Science & Social Studies
Our Science and Social Studies (SciSo) units will both be taught using an inquiry model. This means that our focus will be on asking and answering complex questions, drawing conclusions based on evidence. Students will be expected to THINK and HYPOTHESIZE - not memorize!
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Trimester 1In Trimester 1, we will study the Earth’s Features (Science) and both History and Civics (Social Studies).
For our study of the Earth’s Features, we will act as geologists and learn about how we can understand how the earth has changed over time by observing at fossils and rock layers. When we study History, we will learn about how invention impacts our life today and answer the overarching question - does invention drive change? For our Civics Unit, we will look at the structures of national government in the United States, including the branches of government, the constitution, and important laws. |
Trimester 2In Trimester 2, we will study Energy Conversions (Science) and Economics (Social Studies).
For our Energy Conversions Unit, students will take on the role of engineer and learn about electrical system. They will solve the problem of why energy sometimes fails and explore different types of energy sources. For our Economics Unit, students will create businesses, culminating in our 4th Grade Biz Town where students will sell a product they produced. Students will learn about opportunity cost, positive and negative incentives, and why businesses specialize and trade. |
Trimester 3In Trimester 3, we will study Geography (Social Studies) and both Light and Vision and Waves, Energy, and Information (Science).
For our Geography (mini) Unit, we will study the Jamestown Settlement and how their location impacted their lives. For our Light and Vision Unit, we will investigate how light affects how we see by studying Tokay Geckos and the structure of the eye and it’s variations among animals. For our Waves, Energy, and Information Unit, we will learn all about sound waves and how sound travels. We will focus this study on bottlenose dolphins and how they use sound waves to communicate with one another. |