Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 4

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify and describe properties of different materials.
• Explain the uses of materials based on their properties.
• Describe the main parts of a flowering plant and their functions.
• Distinguish between living and non-living things.
• Design and construct a simple structure.

Lesson summary

This week in Natural Sciences and Technology, we will be revising and consolidating key concepts covered throughout Grade

4. This is incredibly important because understanding these foundational concepts will set you up for success in future grades. We'll be reinforcing our knowledge and skills, ensuring we remember what we've learned and can apply it to new situations. Think of it like strengthening the foundation of a building - a strong foundation means a strong building! These topics are relevant to your everyday lives in South Africa, from understanding the weather patterns affecting our crops to knowing how different materials can be used safely in our homes.

Lesson notes

Let's revisit some of the key concepts we've learned this year. a)

Properties of Materials: Materials are everything around us! They have different properties, which are characteristics we can observe.

Some common properties include: Hardness: How easily a material can be scratched. Diamonds are very hard.

Flexibility: How easily a material can bend without breaking. Rubber bands are flexible.

Strength: How well a material can resist being broken or pulled apart. Steel is strong.

Transparency: How much light passes through a material. Glass is transparent.

Waterproofness: How well a material resists water passing through it. Plastic is often waterproof.

Texture: How a material feels (smooth, rough, bumpy).

Example 1: Imagine a soccer ball. The outer covering is usually made of plastic or leather.

Plastic/Leather: Flexible, durable, waterproof (to some extent). This makes it suitable for being kicked and used in all weather conditions.

Example 2: Think about the windows in your classroom.

Glass: Transparent, hard, brittle (easily broken). Transparency allows light to enter the room. b)

Uses of Materials: The properties of a material determine what it can be used for. Strong materials are used for building structures like bridges and buildings. In South Africa, steel and concrete are commonly used. Flexible materials are used for making clothes and bags. Cotton and synthetic fabrics are popular choices. Waterproof materials are used for making raincoats and umbrellas. Plastic and rubber are often used.

Example: Corrugated iron sheets are often used for roofing in South African homes and informal settlements. This is because they are relatively inexpensive, lightweight, and provide reasonable protection from the rain. c)

Parts of a Flowering Plant: Flowering plants are vital to life on Earth. They provide us with food, oxygen, and shelter.

The main parts are: Roots: Anchor the plant in the ground and absorb water and nutrients from the soil.

Stem: Supports the plant and transports water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves and flowers.

Leaves: Where photosynthesis takes place – the process where plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make food.

Flowers: The reproductive part of the plant, responsible for producing seeds and fruits.

Example: Think about a sunflower. The roots hold it in the ground, the stem supports the heavy flower head, the leaves capture sunlight, and the flower produces seeds that can grow into new sunflowers. d)

Living and Non-Living Things: Living things need certain things to survive: Air: To breathe.

Water: To stay hydrated and for various bodily functions.

Food: To get energy.

Shelter: Protection from the elements and predators.

Reproduction: To create new living things. Non-living things do not need these things. A rock, a table, and a car are all non-living. e)

Designing and Constructing Structures: This involves using your knowledge of materials and their properties to build something that serves a purpose.

Example: Imagine you need to build a small shelter for your pet rabbit to protect it from the sun.

You would need to consider: What materials are available (wood, cardboard, plastic). Which material is strong enough to support the shelter. Which material will provide shade. How to join the materials together (glue, tape, nails). Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Identify three properties of a metal spoon.

Solution: Hard: It's difficult to scratch.

Strong: It doesn't easily break.

Shiny: Reflects light.

Good conductor of heat: Heats up when placed in hot water.

Question 2: What is the main function of a plant's leaves?

Solution: The main function of a plant's leaves is photosynthesis. This is where the plant uses sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make its own food.

Question 3: Classify the following as living or non-living: a dog, a cloud, a tree, a stone, a bicycle.

Solution: Dog: Living Cloud: Non-living Tree: Living Stone: Non-living Bicycle: Non-living Question 4: You need to build a small bridge across a stream for your toy cars. What materials could you use, and why?

Solution: Possible materials include: Wood: Strong and readily available. It can support the weight of the toy cars.

Stones: Can be used as supports for the bridge.

Thick cardboard: (If coated to make it waterproof) - Lightweight and easy to work with, but may not be as durable. The material choice depends on the size of the stream and the weight of the toy cars. Independent Practice (Questions Only) Name three different materials commonly found in your school and list one property of each. Why is wood often used to make furniture? Give two reasons. Explain the difference between a living thing and a non-living thing. Give two examples of each. Describe the role of the roots in a plant's life cycle. Design a simple bird feeder. What materials would you use, and why? Draw a sketch of your bird feeder.