Fourth Grade Lessons

Matter Characters

In this lesson, students use Pixie to create three slides which include "characters" to represent solids, liquids, and gasses.  Each slide also includes information and examples of the specified state of matter.

Complete unit plan and student examples coming soon.
matter_character_unit_plan.doc
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matter_character_example.mp4
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Digital Book Talk

In this lesson, students create digital book talks to promote reading of picture books for younger students.
digital_book_talk_unit_plan.doc
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storyboard_planning_sheet.pdf
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student_example_i_took_my_frog_to_the_library.mov
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Roller Coaster Physics

In this lesson, students answer the essential question:  "How do forces and motion affect the fun and safety of roller coasters?"  This lesson addresses numerous Inquiry Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations. Specific GLCE information is available within the lesson plan.
roller_coaster_lesson_plan.doc
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What's the Matter

In this lesson, students answer the essential question, "How do the physical properties of matter distinguish one substance from another?"  This lesson addresses the following Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations:
P.PM.E.1 - Physical Properties - All objects and substances have physical properties that can be measured.
P.PM.04.16 - Measure the weight (spring scale) and mass (balances) in grams or kilograms of objects.
P.PM.04.17 - Measure the volume of liquids in milliliters and liters.
P.PM.E.2 - Matter exists in several different states:  solids, liquids, and gases.  Each state of matter has unique physical properties.  Gases are easily compressed, but liquids and solids do not compress easily.  Solids have their own particular shapes, but liquids and gases take the shape of their container. 
P.PM.04.23 - Compare and contrast the states of matter.
P.CM.E.1 - Changes in State - Matter can be changed from one state to another then back again.  Heating and cooling may cause changes in state.
P.CM.04.11 - Explain how matter can change from one state to another by heatin and cooling.
whats_the_matter_lesson_plan.doc
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whats_the_matter_checklist.pdf
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whats_the_matter_rubric.pdf
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4th_grade_whats_the_matter_high_quality_example.m4v
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1_student_example_matter_movie_jt.mov
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2_student_example_matter_rap.mov
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Earth Stands Still

This lesson has students answering the essential question:  "How would life on Earth be different if the Earth stopped moving in the predictable patters in which it moves?"  This lesson addresses the following Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations:
E.ST.E.1 - Characteristics of Objects in the Sky - Common objects in the sky have observabale characteristics.
E.ST.04.11 - Identify the sun and moon as common objects in the sky.
E.ST.01.12 - Compare and contrast the charactersitics of the sun, moon and Earth, including relative distances and abilities to support life.
E.ST.E.2 - Patterns of Objects in the Sky - Common objects in the sky have predictable patterns of movement.
E.ST.04.21 - Describe the orbit of the Earth around the sun as it defines a year.
E.ST.04.22 - Explain that the spin of the Earth creates day and night.
E.ST.04.23 - Describe the motion of the moon around the earth.
E.ST.04.24 - Explain how the visible shape of the moon follows a predictable cycle which takes approximately one month.
E.ST.04.25 - Describe the apparent movement of the sun and moon across the sky through day/night and the season.
earth_stands_still_lesson_plan.doc
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earth_stands_still_checklist.doc
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earth_stands_still_rubric.pdf
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