What we learn
Science in fourth grade focuses primarily on energy and matter. There are six units of study, with five mini-units:
- Magnetism
- Electricity
- Light (here and here)
- Sound (here and here)
- Sun, moon and earth (here and here)
- Water (here and here)
- States of matter
- Mixtures and separations (here and here)
How it works
We begin each unit by completing one or more science experiments that help the students experience first-hand the concepts we are learning. After the experiments, we supplement the first-hand learning with information from the science text. The unit is concluded with a test or project to demonstrate learning.
Getting a grade
The science grade is built from the following types of assignments:
- Science experiments are graded based primarily on effort using the check-plus, check, check-minus scale. These assignments are typically worth 4 points.
- Investigation Reviews are like open-book quizzes and are graded on accuracy using the letter grade scale. These assignments are usually worth about 10 points.
- Science tests or projects are graded using the letter grade scale. These assignments are usually worth about 30-50 points.
