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Earth's Systems: Processes that Shape the Earth

We live in a world where we watch natural processes shape the landscape. While we can’t always prevent small and sometimes catastrophic events, our children should understand enough of these earth changes to be prepared to cope with the inevitable consequences.

Grade Four Expectations for Earth Systems

Essential Learning Outcome 1: Identify evidence from patterns in rock formations and fossils in rock layers to support an explanation for changes in a landscape over time

  • Recognise how rock formations result in the changes in the landscape
  • Create a representation of a canyon to illustrate how a river changes the landscape overtime.
  • Illustrate changes in the landscape.
  • Outline how soils are made from a variety of rocks. (ST 3 ESS ER 3)
  • Collect and classify rocks in their country. (ST 4 ESS ER 1)

Specific Curriculum Outcomes

By the end of Grade Four, the learner will be expected to:

Inclusive Assessment Strategies

Assessment strategies that provide information about learning:

  • Observations: Teacher observations during landform modeling, water cycle investigations, and natural hazard research
  • Conversations: Student explanations of Earth's systems, water distribution, and natural hazard solutions

Sample Assessment Tools:

  • Performance tasks involving Earth's systems and water cycle concepts
  • Exit tickets to assess daily learning objectives
  • Science journals for recording observations, data, and reflections

Inclusive Learning Strategies

Additional Resources and Materials

For Teachers

  • Materials for creating landform models
  • Maps and globes showing Earth's features
  • Natural hazard information and case studies
  • Videos and images of Earth's systems and features
  • OECS Grade 4 Science Curriculum Guide

For Students

  • Science journals for recording observations and reflections
  • Materials for creating models and diagrams
  • Earth's systems vocabulary cards
  • Visual aids and reference materials
  • Simple maps and mapping tools

Teacher Content Knowledge

Earth's Systems in Grade 4 enables to have a deeper understanding of the different types of landforms and bodies of water that make up Earth's surface. They learn about the how Earth’s surface is changed and what are the effects.