Note: Weblinks appear only once although they may address more than one benchmark.
4th Grade Science Benchmark Targets by Strand
By year's end, all students will:
| Strand | # | Benchmark Target |
Link to TEKS | Curriculum Connection |
| Nature of Science | 1. | Demonstrate safe practices during classroom, field, and home investigations. | 4.1 | On-going / All units |
| Hidden Dangers | ||||
| 2. | Plan investigation, conduct experiment, collect, analyze, and interpret data; communicate results through graphs, tables, maps and understand that repeated investigations increase validity and reliability. Evaluate the impact of scientific research | 4.2 4.4 4.5 |
On-going / All units | |
| 3. | Compare and draw inferences based on data from promotional materials, such as labels and ads. | 4.2 | On-going / All units | |
| Dog Breed Selector | ||||
| 4. | Apply critical thinking and scientific problem solving skills to analyze, infer, evaluate, and judge investigations. | 4.3 | On-going / All units | |
| Nasa Science Files | ||||
| 5. | Collect and analyze data using appropriate tools, including safety goggles, microscopes, cameras, balances, hand lenses, sound recorders, Celsius and Fahrenheit thermometers, timing devices and compasses to conduct scientific inquiries. | 4.4 | On-going / All units | |
Inch Square Observations A 1 inch window helps us focus on a small area Scanning Electron Microscope animal, vegetable, mineral game at one lever |
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| 6. | Use models to represent the natural world, identifying their limitations; connect concepts with historical contributions of scientists | 4.5 | On-going / All units | |
| timewarp archiving technology through the decades | ||||
| Organization of Living Systems | 7. | Identify and distinguish between inherited traits and learned behaviors. | 4.9 | Plants and Animals of Texas |
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Artic Animals portfolio of birds, mammals, and sea mammals Smithsonian
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| 8. | Identify patterns of change in metamorphosis. | 4.6 | Plants and Animals of Texas | |
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Animal Classification Book simple lesson with writing connection could be adapted for this benchmark |
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| Interdependence of Organisms and the Environment |
9. | Illustrate and explain complex systems and their related parts; predict and draw conclusions about what might happen when a part is missing. | 4.5 | Plants and Animals of Texas, Soil, Weather, Water Cycle, Rock Cycle and Fossils, Matter |
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TX weather forecasts and information
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Minerals Report by Chrissy Bryant, WCE Rocks and Minerals by Amy Marotto HHE |
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| 10. | Explain the relationship between adaptations and survival of members of a species. | 4.8 | Plants and Animals of Texas | |
| Names of Collective Groups of Animals Classification of Animals A quick, easy review of characteristics |
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| 11. | Identify and distinguish between inherited traits and learned behaviors. | 4.9 | Plants and Animals of Texas | |
| Artic Animals portfolio of birds, mammals, and sea mammals Smithsonian | ||||
| Structures and Properties of Matter |
12. | Observe and illustrate how properties of matter change with temperature. | 4.7 | Plants and Animals of Texas, Soil, Weather, Water Cycle, Rock Cycle and Fossils, Matter |
| Weather Information | ||||
| 13. | Conduct tests, compare data, and draw conclusions about physical properties of matter, including states of matter, conduction, density and buoyancy. | 4.7 | Matter, Water Cycle, Rocks and Minerals |
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| Motion, Forces and Energy | 14. | Identify the Sun as a major source of energy for the Earth and its effect on plant growth, wind and the water cycle. | 4.11 | Plants of Texas, Water Cycle, Weather |
| Solar Energy | ||||
| Earth Science Targets |
15. | Describe patterns of change in the environment, such as weather, and planetary movement.
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4.6 | Plants and Animals of Texas, Soil, Weather, Water Cycle, Rock Cycle and Fossils, Matter |
| Geological Tour of Enchanted Rock State Park How can fossils be found where they never lived? Printable Wordsearch of Dino names Image Gallery, Storms and Planetary Moon Phases and Visible Planets Sky at a Glance a daily guide to what's in view Solar System at a Glance real time and adjustable positions When will Pluto be closer to the Sun again? New form of Lightening discovered! Ask an Astronomer rather difficult, probably more likely to be a teacher resource.Use left side for navigation. |
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| 16. | Identify cause and effect between past, present, and future events in nature, and how choices affect the environment, such as conservation and recycling. | 4.1, 4.10 |
Plants and Animals of Texas, Soil, Weather, Water Cycle Rock Cycle and Fossils |
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| 17. | Test properties of soils, including texture, absorption, and ability to support life. Summarize the effects of the ocean on land. | 4.1, 4.10 |
Plants and Animals of Texas, Soil, Water Cycle, Weather Rock Cycle and Fossils |
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National Maps with information about types of erosion, and many other catagories Fieldbook for describing and sampling soils $24.00 Enchanted Learning Water Cycle |
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| Not Benchmarked but current event! | ||||
| Space Exploration | ||||
| 100 Anniversary of Flight! | AVKids | |||
| TEKS SEARCH | Marco Polo Search by TEXAS TEKS Alignment | |||
| Thematic | Teachers' Corner monthly themes | |||
| Journey North | Inquiry based learning, integrates science, social studies, math | |||
| good nutrition | ||||
*"Including" references non-negotiable components; "such as" references examples.