This is one lesson in the geography theme with the driving question, "What is Geography?".

Physical, Earth, and Life Science for fourth grade. Used and maintained by the Utah State Board of Education

In this lesson students will see how volcanoes as they relate to deposition work to continually change the surface of our planet.  This lesson provides visual evidence of changes that the earth undergoes in area where volcanic activity is prevalent.  Students will acquire knowledge to understand what volcanoes are, how they form, and the differnt careers that participate in creating safety precautions before volcanic activity. Students will build and program a safety device that simulates a volcano activity. This lesson can be used to supplement Unit 3 Overview Dynanic Earth: Shaping the Land, Learning Set 5.   

The purpose of this lesson is to introduce students to the basic elements of our Earth's crust: rocks, soils and minerals. They learn how we categorize rocks, soils and minerals and how they are literally the foundation for our civilization. Students also explore how engineers use rocks, soils and minerals to create the buildings, roads, vehicles, electronics, chemicals, and other objects we use to enhance our lives.

Suggestions and resources for hands-on activities to teach elementary students about rocks and minerals.

Area: Earth Systems

This Fourth Grade unit is the FOURTH in the curriculum of four (4) units developed to address the Fourth Grade science standards of the Michigan Science Standards related to Earth Systems.

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Earth scientists use the structure, sequence, and properties of rocks, sediments, and fossils, as well as the locations of current and past ocean basins, lakes, and rivers, to reconstruct events in Earth's planetary history. For example, rock layers show the sequence of geological events, and the presence and amount of radioactive elements in rocks make it possible to determine their ages.