The fourth grade science curriculum builds upon principles of Earth and Physical Science presented in prior grades. The specific units of study are entitled, ” Sun, Moon, and Earth.” “Light, Heat, and Sound Energy,” and “Motion and Force.”

The Sun, Moon, and Earth unit draws upon the concepts introduced in first grade, while the Light, Heat, and Sound Energy unit is an extension of the scientific principles introduced in second grade. Finally the Motion and Force unit introduces elementary physics.

Trimester One:

Motions and Force

* Motions
* Actions and reactions of forces
* The relationship between force and work
* Simple machines

Trimester Two:

Light, Heat, and Sound Energy

* The location of light, heat, and sound energy and how they travel
* The similarities and differences between light, heat, and sound energy
* Reflected, absorbed, channeled, and conserved energy

Trimester Three:

The Sun, Moon, and Earth

* Earth’s location in space
* The Sun, Earth, and Moon’s influence on one another
* The phases of the moon
* Earth’s seasons
* Solar and lunar eclipses
* Shadows