Earth, Wind and Fire
This unit focuses on ways the earth can change. This covers earthquakes and volcanoes which are caused by plate tectonics. It also covers weather and it implications for changing the earth surface. Some important vocabulary include weathering, erosion, and deposition.
Weathering is any of the chemical or mechanical processes by which rocks exposed to the weather undergo changes in character and break.
Erosion is the wearing away of the earth's surface by water, wind, ice, glaciers, and people.
Deposition is the natural process of laying down a deposit of something.
This unit also discusses the difference between renewable and nonrenewable resources. As well as ways to reduce, reuse and recycle.
http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-instruments.htm
Variables
This unit focuses on the scientific method.
Scientific Method
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Problem
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Hypothesis
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Experiment
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Observations
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Conclusion
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A variable is something you change in an experiment which will effect the results. In a controlled experiment, only one variable is tested.
http://www.fossweb.com/modules3-6/Variables/index.html
Electricity and Magnetism
In magnetism, students study the poles of the magnet to understand that opposites like North to South attract, while similar poles like South to South repel.
In electricity, we study circuits. A closed circuit will work, while an open does not work.
A parallel circuit has more than one pathway, and can work when one wire is disconnected.
A series circuit has only one pathway, and can not work when one wire is disconnected. An electromagnet is made my wrapping wire around an iron nail and running electricity through it.
http://www.fossweb.com/modules3-6/MagnetismandElectricity/index.html
Survivor
This unit focuses on the differences between vertebrates and invertebrates and their adaptations. A vertebrate has a backbone and includes; fish, reptile, amphibians, birds, and mammals. An invertebrate does not have a backbone and includes arthropods, worms, starfish, and jellyfish.
An adaptation occurs over time and it helps an animal survive. An adaptation is The adjustment or changes in behavior, physiology, and structure of an organism to become more suited to an environment. There are two main types: behavioral which includes such concepts as being nocturnal or hunting in packs, and structural which includes such things as pointed beak, webbed feet, or sharp claws.
Mimicry is the resemblance of one organism to another or to an object in its surroundings for concealment and protection from predators.
Camoflauge is the blending of an animal into its surroundings.
Additional Websites:
Every Drop Counts: http://www.fossweb.com/modules3-6/Water/index.htm
http://www.fossweb.com/modules3-6/index.html