The Grade 4 Program is made up of thematic units called modules that cover all subject areas except Mathematics, which is a separate program. There are 5 core modules. Each unit includes a module guide for the parent outlining each day of learning. A variety of resources relating to the theme in each module are provided. These include textbooks, storybooks, non-fiction books, on-line resources, DVDs and CDs.
Module 1—Say Hello
In this beginning module, the student is introduced to the format and expectations of this and following modules. The theme of the module is the child, his or her body, friendships, and family. The novel The War with Grandpa is included in this module.
Module 2—Look Around
The theme of this module is the interdependence of plants, animals, and people. Students learn about weather, the water cycle, habitats, and food chains. Throughout the module they see how all living things are connected.
Module 5—Crossing Canada–West
In this module, the student begins a study of Canada, starting in British Columbia and travelling across the western provinces and the territories. He or she will also look back in history at Canada’s early people.
Module 6—Crossing Canada–East
Students continue the study of Canada, beginning in the province of Manitoba and continuing to Newfoundland. They also have an opportunity to delve into Canada’s past and then to explore their home territory in more detail.
The Sound & Light module explores the sources of sound and light and different characteristics that define these two forms of energy. Key concepts around are highlighted through the exploration of sources of sound and light, how they travel, and how they are controlled. The module provides lessons with specific directions to readings in the main textbook and online resources.
Module 1A: The Atmosphere-Where Weather Rules!
In this module, students learn about air: how it moves, why it moves, its role in the water cycle, and the weather it creates.
Module 1B: Weather–You Can See It Coming
The focus of this module is on weather forecasting. Activities include making a rain gauge, making a device to detect wind directions, and reading a weather map. The complex relationships between weather and people are explored.
Grade 3 Mathematics:
Grade 3 Math consists of six modules with four and six sections in each module. There are six lessons in each section. Students send in an assignment at the end of each section.
Optional Modules:
Module 7—Finding Solutions
This module is about finding solutions to different kinds of problems. Students build and test a variety of bridges and then learn about finding solutions to other types of problems. The novel Dear Mr. Henshaw is a part of the reading activities in the module.
Backyard Bugs
This module is filled with easy-to-do, hands-on activities. Students are asked to observe insects in their natural habitat. Opportunities are provided for students to make models, build bug habitats, carry out investigations, and make observations. This module also provides the opportunity to involve other family members in the study of insects.
What’s Cooking?
Students will explore many aspects of food and its preparation in this nine days of study. Because emphasis is on practical skills, students will explore measurements, use cookbooks, and plan and prepare a special meal. Topics include nutrition, digestion, and kitchen safety. The novel The Chocolate Touch is included with the module.
Pond Life
Students will explore a pond and see first-hand how special adaptation help plants and animals survive in their habitats. Students will learn about photosynthesis, surface tension, food chains, camouflage, and pond conservation. An ongoing activity is the creation of a Log Book that will become a complete record of your child’s pond study. The module requires extensive participation of the home instructor.
Travelling
This module is designed for children who will be travelling with their families for an extended period of time. It makes the most of learning opportunities encountered during their travels and provides a range of activities to apply, enrich, and extend their learning such as interpreting maps, identifying features of the natural environment, learning how animals and plants adapt to the local environment, and learning about cultural differences, and researching information.
Woodworking
Students learn how to use simple hand tools properly and safely as well as learn basic woodworking techniques such as cutting and joining pieces of wood and painting or finishing an item. Students build a variety of projects including an oven aid; cutting board; candlestick; bench; tic tac toe game; shelf; and a project of their choice such as a mug tree, planter, or bird feeder. In addition to learning woodworking skills, students have opportunities to: learn about types of wood and wood products, measure, experiment, read blueprints, and explore woodworking as a career or hobby. The module requires extensive participation of the home instructor. There is one Woodworking video resource for this module.
Module 4—Write On!
The emphasis in this module is on the writing process. Students will try out a variety of forms of writing as well as reading a variety of stories, including a tall tale, cartoons, and a mystery novel. Students will also have the opportunity to analyze evidence through scientific experiments.
