Science

• ANIMALS
  • In order to survive in their environment, animals must adapt: coloration for warning or attraction, camouflage, defense mechanisms, movement, hibernation and migration.
  • Animals have different structures that serve different functions in growth, survival and reproduction (i.e., parts that are used to produce sounds and smells).
  • The characteristics of some animals change as seasonal conditions change (i.e., fur grows/sheds to help regulate body heat; body fat is a form of stored energy and it changes as the seasons change).
  • All individuals have variations and because of these variations individuals of a species may have an advantage in surviving and reproducing.
  • Animals respond to change in their environment (i.e., perspiration, heart rate, breathing rate, eye blinking, shivering and salivating).
     
• ELECTRICITY

  • Energy exists in various forms: heat, electric, sound, chemical, mechanical, light.

  • Energy can be transferred from one place to another.

  • Students will utilize understanding of conductivity and electromagnetism are used to identify properties of different objects.

  • Energy and matter interact: A bulb is lighted by means of electrical current.

  • Electricity travels in a closed circuit. Heat can be released in many ways (i.e. by burning, rubbing/friction or combining one substance with another).

  • Interactions with forms of energy can be either helpful or harmful.

  • Humans utilize interactions between matter and energy: chemical to electrical, light and heat, battery and bulb; electrical to sound (i.e., doorbell buzzer); and light to electrical (i.e., solar-powered calculator).
     

• NEWTON’S LAWS AND SIMPLE MACHINES
  • The force of gravity pulls objects toward the center of Earth.
  • Mechanical energy may cause change in motion through the application of force and through the use of simple machines such as pulleys, lever, and inclined planes.
  • Energy exists in various forms: heat, electric, sound, chemical, mechanical, light.
  • The position or direction of motion of an object can be changed by pushing or pulling.
  • Understand that the greater the force that is applied to an object, the greater the change in motion the object will have; the more massive the object is, the smaller the effect a given force will have.
     
• MAGNETISM
  • Magnetism is a force that may attract or repel certain materials.
  • The materials an object is made up of determine some specific properties of the object (sink/float).
  • Properties can be observed or measured with tools such as hand lenses, metric rulers, thermometers, balances, magnets, circuit testers and graduated cylinders.
  • The forces of magnetism can affect objects through gases, liquids, and solids.
  • The force of magnetism on objects decreases as distance increases.

*The above information is courtesy of "Shenendehowa's What to Expect...in Fourth Grade!" brochure.

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