(Look for 3rd grade updates to come soon)

4th Grade Science & Social Studies Curriculum

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Animal Adaptations

Vocabulary:

five basic needs of animals, food, shelter, water, oxygen, climate, environment, hibernation, migration, adaptations, camouflage, mimicry, metamorphosis, instinct, needs, heart rate & temperature

Science Experiments / Observations

* Observe and Infer

* Predict and use Models

Observe and Infer

Predict and Use Models

California Geography

Vocabulary:

Geography Review

continents, oceans, equator, prime meridian, compass rose, rocky mountains, great lakes, Sierra Nevada, Mississippi, Ohio & Missouri Rivers

Land

butte, canyon, cape, cave, cliff, glacier, island, isthmus, mesa, mountain, peninsula, plain, strait, valley, & volcano

Water

bay, canal, channel, cove, delta, estuary, gulf, lake, marsh, ocean, reservoir, river, swamp, & tributary

Maps

altitude, hemisphere, latitude, longitude, map scale, legend, meridian, parallel, map projections, physical map, political map, topographical map, sea level, Tropic of Cancer, & Tropic of Capricorn

Social Studies Projects

* Mapping California

* 5 Paragraph California Regions Project

5 Paragraph California Regions Project

Living Things Interact

Vocabulary:

individual, ecosystem, niche, population, habitat, community, producer, energy pyramid, food chain, food web, decompose, consumer, symbiosis, threatened, competition, endangered, extinct

Science Experiments / Observations

* Animal Plant Classification

* Create Energy Pyramids

Classify Organisms

Producer, Consumer, Herbivore, Carnivore, Omnivore, or Decomposer?

CA Science Standards 2a-2c, 3a-3d.

Coastal Sage, Lemonadeberry, and Lichens
(Frank Fungi and Annie Algae took a lichen to each other but their relationship is on the rocks)

Ground Squirrel, California Towhee, and Red-tailed Hawk
(Which one do you think is the top predator?)

Darkling Beetle and Green Bottle Fly
(The Green Bottle Fly's larve eats dead animals)

Compare and Draw Conclusions

Who eats who?

Native Californians & Ranchos

Native American Oral Report

This is a group report focused on comparing and contrasting several cultural aspects of two different Californian Native American tribes. Students will be required to bring in one visual aid for each tribe. This is our first group oral report. The objective is to have fun and learn a little bit about the Native Americans while building teamwork, speaking, and organizational skills.

In Class Activities:

• Students will be placed in groups of 4 or 5.
• Each group will receive two different Californian tribes.
• Each group member will choose one cultural topic from the attached list.
• Each group member must choose a different cultural topic.
• Each group member will write a short oral report on the cultural topic they choose.

(One report for tribe 1 and one for tribe 2, done in class on note cards.)

Homework Activities:

• Each group member will have one visual aid for tribe 1 and one visual aid for tribe 2, as it relates to their topic.
• A simple drawn picture, map, or Internet print out is more than suitable; however, students are encouraged to be creative.
• A sample list of some visual aids is attached.
• The visual aid must meet the following criteria:
  • It must include the names of the Native American tribes.
  • All pictures must be labeled and be appropriate size.
  • It must support the content of the report.

Cultural Topics & Visual Aid Suggestions

Location & Settlements

Map of California with relative location of tribe.
Hand drawn or printed pictures of natural features.

Food

Hand drawn or printed pictures of food.
Actual sample food or dried food.
Diagram of method used to gather, catch, hunt, or farm food.

Dwelling

Hand drawn or printed pictures of houses.
Three dimensional models of houses.
Shoe box diorama of houses.
Actual sample materials used to build houses.

Clothing

Hand drawn or printed pictures of clothing.
Actual sample materials used to make clothing.
Dress up and wear realistic clothing.

Tools and Travel

Hand drawn or printed pictures of tools and canoes.
Three dimensional models of tools or canoes.
Actual sample materials used to build tools or canoes.

Ceremonies

Hand drawn or printed pictures of ceremonies.
Music, instruments, or other materials used during ceremonies.

Trade

Hand drawn or printed pictures of items of trade.
Actual sample materials used for trade.
Hand made pots, beads, shell necklaces, etc…