BDS
SPG: 4th Grade
First 9 Weeks – Unit 1
BIG IDEA 1: The Practice of Science
A. Scientific inquiry is a multifaceted activity
B. The processes of science frequently do not correspond to the traditional portrayal of "the scientific method."
C. Scientific argumentation is a necessary part of scientific inquiry and plays an important role in the generation and validation of scientific
knowledge.
D. Scientific knowledge is based on observation and inference; it is important to recognize that these are very different things.
BIG IDEA 2: The Characteristics of Scientific Knowledge
A: Scientific knowledge is based on empirical evidence, and is appropriate for understanding the natural world, but it provides only a limited
understanding of the supernatural, aesthetic, or other ways of knowing, such as art, philosophy, or religion.
B: Scientific knowledge is durable and robust, but open to change.
C: Because science is based on empirical evidence it strives for objectivity, but as it is a human endeavor the processes, methods, and knowledge
of science include subjectivity, as well as creativity and discovery.
BIG IDEA 3: The Role of Theories, Laws, Hypotheses, and Models
A The terms that describe examples of scientific knowledge, for example; "theory," "law," "hypothesis," and "model" have very
specific meanings and functions within science.
TOPIC: Unit 1- Studying Science
Curriculum and Instruction – Science
First Nine Weeks
Grade 4
BDS
SPG: 4th Grade
First 9 Weeks – Unit 1
NGSS
FL-SC.4.N.1.1 Raise questions
about the natural world, use
appropriate reference
materials that support
understanding to obtain
information (identifying the
source), conduct both
individual and team
investigations through free
exploration and systematic
investigations, and generate
appropriate explanations
based on those explorations.
FL-SC.4.N.1.2 Compare the
observations made by
different groups using
multiple tools and seek
reasons to explain the
differences across groups.
ESSENTIAL CONTENT
Lesson 1: What Do
Scientists Do?
Lesson 2: What Skills Do
Scientists Use?
FL-SC.4.N.1.3 Explain that
science does not always
follow a rigidly defined
method ("the scientific
method") but that science
does involve the use of
observations and empirical
evidence.
Curriculum and Instruction – Science
First Nine Weeks
OBJECTIVES
 Describe that science
focuses on the natural world
only.
 Explain that scientists make
observations, ask questions,
conduct investigations, and
produce evidence that guides
scientific thought and theory.
 Communicate that scientists
conduct multiple types of
investigations (traditional
experiments involving fair
testing, inventing,
documenting, and trial and
error, etc.).
 Recognize that scientific
knowledge requires
evidence.
 Explain that inquiry skills are
used in daily life.
Identify examples of skills
used to carry out common
tasks.
INSTRUCTIONAL TOOLS
Core Textbook: Pgs. 1-56
Vocabulary: Lesson 1(scientist,
science, observation, investigation,
hypothesis), Lesson 2 (inference),
Lesson 3 (microscope, pan balance,
spring scale, data), Lesson 5
(model, two-dimensional model,
three-dimensional model, computer
model), experiment, hypothesis,
objectivity, subjectivity, scientific
method
HIGHER ORDER
DISCUSSION
 Can you identify and
describe the role of a
scientist and the skills and
tools they use? (Level 2Skill/Concept)
Labs:
Spin-a-Copter pg. 2
Pendulum Swing pg. 3
Rain, Rain, Come Again pg. 4
Why Do Scientists Compare
Results? pg. 5
Bridge Building pg. 6
How Can You Model a School? pg.
7
Assessments:
Brain Check pgs. 15, 25, 41, 53
Benchmark Review pgs. 57-60
Grade 4
BDS
SPG: 4th Grade
First 9 Weeks – Unit 1
FL-SC.4.N.1.4 Attempt
reasonable answers to
scientific questions and cite
evidence in support.
Lesson 3: How Do
Scientists Collect and Use
Data?
FL-SC.4.N.1.5 Compare the
methods and results of
investigations done by other
classmates.
FL-SC.4.N.1.6 Keep records
that describe observations
made, carefully distinguishing
actual observations from
ideas and inferences about
the observations.
FL-SC.4.N.1.7 Recognize and
explain that scientists base
their explanations on
evidence.
FL-SC.4.N.1.8 Recognize that
science involves creativity in
designing experiments.
Lesson 4: Why Do
Scientists Compare
Results?
FL-SC.4.N.2.1 Explain that
science focuses solely on the
natural world.
FL-SC.4.N.3.1 Explain that
models can be three
dimensional, two dimensional,
an explanation in your mind,
or a computer model.
Lesson 5: What Kinds of
Model Do Scientists Use?
Curriculum and Instruction – Science
First Nine Weeks
 Determine that scientists
often conduct research as
part of an investigation.
 Identify different tools that
scientists use to study
objects and properties.
 Communicate that data
gathered are based on
measurement and
observation, not inferences.
 Record data in appropriate
tables and charts based on
the purpose of the data.
 Describe that measurements
are recording methods need
to be accurate because data
are used as evidence for
scientific explanation.
Technology:
Videos: (Discovery Education
saved under My School, Fourth
Grade, Science, Unit 1)
*Scientic Method & Measurement
*How scientists work: What is the
scientific method?
*Science is elementary: What is
science? Science fair projects
*Science tools for lab & life
*Scienceline: Elementary School
*Science Project: Tim O’Keefe
Inquiry Based Learning
*The Scienctific Method
 Measure an object using
several different types of
tools (standard and nonstandard units of
measurement) and compare
the results with other groups
of students.
 Communicate the importance
of accuracy in measurements
and reasons why differences
may occur.
 Communicate that scientists
use different types of models
depending upon the subject
they are studying.
 Identify differences between
examples of models, such as
picture, replica, and
animation.
 Determine that technology
has helped scientists make
more accurate models.
Grade 4
BDS
SPG: 4th Grade
First 9 Weeks – Unit 1
Lesson 6: How Can You
Model a School?
Curriculum and Instruction – Science
First Nine Weeks
 Measure the classroom using
metric tools such as tape
measures and meter sticks.
 Construct a model of the
classroom.
 Compare the models made
and note differences, based
on spatial awareness or
measurements made.
Grade 4
BDS
SPG: 4th Grade
First 9 Weeks – Unit 1
TOPIC XIV
5 “E”
Instructional Model
ENGAGE
EXPLORE
STRATEGIES
ACTIVITY
 Engage your brain

Active Reading

EXPLAIN
EVALUATE
EXTEND
Pgs. 3-16
The Role of Scientists
Making Observations and Asking Questions
Experiments
Other Kinds of Investigations
Scientists Share Their Results as Evidence

Pgs. 17-26
Everyday Science Skills
Think Like a Scientist
Math and Science Skills

Pgs. 29-42
Research Is the Key
Science Tools
Measurement Tools
Recording and Displaying Data
Using Data

Pgs. 43-44
Scaffolding for Inquiry

Pgs. 45-54
Models and Science
Other Models Scientists Use

Pgs. 55-56
Scaffolding for Inquiry
 Brain Check

Sum It Up
Curriculum and Instruction – Science
First Nine Weeks
Grade 4
BDS
SPG: 4th Grade
First 9 Weeks – Unit 1
Curriculum and Instruction – Science
First Nine Weeks
Grade 4
BDS
SPG: 4th Grade
First 9 Weeks – Unit 1
TOPIC
CONTENT FOCUS
TITLE
SITE
Apply concepts of the scientific
process
FCAT Explorer
http://www.fcatexplorer.com/
Jefferson Lab:
Scientific
Investigation
http://education.jlab.org/solquiz/options.php?45748475
Color Me Hot Lab
http://science.dadeschools.net/resourceGuides/pdf/3-5/SC.H.1.2.2.pdf
Curriculum and Instruction – Science
First Nine Weeks
Grade 4