Abeka Science Grade 4

Description

Revised in 2023, Understanding God’s World (5th Edition) guides children to understand the world around them. Beginning with the scientific process and methodology, students study matter and energy, force and motion, plants, animals, earth science, weather, and space. If you are familiar with the previous edition, the chapters have been updated and rearranged, making the revised edition incompatible with the previous editions. In a manner similar to the lower elementary grades, previously learned concepts are reviewed as new material is introduced. Serving as a helpful refresher, this enables former and new-to Abeka students to have a foundational understanding before moving onto advanced topics. Textbook chapters include the student readings, full-color photographs, detailed illustrations, chapter reviews, and chapter comprehension checks. It also includes instructions for demonstrations and activities. Most chapters include more than one hands-on activity which is straightforward to complete at home. You will need to provide additional resources for the activities which are listed in the homeschool curriculum lesson plans. For example, you will need to provide a magnifying glass, peat moss, various types of seeds, cheesecloth, medicine dropper, etc. Unlike the younger levels, the softcover textbook does not include a place to write answers, so students will need to use a separate notebook. Answers to the chapter and review questions are sold separately in the Understanding God’s Word Answer Key. You will need to provide additional resources for the activities which are listed in the homeschool curriculum lesson plans book. Unlike the younger levels, the softcover textbook does not include a place to write answers, so students will need to use a separate notebook. Answers to the textbook comprehension and chapter check questions are found in the Understanding God’s World Answer Key.

Additional resources include the non-reproducible Quiz/Test Book, the separate Quiz/Test Book Answer Key, the STEM Activities Book and its Answer Key, and the Homeschool Science Grade 4 Teaching Charts. The STEM Activities Book provides over 50 enrichment activities that give students the opportunity to practice the scientific method through varied activities and related worksheets. Recommended (not required) Grade 4 science flashcards are available in the Parent Kit. These are not sold separately. If you would like to purchase this item al-a-cart, it is available directly from Abeka.

The Science Homeschool Curriculum Lesson Plans provide daily lesson plans for 27 weeks. It also includes teaching tips, homework assignments, and enrichment ideas. It also includes lessons for Grade 4 Art and Music. (Books sold separately). Parents are encouraged to pair Abeka Science with Abeka’s 4th grade Health course (8 weeks) for a full year of Science/Health education. See the Abeka Health description for more information.

Also available are the Science and Health Grade 4 Parent Kit and Child Kit. Both are recommended for success. The Parent Kit includes the Homeschool Science Curriculum Lesson Plans, Understanding God's World Answer Key, Quiz and Test Key, and the STEM Activity Book Key, as well as the Homeschool Health Curriculum Plans, Developing Good Health Answer Key, the Quiz and Test Key, and the Activity Key. It also includes the Science 4 Flashcards, the Homeschool Science 4 Teaching Charts, and the Homeschool Health Teaching Charts. The Child Kit includes the Exploring God's World text, the STEM Activity Book, Quiz and Test Book, and the Developing Good Health Text, Activity Book, and the Quiz/Test Book. ~Deanne

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Religious Content
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.