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Grandpa Fenn holds a lantern over a pile of science tools.

Science / Grade 4

Grade 4 Science

40 lessons in 9 units. Built on the Texas TEKS, strand by strand.

40 lessons19 TAC §112.650 percent hands on

Every lesson, in order

The units

Unit 1 · TEKS strand 1 to 4

The Scientist’s Toolkit

Safety, tools, fair tests, data, models and sharing.

  1. Safe and CarefulSafety gear and safety habits for real labs. · TEKS 4.1C
  2. Choose Your ToolsBalance, magnet, sieve, beaker and mirror. Which fits the job? · TEKS 4.1D, 4.1E
  3. Fair TestsChange one thing. Keep the rest the same. · TEKS 4.1A, 4.1B
  4. Data, Patterns and ErrorOrganize numbers, find the pattern, find the mistake. · TEKS 4.1F, 4.2B, 4.2C
  5. Models That WorkBuild one. Say what it shows. Say what it hides. · TEKS 4.1G, 4.2A, 4.2D
  6. Explain and DiscussClaim, evidence, and a respectful conversation. · TEKS 4.3A, 4.3B, 4.3C
  7. Science, Society and CareersInventions that changed daily life and the people behind them. · TEKS 4.4A, 4.4B

Unit 2 · TEKS strand 6

Matter and Mixtures

Classify it, mix it, dissolve it, and show that nothing is lost.

  1. Classify MatterTemperature, mass, magnetism and state. · TEKS 4.6A
  2. Density: Sink or FloatSame size, different heaviness. · TEKS 4.6A
  3. MixturesLiquids in liquids. Solids in liquids. · TEKS 4.6B
  4. SolutionsWhen a solid seems to disappear. · TEKS 4.6B
  5. Matter Is ConservedWeigh before. Weigh after. Same total. · TEKS 4.6C

Unit 3 · TEKS strand 7

Gravity, Friction and Magnets

Three forces and the patterns they follow.

  1. Gravity PatternsWhat gravity does to every falling thing. · TEKS 4.7
  2. Friction PatternsSurfaces that grip and surfaces that slide. · TEKS 4.7
  3. Magnetic PatternsPoles, distance and strength. · TEKS 4.7
  4. Forces TogetherPlan an investigation that uses two forces at once. · TEKS 4.7, 4.1B

Unit 4 · TEKS strand 8

Energy on the Move

Waves, sound, heat paths and electric circuits.

  1. Energy TransferMoving objects pass energy along. · TEKS 4.8A
  2. Sound and Water WavesEnergy that travels without carrying the water or the air. · TEKS 4.8A
  3. Heat: Conductors and InsulatorsWhich materials pass heat along and which slow it. · TEKS 4.8B
  4. Electricity: Conductors and InsulatorsTest materials in a circuit. · TEKS 4.8B
  5. Closed CircuitsLight and heat from a complete loop. · TEKS 4.8C

Unit 5 · TEKS strand 9

Seasons and the Moon

Collect data. Find the pattern. Predict what comes next.

  1. Daylight Through the YearTemperature and day length by month. · TEKS 4.9A
  2. Why We Have SeasonsTilt, not distance. · TEKS 4.9A
  3. Moon PhasesWatch the Moon for a month and predict the next phase. · TEKS 4.9B

Unit 6 · TEKS strand 10

Water, Weather and Slow Change

The water cycle, weathering, erosion, deposition, weather and climate.

  1. The Water CycleThe Sun powers it. · TEKS 4.10A
  2. WeatheringHow rock breaks into pieces. · TEKS 4.10B
  3. Erosion and DepositionCarry it away. Drop it somewhere new. · TEKS 4.10B
  4. Stream Table ModelModel a river with a pan of sand. · TEKS 4.10B, 4.1G
  5. Weather or Climate?Today versus the long run. · TEKS 4.10C

Unit 7 · TEKS strand 11

Energy and Earth Resources

Renewable and nonrenewable resources, and the rocks that hold them.

  1. Renewable and NonrenewableAdvantages and disadvantages of each. · TEKS 4.11A
  2. Energy in Modern LifeWhat would a day without it look like? · TEKS 4.11B
  3. Conserve, Recycle, DisposeWhat happens to the environment depends on what we do. · TEKS 4.11B
  4. Rocks That Store ResourcesPores, gaps and the oil and water in them. · TEKS 4.11C

Unit 8 · TEKS strand 12

Food Webs and the Past

Producers, consumers, decomposers and fossil clues.

  1. Producers Make FoodSunlight, water and carbon dioxide. · TEKS 4.12A
  2. Food WebsEnergy flows. Matter cycles. · TEKS 4.12B
  3. DecomposersThe recyclers under the leaves. · TEKS 4.12B
  4. Fossil CluesRead an old environment from its fossils. · TEKS 4.12C

Unit 9 · TEKS strand 13

Plants and Traits

How plant parts help survival, and which traits are inherited.

  1. Plant StructuresWaxy leaves and deep roots. · TEKS 4.13A
  2. Inherited TraitsPassed from parent to young. · TEKS 4.13B
  3. Acquired TraitsLearned or gained during a life. · TEKS 4.13B