Grade 4 Updates
In the Earth’s Features & Processes Unit
- New Lesson 5: Can you design a building that survives an earthquake?
Replaces Lesson 5: How could you survive a landslide?
Grade 4 Supply Updates
Earth's Features & Processes Unit
Lesson 5: Can you design a building that survives an earthquake?
- Supplies needed (NOT included in Mystery Packs):
- Mini-marshmallows (30 per pair)
- Toothpicks (40 per pair)
- 3-oz paper cups (2 per pair)
- Paper plate (1 per pair)
- Paper towel (1 per pair)
Why did Mystery Science make these Grade 4 updates?
Earth’s Features & Processes unit updates
New Lesson 5: Can you design a building that survives an earthquake?
- ESS3-2. Generate and compare multiple solutions to reduce the impacts of natural Earth processes on humans.
- This lesson had the most opportunity for improvement in 4th grade, with many teachers suggesting a more in-depth activity and additional real world examples of engineering solutions. We redesigned the lesson to focus on a natural Earth process, shifting from landslides to earthquakes. One reason for this shift is our existing 2nd-grade landslide engineering lesson, so this revised lesson provides 4th-grade students with an exploration of a different Earth process. In this new 4th grade lesson, students are introduced to earthquakes and the structural damage they can cause. In the hands-on activity, students build structures out of marshmallows and toothpicks, shaking them to observe what occurs during an earthquake. Students compare their designs to others in the classroom and then connect their models to real world earthquake engineering solutions.
We’re always listening to reviews, to what’s happening in classrooms, and to what teachers & students need most. With a growth mindset at our core, we continually fine-tune our lessons to reflect strong, research-based practices.
If you have any questions about an update, please reach out to our Customer Support Team.