These objectives and lesson links preserve an earlier Utah fourth-grade curriculum. Some investigations are available only as dated archive snapshots; unavailable lessons remain labeled. For today’s framework, see Utah SEEd Grade 3: Weather and Climate Patterns. This historical lesson collection has not been certified against current grade-level standards.
Original classroom framework
Weather Class for 4th Grade Students in Utah
Water (unavailable when checked)
Utah's 4th Grade Science Standards, Objectives and Benchmarks (unavailable when checked)
Standard 1: Students will understand that water changes state as it moves through the water cycle.
Objective 1: Describe the relationship between heat energy, evaporation and condensation of water on Earth.
- Identify the relative amount and kind of water found in various locations on Earth (e.g., oceans have most of the water, glaciers and snowfields contain most fresh water).
- Identify the sun as the source of energy that evaporates water from the surface of Earth.
- Compare the processes of evaporation and condensation of water.
- Investigate and record temperature data to show the effects of heat energy on changing the states of water.
Objective 2: Describe the water cycle.
- Locate examples of evaporation and condensation in the water cycle (e.g., water evaporates when heated and clouds or dew forms when vapor is cooled).
- Describe the processes of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation as they relate to the water cycle.
- Identify locations that hold water as it passes through the water cycle (e.g., oceans, atmosphere, fresh surface water, snow, ice and ground water).
- Construct a model or diagram to show how water continuously moves through the water cycle over time.
- Describe how the water cycle relates to the water supply in your community.
Vocabulary
vapor, precipitation, evaporation, clouds, dew, condensation, temperature, water cycle
Science benchmark
Matter on Earth cycles from one form to another. The cycling of matter on Earth requires energy. The cycling of water is an example of this process. The sun is the source of energy for the water cycle. Water changes state as it cycles between the atmosphere, land, and bodies of water on Earth.
Investigation 1: Where is Water Found?
Investigation 1 Strategies: Where is Water Found? (dead link)
Investigation 2: Why Does A Puddle Shrink?
Investigation 2 Strategies: Why Does A Puddle Shrink? (dead link)
Investigation 3: Condensation Chambers
Investigation 3 Strategies: Condensation Chambers (archived snapshot, 2008-01-11)
Investigation 4: Heat Energy and Water
Investigation 4 Strategies: Heat Energy and Water (dead link)
Investigation 5: The Water Cycle Model
Investigation 5 Strategies: The Water Cycle Model (archived snapshot, 2008-01-11)
Investigation 6: Water on the Move
Investigation 6 Strategies: Water on the Move (archived snapshot, 2008-01-11)