Science — Grade 4

Resources on the web

Webcams in the classroom: Animal inquiry and observation

In this lesson from ReadWriteThink, students observe animal habits and habitats using one of the many webcams broadcasting from zoos and aquariums around the United States and the world. Based on the observation of webcams, this lesson plan engages students... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 English Language Arts and Science)

Provided by: ReadWriteThink

We're in hot water now: Hydrothermal vents

In this Xpeditions lesson, students learn about the process that drives geysers, which are hydrothermal vents, by using the National Geographic “Fantastic Journeys: Yellowstone”. Activities in this lesson engage... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

Uncovering the Facts

Students study a Protoceratops fossil to discern clues to the past. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

A touch of class

This Science NetLinks lesson, the second of a two-part series on classification, extends the investigation of living organisms carried out in the first lesson by exposing students to the idea that a variety of plants and animals can be classified into one... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Skunk removal

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about skunks and the best methods to get rid of their odor. (Learn more)

Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 4 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Sable Island's seals, sharks, and sand lances

In this Xpeditions lesson, students discuss the concept of competition in nature and learn about competition between two seal species on Sable Island. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

Responsible whale watching

This lesson, from Xpeditions, asks students to think critically about the positive and potentially negative aspects of whale-watching tours. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

Really wild animals: Will people change them forever?

This lesson from Xpeditions asks students to consider the ways in which human activities in the rain forest might affect the behaviors of some well-known African mammals, particularly in the Congo River Basin. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 4–5 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

Punching shrimp

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, you'll hear about the mantis shrimp, a small crustacean that preys on snails. (Learn more)

Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 4 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Pilot whales' place in the ocean

In this Xpeditions lesson, students explore pilot whales' sociability and bonding and consider how the National Geographic Crittercam might help scientists learn more about their social behaviors. Activities in this lesson... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Science)

Provided by: Xpeditions

People and endangered species

Students examine some endangered species and the ways that human activities contribute to species endangerment. Students are asked to devise their own species protection plans. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

People and African animals

In this Xpeditions lesson, students explore the ways that human activities impact African animals and their habitats. Activities in this lesson engage students in online learning, whole class discussion, and creation of an artistic project. Students... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 4–5 Science)

Provided by: Xpeditions

Paperbag paleontology

Cornell Paleontologist John Chiment enlists the aid of younger school children in sorting through materials collected at a dig site and, in the process, demonstrates that anyone can “do science.” (Learn more)

Format: activity/lesson plan (grade K–5 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

The ocean and human medicine

In this Xpeditions lesson, students learn about two species of marine animal--Bugula neritina and the horseshoe crab and their medical benefits. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 4–5 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

Lighting up the sea

In this Xpeditions lesson, students explore the three light zones in the ocean and reasons for bioluminescence by conducting a simulation and viewing pictures of bioluminescent marine animals on the Web. Activities in this lesson engage students in development... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Science)

Provided by: Xpeditions

Introducing biodiversity

In this Science NetLinks lesson, students use online resources to identify the basic components necessary for biodiversity and the critical and countless benefits of habitats, as well as the serious present and future threats to their ongoing existence. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

How do leopard seals hunt?

In this Xpeditions lesson, students explore how leopard seals, which are the top predators in the Artic, hunt for their food. This lesson engages students in whole class discussion, online learning, and development of writing skills. Students will:... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Science)

Provided by: Xpeditions

How a blue crab changes as it grows

The purpose of this lesson is to understand the changes that a blue crab goes through during molting, and why it is important for scientists to understand these changes. It is important to understand the changes an animal goes through during its life span... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Science)

Provided by: Science Netlinks

Geographical dog show

Students learn the theories of how dogs were domesticated from wolves and the reasons why people subsequently bred dogs living in different places to do different tasks. They will focus on specific breeds of their choice and will conclude by designing a class-wide... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

Ferocious felines

In this Xpeditions lesson, students study the biota—or flora and fauna—of the Kalahari Desert, and the importance of the lion's role as predator within this ecosystem. This lesson engages students in small group collaboration, research using online... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 English Language Arts and Science)

Provided by: Xpeditions