Structure and Function: From Cells to Organisms

Understanding how structure relates to function in living things. All living organisms have structures that allow them to interact and survive in their environment. Understanding the function linked to such structures allows us to better care for living things and also adapt as humans.

Grade Four Expectations for Structure and Function

Essential Learning Outcome 1: Develop models to describe that organisms have unique and diverse life cycles but all have in common birth, growth, reproduction, and death

Identify the major structures of plants (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds)
Explain how each plant structure contributes to survival and reproduction
Compare different plant adaptations to various environments
Investigate how plant structures respond to environmental stimuli
Create models showing the relationship between structure and function in plants

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 plant dissections, animal structure investigations, and model-building activities
Conversations: Student explanations of structure-function relationships, adaptations, and environmental interactions

Sample Assessment Tools:

Labeled diagrams of plant and animal structures with function descriptions
Structure-function matching activities and quizzes
Science journals documenting observations of living organisms
3D models showing how structures support specific functions

Inclusive Learning Strategies

Additional Resources and Materials

For Teachers

Plant and animal structure diagrams and posters
Magnifying glasses and digital microscopes
Seeds, plants, and gardening materials
Videos and images of plant and animal adaptations
OECS Grade 4 Science Curriculum Guide
Field guides to local Caribbean plants and animals

For Students

Science journals for recording observations and drawings
Materials for creating structure-function models
Plant and animal vocabulary cards
Observation tools (hand lenses, rulers, etc.)
Structure-function matching cards and games
Plant growing kits and observation journals

Teacher Content Knowledge

Structure and Function in Grade 4 enables students to develop a deeper understanding of how living things are organized and how their parts work together. Students learn that all organisms have structures with specific functions that help them survive, grow, and reproduce in their environments. This foundational understanding helps students recognize patterns across living things while appreciating the diversity of adaptations in the natural world.

Structure and Function: From Cells to Organisms

Grade Four Expectations for Structure and Function

Essential Learning Outcome 1: Develop models to describe that organisms have unique and diverse life cycles but all have in common birth, growth, reproduction, and death

Identify the major structures of plants (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds)
Explain how each plant structure contributes to survival and reproduction
Compare different plant adaptations to various environments
Investigate how plant structures respond to environmental stimuli
Create models showing the relationship between structure and function in plants

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 plant dissections, animal structure investigations, and model-building activities
Conversations: Student explanations of structure-function relationships, adaptations, and environmental interactions

Sample Assessment Tools:

Labeled diagrams of plant and animal structures with function descriptions
Structure-function matching activities and quizzes
Science journals documenting observations of living organisms
3D models showing how structures support specific functions

Inclusive Learning Strategies

Additional Resources and Materials

For Teachers

Plant and animal structure diagrams and posters
Magnifying glasses and digital microscopes
Seeds, plants, and gardening materials
Videos and images of plant and animal adaptations
OECS Grade 4 Science Curriculum Guide
Field guides to local Caribbean plants and animals

For Students

Science journals for recording observations and drawings
Materials for creating structure-function models
Plant and animal vocabulary cards
Observation tools (hand lenses, rulers, etc.)
Structure-function matching cards and games
Plant growing kits and observation journals

Structure and Function: From Cells to Organisms

Grade Four Expectations for Structure and Function

Essential Learning Outcome 1: Develop models to describe that organisms have unique and diverse life cycles but all have in common birth, growth, reproduction, and death

Specific Curriculum Outcomes

Plant Structures and Functions

Animal Structures and Functions

Environmental Adaptations

Inclusive Assessment Strategies

Sample Assessment Tools:

Inclusive Learning Strategies

Exploring Plant Structures

Investigating Animal Structures

Additional Resources and Materials

For Teachers

For Students

Teacher Content Knowledge

Structure and Function: From Cells to Organisms

Grade Four Expectations for Structure and Function

Essential Learning Outcome 1: Develop models to describe that organisms have unique and diverse life cycles but all have in common birth, growth, reproduction, and death

Specific Curriculum Outcomes

Plant Structures and Functions

Animal Structures and Functions

Environmental Adaptations

Inclusive Assessment Strategies

Sample Assessment Tools:

Inclusive Learning Strategies

Exploring Plant Structures

Investigating Animal Structures

Additional Resources and Materials

For Teachers

For Students

Teacher Content Knowledge