Science4

=Fourth Grade Science=

- physical properties of water -Water Cycle precipitation, condensation, evaporation -transformation of matter
 * ~ Physical Science ||~ Earth Science ||~ Life Science ||
 * = PROPERTIES OF WATER

ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM

-electrical circuits -insulators -conductors -electrical and magnetic properties ||= PLANETS -moon, sun, earth, stars, and planets -rotation -seasons -gravity

INTERACTIONS OF AIR, WATER, AND LAND -physical and chemical weathering -erosional processes (gravity, wind, and water) -deposition of earth materials -impact of natural events Earthquakes Volcanoes Hurricanes Tornadoes Floods Fires ||= CLASSIFYING LIVING THINGS -plants -animals -cells

ECOSYSTEMS -protecting ecosystems -conservation ||

CA BOCES


 * Physical Science**

[|Simple Machines] [|Powders and Crystals] [|Electrical Circuits] [|Density]


 * Life Science**

[|Crayfish]

Science in fourth grade explores animals and plants in their environment; electricity and magnetism; properties of water; and interactions of air, water, and land.

By the end of the school year, all students should be able to:


 * Explore how plants make food by using air, water, and energy from the sun.
 * Describe how conditions in the environment—such as the amount of available food, water, and air, space, shelter, heat, and sunlight— can affect how living things develop and grow.
 * Understand that magnetism is a force that may attract or repel certain materials.
 * Observe, describe, and explore the physical properties of water.
 * Test objects to determine whether they sink or float.
 * Observe different substances, such as oil or liquid soap, to see how they mix with water.
 * Study and describe how matter transforms from one state to another, for example, from solid (ice) to liquid (water) to gas (water vapor).
 * Describe how erosion changes the surface of land.
 * Describe how water is recycled on earth through the natural processes of precipitation, condensation, and evaporation.
 * Explore the effects—both positive and negative—that a hurricane, forest fire, or other extreme natural events can have on living things.

Learning at Home

Talk with your child about how electricity affects your home. List some ways your lives would be different if there were no electricity.

Help your child make a terrarium (find instructions on the Web, www.kids.nationalgeographic.com/Activities/Crafts/Miniature-garden, or at the library). Talk about how the plants get their water and nourishment when the terrarium is closed.

Together, look for examples of erosion near your home. Where did the water come from that caused the erosion? Where did it go?

Your child can learn more about the role of water in different areas of science on Ology, the American Museum of Natural History’s Web site for kids, www.amnh.org/ology/water.