Students will typically develop skills and learn about concepts not addressed on this page. This resource provides one insight into broad aspects of core curriculum.

• Over the course of a school year, students learn much more than can be depicted in one resource.
• Core curriculum is stated as general expectations for all students.
• This page describes what students must know and be able to do at the end of their school year.
• In all cases, instruction must fit each student’s needs.
• Classroom teachers are the best resource for parents wishing to learn more about their children’s education.
• For more information on materials and approaches used in classrooms, contact the building principal.

• measure chronological time by decades and centuries
• summarize key events in Michigan history
• compose simple narratives of events from the history of Michigan and the United States
• locate and compare cultures
• explain basic ecosystem concepts and processes
• describe major kinds of economic activity
• explain how transportation and communication link people and communities
• describe the Great Lakes Ecosystem
• describe the geography of major United States regions
• interpret the main points in the Declaration of Independence
• describe issues that arise over constitutional rights
• analyze how Michigan’s location has impacted economic development
• organize social science information to make maps, graphs and tables
• evaluate possible resolutions of a public issue
• compose a short essay expressing a decision on a local, state or national policy issue

Fourth grade students will....

• understand and identify author’s purpose
• use a variety of writing, speaking and listening skills to make connections
• identify and use parts of speech
• identify and create complete sentences and paragraphs
• prepare and incorporate multiple forms of media with a presentation
• understand, analyze, summerize, critique and interpret literature
• respond to literary selections
• prepare and present information
• identify and use multiple resources
• participate in a group research project
• apply knowledge or word structure to construct meaning
• utilize each stage of the writing process to create original pieces
• compile a portfolio of writing samples
• identify story’s point of view
• understand character dialog

Fourth grade students will....

• generate reasonable questions about the world based on observation
• observe and record evidence of science in their world
• conduct experiments, record and discuss results
• use simple measurement tools
• construct charts and graphs
• show how science concepts can be interpreted through creative expression
• describe the basic requirements for all living things
• measure weight, dimensions and temperature of appropriate objects and materials.

 

Fourth grade students will....

• define equal parts, whole numbers, mixed numbers, numerators, denominators
• add and subtract three digit whole numbers with regrouping
• understand calendars (year, month, week, day)
• understand and use metric measurement
• use monetary skip counting and add mixed coins
• define and use symmetry and congruency
• use various hands-on materials to learn mathematical concepts
• use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in problem solving situations
• apply fraction concepts in problem solving situations
• use critical thinking skills to solve problems