Grade 4 Science

Unit overview:

This unit covers the senses and how they function. The importance of the brain in interpreting sensory information should be dealt with.

The importance of protecting the senses is also covered. Students learn what happens when the senses become damaged. They recognize that damage to the senses may be permanent, requiring special ways to overcome the impairment. They also learn to empathize with those who are trying to overcome impairments.

Related units:

The Optional Unit on Vertebrates and Invertebrates can be related to this unit by examining ways that animals have adapted to interpret sensory information. Comparisons between human senses and the senses of other animals could be made.

The Optional Unit, Light, could be used in conjunction with ideas developed relating to human vision, the eye, eye glasses, and so on.

The unit is related to material which might be covered in Health. Opportunities to integrate this unit and the Optional Unit on Nutrition and Digestion with Health should be considered.

Suggested themes:

protecting the senses, safety, senses, things around us

Factors of scientific literacy which should be emphasized:

• A1 public/private
• A3 holistic
• B2 interaction
• B5 perception
• C2 communicating
• C4 working cooperatively
• D1 science and technology
• E3 using equipment safely
• E4 using audio-visual aids
• F1 longing to know and understand
• G1 interest
• G3 continuous learner

Common Essential Learnings foundational objectives which should be emphasized:

• To use a wide range of possibilities for developing students' knowledge of the importance of the senses in communication. (COM)
• To develop a contemporary view of technology. (TL)
• To promote both intuitive, imaginative thought and the ability to evaluate ideas, processes, experiences, and objects in meaningful contexts. (CCT)
• To develop students' abilities to meet their own learning needs. (IL)

Science foundational and learning objectives:

1. Recognize how the senses function.
   1. Recognize the role of the brain in interpreting sensory information.
   2. Identify the main components of each of the sensory systems.
   3. Explain how each of the sense organs responds to external stimuli.
2. Recognize the need to protect the senses.
   1. Identify how the senses can be damaged.
   2. Recognize that damage to the senses may not be reversible.
   3. Suggest safety precautions which protect the senses from damage.
3. Develop compassion and understanding for others.
   1. Recognize that damage to the senses may cause permanent or temporary impairment.
   2. Identify ways that people adjust to living with a sensory impairment.
   3. Appreciate that people with sensory impairments should be treated with dignity and respect.
   4. Empathize with others.