4th Grade Science - Earth & Space Science

Objects in the Sky

Observe the moon changing shape in a predictable pattern
Distinguish between rotation and revolution of the Earth
Classify meteorites, meteoroids, and asteroids
Explore careers and technology in space (i.e., Hubble Telescope, NASA)

Changes in the Earth & Sky

Skywatchers - Sky Watchers is an interactive educational program for elementary schools, designed specifically to support the science curriculum. Students learn about the science of meteorology by taking weather observations during the school year.

Identify ways temperature, precipitation, wind direction, and speed affect weather
Recognize tools for measuring precipitation, wind speed, and wind direction
Know the stages of the water cycle
Observe the ways landforms and bodies of water affect weather
Observe a change in the Earth's surface by slow processes (erosion and weathering)

Properties of Earth Materials

Be introduced to the three layers of the Earth (i.e., core, mantle, and crust)
Be introduced to the differences between renewable and nonrenewable resources
Observe the components of the rock cycle and identify igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks

Earth's History

Recognize ways moving water, wind and ice change landforms
Be introduced to the plate tectonics theory

Earth in the Solar System

Identify the planets and their positions in the solar system
Distinguish between lunar and solar eclipses
Be introduced to gravity as a force
Be introduced to the solar system as part of the Milky Way universe

Earth System

Identify the layers of the Earth and characteristics of each
Be introduced to the major types of clouds
Be introduced to ways oceans affect climate
Observe ways human activities affect land, ocean and the atmosphere
Be introduced to water as the universal solvent
Describe conditions that affect climate (i.e., temperature, air pressure, vapor)
Be introduced to weather collecting instruments such as a barometer, thermometer, and anemometer