Grade 4 Science and Technology

In Grade 4 Science and Technology, our students explore the importance of science in world around them. They will discover how plants and animals combine to become habitats and communities, and how humans utilise rocks and minerals for their benefit and how those uses impact the environment. In addition, they will investigate mechanisms such as pulleys and gears, and delve into two very important forms of energy: light and sound. This course is designed to be 50-75 instructional hours.

Curriculum Information: Science and Technology (2022)

Developed by: D2L

Development Date: 2021 (Revised 2022)

Please note that elementary courses do not have prerequisites, and Ontario schools do not issue transcript credits at the elementary level. All courses are available in the facilitated and independent pathways.

Facilitated

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Independent

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Note: The new Science and Technology curriculum includes a coding component. As we develop these resources, there will be a placeholder for this unit at the end of the course. However, as the coding content requires the knowledge and skills learned in the other units, students will complete the current content first, and will be prepared when the coding content is implemented.

Course Outline

STEM Skills and Connections

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills and connections are integrated into all units in the course. Through scientific research, experimentation, and engineering design processes, students will conduct investigations, design solutions to problems, and communicate findings while discovering practical applications that pertain to science and technology. Students will make practical connections between the knowledge students gain and real-world issues in science and technology. Students will also analyse the contributions made by First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities as their knowledge has led to the creation of Indigenous scientific and technical systems.

Habitats and Communities

In this unit, students will learn how plants and animals are interdependent and adapt to their particular habitats. They will learn that changes to habitats (whether caused by natural or human means) can affect plants and animals and the relationships between them. They will also start to understand that society relies on plants and animals.

Pulleys and Gears

In this unit, students will learn how pulleys and gears change the speed, direction, motion of, and force exerted on, moving objects. They will learn how pulleys and gears make it possible for a small input force to generate a large output force. They will also start to understand how gears are specialized wheels and axles that are used daily in many machines.

Light and Sound

In this unit, students will learn how light and sound are forms of energy with specific properties. They will learn how sound is created by vibrations and how light is required to see. They will also start to understand how technological innovations involving light and sound have impacts on the environment.

Rocks and Minerals

In this unit, students will learn how rocks and minerals have unique characteristics and properties that are a result of how they were formed. They will learn how the properties of rocks and minerals determine society’s possible uses for them. They will also start to understand how our use of rocks and minerals affects the environment.

Coding

In the Coding Unit, students will use coding in investigations and to model concepts. Students will assess the impact of coding and of emerging technologies on everyday life and in STEM-related fields.

This course is entirely online and does not require nor rely on any textbook. Students will require the following resources:

  • A scanner, smartphone camera, or similar device to digitize handwritten or hand-drawn work
  • A device to record audio
  • A printer
  • A physical binder, folder, or notebook for offline activities
  • Scissors, stapler, ruler, glue, baking soda, salt, dish soap, food colouring, vinegar, cardboard, a plastic bottle
  • Centimetre grid paper
  • Various household items to complete offline activities

Through a balance of investigations, inquiry-based lessons, and direct instruction, students develop a strong foundation of scientific processes, knowledge, and skills to apply in real-world contexts. Students will learn and start to use the scientific inquiry process, scientific research, and appropriate lab skills. In addition to this, the exploration of key STEM topics is integrated throughout the learning. The course engages multiple learning styles by utilizing a combination of technology and offline activities that provide opportunities to develop an understanding of skills and concepts in interactive and concrete ways. The lessons feature a variety of intriguing storylines, videos, graphics, and interactive games to reinforce students’ learning. The activities also build a foundation of scientific models and strategies that students will use throughout the elementary grades.

The course relies on the assistance of a learning coach to support young students moving through the content. The learning coach will be involved in facilitating technical aspects of the course (e.g. printing and scanning printable activities) and in participating in discussion-based activities to assist students in developing communication skills.

Have a question about Grade 4 Science and Technology? Contact us!