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Elementary Full Curriculum Science for Grade 4 - 5, Part 2
Susan Laforet, M.Ed Curriculum and Instruction
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(156)
Rising Star
The 12 week course follows pacing of 2nd semester 4th & 5th grade science -earth, space, ecosystems/ habitats, plant & animal adaptations, food chains & webs, and learned & inherited behaviors. Part 1 not a prerequisite.
Class Experience
US Grade 4 - 5
Beginner - Intermediate Level
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
tyThis 12 week course will cover second semester of 4th and 5th grade science content in an engaging and interactive style. Students will be encouraged to question, explore, analyze, and make conclusions about science content through the best practices supported by National Science Teacher's Association guidelines. All lessons will be based on the 5E model of inquiry science, which allows students to make their own discoveries, supported by the teacher and will include appropriate academic...
5 units//24 lessons//12 Weeks
Unit 1Constructive and Destructive ForcesConstructive and Destructive Forces4 lessons2 WeeksWeek 1Lesson 1Introduction to Constructive and Destructive ForcesExplore how landforms are created and changed by constructive and destructive forcesLesson 2WeatheringScience Investigation: Movement of tectonic plates and chemical and mechanical weatheringWeek 2Lesson 3ErosionScience Investigation: Weathering, Erosion, and DepositionLesson 4Changes to Earth's SurfaceScience Investigation: Fast and Slow Changes to Earth's SurfaceUnit 2Soil, Rocks, and FossilsSoil, Rocks, and Fossils5 lessons3 WeeksWeek 3Lesson 5Soil ComponentsScience Investigation: Comparing Components of SoilLesson 6Erosion in ActionScience Investigation: Erosion and Deposition Change LandWeek 4Lesson 7Rocks and FossilsScience Investigation: The Rock Cycle and Fossil FormationLesson 8Formation of Fossil FuelsExplore the three different fossil fuels and explain pros and cons of each oneWeek 5Lesson 9Renewable ResourcesExplore five alternative resources and explain the pros and cons of each one. Introduce Alternative Energy ProjectUnit 3Solar SystemSolar System3 lessons2 WeeksWeek 5Lesson 10Comparing Sun, Earth, and MoonCreate a Venn diagram to compare and contrast the Sun, Earth, and MoonWeek 6Lesson 11All About the MoonCreate a foldable to illustrate the phases of the moon and how the moon's gravity affects tides on EarthLesson 12Planets in Our Solar SystemOut in the Solar System WebquestUnit 4EcosystemsEcosystems5 lessons3 WeeksWeek 7Lesson 13Comparing Biomes and EcosystemsExplore the similarities and differences between biomes, ecosystems, and habitatsLesson 14Interdependence in EcosystemsInvestigate how the niche of each organism in the ecosystem and how all organisms are interdependent.Week 8Lesson 15Food Chains and WebsExplore the differences between food chains and webs and explain the energy transfer through an ecosystem with a model of the energy pyramidLesson 16Changes in EcosystemsDemonstrate how natural events and human activity change ecosystemsWeek 9Lesson 17Digital Escape RoomUnit Assessment: Complete the escape room in a team formatUnit 5Inheritance and InterdependenceInheritance and Interdependence7 lessons4 WeeksWeek 9Lesson 18Structures and Functions of PlantsScience Investigation: Seed and Flower DissectionWeek 10Lesson 19Investigating PlantsScience Investigation: Variables in Plant GrowthLesson 20Animal AdaptationsDifferentiation between structural and behavioral adaptations in animals. Introduce semester projectsWeek 11Lesson 21Crawfish Investigation (Seasonal)Explore the adaptations and behaviors of crawfish through teacher demonstrationLesson 22Learned and Inherited BehaviorUnderstand the differences between instincts, inherited traits, and learned behaviorsWeek 12Lesson 23Semester ProjectWork on semester project in breakout roomsLesson 24Semester Wrap UpPresent projects, complete a self-reflection, play end of semester game
- Students will learn scientific process and procedures through the content typically taught in the second semester of 4th and 5th grade. Strands include Nature of Science, Earth Science, and Life Science
I taught 5th grade science in the largest public school system in my state for 17 years. During that time I attended intense science training programs led by Rice University, Baylor College of Medicine, and i3Laser through the Smithsonian Institution/Department of Education. I was honored as Teacher of the Year on my campus and a finalist for the District Teacher of the Year. After 17 years, I moved from the classroom to become a STEM instructional coach, supporting teachers across the district in the STEM content areas, and finally as a math and science instructional coach, leading professional development and supporting teachers and students at low performing campuses. I retired from the school district in 2021, and now I am blessed to focus on instilling the love of science in students without the requirements of state and district assessments. In my classes, students will learn and love science; they will not learn science tests!
0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Homework
Frequency: includedFeedback: includedDetails: Some weeks will have short assignments for students to complete individually, typically requiring no more than 30 minutes. There will be a final semester project based on student choice from a product menu to summarize learning in the course.Assessment
Frequency: includedDetails: Formative assessment will be embedded throughout the course through a variety of games and activities. Parents will be provided with a written report at the end of the course.
Students will keep an interactive science notebook throughout the course, using a standard composition book. They will also need general art supplies (colored pencils, crayons, markers, scissors, glue, ruler, etc.). Specific supplies for inquiry lessons will be posted on the class page at least 2 weeks prior to the lesson. Most will be easily available around the house. A complete list of materials may be found at - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dkJVO40Fce5tfHn3NEFGAi9hECPYUkRL/view?usp=sharing
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Some YouTube videos will be included, all of which are pre-screened for content and appropriate instructional level, and some created by the teacher. Lessons will be presented through the interactive Nearpod platform and will sometimes include Google applications, (docs and slides). Students will upload their assignments to the class page or to a designated Google Drive folder, open only to the teacher and enrolled students. Some Kahoot games will be used for assessment and engagement.
This class will follow best practices guidelines as set forth by the National Science Teacher's Association and Next Generation Science Standards.
Joined July, 2021
4.9
156reviews
Rising Star
Teacher expertise and credentials
Texas Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Master's Degree from Grand Canyon University
I have been sharing my love of science and math with elementary students in public schools for over 26 years. I served most of that time in the classroom and then moved into Instructional Coaching to help other teachers improve their practice in...
Reviews
Group Class
$250
for 24 classes2x per week, 12 weeks
50 min
Completed by 13 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-11
1-8 learners per class
