Volcanoes, rocks, electricity, ecosystems. What do all these terms have in common? They are all part of the fourth grade science curriculum at Korn School. Students and teachers alike enjoy hands-on experiments using the scientific inquiry method.

We start off the year learning about Changes in the Earth’s Surface through our guided reading groups, by reading books such as Volcano and Earthquake Terror. Whoever knew science could taste so good? Marcy Klattenberg and Lorrie Martin, from the Outdoor Education Department, present a lesson on how the earth was formed and Pangaea using graham crackers and icing. CRUNCH, CRACK, SCRAPE — Ask a fourth grader for the story behind these words. As a culminating activity, a field trip to the quarry enables the students to explore various rocks.
           
The New Year brings about enlightening lessons as we go with the flow with our electricity unit. The unit begins with an overview and safety presentation by CL&P. Using batteries and wires, students conduct experiments to figure out ways to make light bulbs shine. At the end of this unit, we build an “Electric City” under the direction of a consultant from the Eli Whitney Museum.

Our science inquiry continues in our final unit, Forest Ecosystems. Students build on their knowledge from the 3rd grade study of field ecosystems to enhance their understanding about the role of each living thing in a biome. The Outdoor Education Staff lead us through activities to learn about the components of forest and stream ecosystems. We utilize our school’s natural surroundings and explore the ins and outs of Allyn Brooke and all who live inside.