Grade 04 Science - EC: S4.A.3.2.1

Continuum of Activities

The list below represents a continuum of activities: resources categorized by Standard/Eligible Content that teachers may use to move students toward proficiency. Using LEA curriculum and available materials and resources, teachers can customize the activity statements/questions for classroom use.

This continuum of activities offers:

Instructional activities designed to be integrated into planned lessons
Questions/activities that grow in complexity
Opportunities for differentiation for each student’s level of performance

Related Academic Standards / Eligible Content

S4.A.3.2.1 S4.A.3.2.1

Identify what different models represent (e.g., maps show physical features, directions, distances; globes represent Earth; drawings of watersheds depict terrain; dioramas show ecosystems; concept maps show relationships of ideas).

Activities

Name three different types of models.
What is a globe?
What is a diorama?
What information can you find in a map key?

Compare and contrast a model drawn to scale and one not drawn to scale. Give an example of each and why it is best represented this way.

Your teacher asked you to construct a model of your classroom. Describe the type of model you will choose to represent your classroom. Will it be a scale model? Why do you think this is the best model to use?

Answer Key/Rubric

Answers include, but are not limited to: diorama, map, globe, concept map, drawings, etc.
A globe is a 3-dimensional representation of the Earth.
A diorama is a 3-dimensional representation of an event, person, place or scene.
A map key tells you what the symbols on the map mean.
Acceptable responses might include, but are not limited to:

A scale model is good to use if you want to get a better understanding of the relationships between objects in a way that can be viewed right in front of you
A scale model is good for objects too large or too small to view with the human eye, where details are important
Scale models are not needed when details aren’t important
Examples for scale models include, but are not limited to: solar system, cells, official maps
Example where scale models are not needed include, but are not limited to: sketching directions for someone, sketching ideas for building something

Student selects an appropriate model to represent the classroom and is able to explain why their choice is the best representation. Student also explains why other models will not be as useful.