Sciences Naturelles

Grade four

2008-2009

Please note that the dates below are for planning purposes only. I may need to change the program without prior notice. This course outline should serve as a guide for which topic we will be studying at any given time.

In order to be brief I have limited the course descriptions to a short overview. For more information please click on the link below. This link will take you to Alberta Learning's program of studies. It is an Abobe PDF file. Use the navigation features on the left side of the page to find grade four then you will see the general learner outcomes as well as the specific outcomes.

Alberta elementary science program of studies

Evaluation

Student work is evaluated in several different ways depending on the work that is being evaluated. For example I do not use the same approach to mark projects and a question and answer assignment. You will see a breakdown below different student assignments and methods for evaluation. Please look at the links section at the bottom of this page for interesting science links.

The grade four science program is made up of 5 units or topics of study. These units are:

• Light and Shadow - September and October
• Wheels and Levers - November and December
• Building devices and vehicles that move - January and February
• Waste and our World - March and April
• Plant growth and changes - May and June

Students learn about light by studying the effects of light on things within their environment. They learn about light sources, about materials that light can pass through and about what happens when a material blocks or changes the path of light. By observing shadows and their motions relative to a light source, students discover that light and shadows fall along a predictable path. They discover that mirrors, prisms and a variety of other materials can affect that path by reflecting and refracting light and by splitting light into colours.

Wheels And Levers

Students learn about basic components of simple machines: how they are assembled, how they operate, how they are used. Students explore different techniques that can be used to transfer motion from one component to another, using simple connectors and various levers, gears, pulleys and band driven systems. As they work with these components, they learn the functions that each can perform, including sample applications and ways that they can be used in a larger system. As part of their studies, they examine how these simple machines are used to change the speed or force of movement.

Building Devices And Vehicles That Move

Students apply simple techniques and tools in building devices and vehicles that move. In constructing these objects, students apply previous learnings about structures and explore new applications for wheels, rollers, gears, pulleys and a variety of levers and connectors. They learn that different forms of energy can be used to propel their model devices: in some cases, a direct push; in other cases, the stored energy from a compressed spring or falling weight. On completing their projects, students learn to evaluate their work, by describing the effectiveness of the device and the appropriateness of materials used.

Waste And Our World

Students learn about wastes produced through natural processes and human technology. In studying natural systems, students learn that all plants, animals and other living things are made up of materials that are recycled through the environment again and again. In studying human consumption and wastes, students identify wastes produced within their community and learn the methods used for disposal. They learn that some waste materials are biodegradable, that some are reusable, and that others are toxic. They learn that personal action in reducing, reusing and recycling materials can help decrease the waste we accumulate.

Plant Growth And Change