Grade 4 - 4-PS4 Waves and Their Applications in Technologies for Information Transfer

Next Generation of Science Standards (NGSS) - Grade 4

Disciplinary Core Ideas

PS4.A: Wave Properties
•  Waves, which are regular patterns of motion, can be made in water by disturbing the surface. When waves move across the surface of deep water, the water goes up and down in place; there is no net motion in the direction of the wave except when the water meets a beach. (Note: This grade band endpoint was moved from K–2.) (4-PS4-1)
• Waves of the same type can differ in amplitude (height of the wave) and wavelength (spacing between wave peaks). (4-PS4-1)

PS4.B: Electromagnetic Radiation
• An object can be seen when light reflected from its surface enters the eyes. (4-PS4-2)

PS4.C: Information Technologies and Instrumentation
• Digitized information can be transmitted over long distances without significant degradation. High-tech devices, such as computers or cell phones, can receive and decode information—convert it from digitized form to voice—and vice versa. (4-PS4-3)

Science and Engineering Practices

 Developing and Using Models
Modeling in 3–5 builds on K–2 experiences and progresses to building and revising simple models and using models to represent events and design solutions.
• Develop a model using an analogy, example, or abstract representation to describe a scientific principle. (4-PS4-1)
• Develop a model to describe phenomena. (4-PS4-2

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
Constructing explanations and designing solutions in 3–5 builds on K–2 experiences and progresses to the use of evidence in constructing explanations that specify variables that describe and predict phenomena and in designing multiple solutions to design problems.
• Generate and compare multiple solutions to a problem based on how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the design solution. (4-PS4-3)
• Use tools and materials provided to design a device that solves a specific problem. (1-PS4-4)

Connections to Nature of Science

Scientific Knowledge is Based on Empirical Evidence
• Science findings are based on recognizing patterns. (4-PS4-1)

Crosscutting Concepts

 Patterns
• Similarities and differences in patterns can be used to sort, classify, and analyze simple rates of change for natural phenomena. (4-PS4-1)
• Similarities and differences in patterns can be used to sort and classify designed products. (4-PS4-3)

Cause and Effect
• Cause and effect relationships are routinely identified. (4-PS4-2)

Connections to Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science

 Interdependence of Science, Engineering, and Technology
• Knowledge of relevant scientific concepts and research findings is important in engineering. (4-PS4-3)

Performance Expectations

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

4-PS4-1.  Develop a model of waves to describe patterns in terms of amplitude and wavelength and that waves can cause objects to move.  [Clarification Statement: Examples of models could include diagrams, analogies, and physical models using wire to illustrate wavelength and amplitude of waves.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include interference effects, electromagnetic waves, non-periodic waves, or quantitative models of amplitude and wavelength.]

4-PS4-2.   Develop a model to describe that light reflecting from objects and entering the eye allows objects to be seen. [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include knowledge of specific colors reflected and seen, the cellular mechanisms of vision, or how the retina works.]

4-PS4-3.  Generate and compare multiple solutions that use patterns to transfer information.*    [Clarification Statement: Examples of solutions could include drums sending coded information through sound waves, using a grid of 1’s and 0’s representing black and white to send information about a picture, and using Morse code to send text.]

Common Core State Standards Connections

ELA/Literacy

RI.4.1     Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information. (4-PS4-3)
RI.4.9     Integrate information from two texts on the same topic in order to write or speak about the subject knowledgeably. (4-PS4-3)
SL.4.5     Add audio recordings and visual displays to presentations when appropriate to enhance the development of main ideas or themes. (4-PS4-1),(4-PS4-2)

Mathematics
MP.4    Model with mathematics. (4-PS4-1),(4-PS4-2)
4.G.A.1  Draw points, lines, line segments, rays, angles (right, acute, obtuse), and perpendicular and parallel lines. Identify these in two-dimensional figures. (4-PS4-1),(4-PS4-2)

Connections to other DCIs in fourth grade:
4.PS3.A (4-PS4-1); 4.PS3.B (4-PS4-1); 4.ETS1.A (4-PS4-3)

Articulation of DCIs across grade-levels:
K.ETS1.A (4-PS4-3); 1.PS4.B (4-PS4-2); 1.PS4.C (4-PS4-3); 2.ETS1.B (4-PS4-3); 2.ETS1.C (4-PS4-3); 3.PS2.A (4-PS4-3); MS.PS4.A (4-PS4-1); MS.PS4.B (4-PS4-2); MS.PS4.C (4-PS4-3); MS.LS1.D (4-PS4-2); MS.ETS1.B (4-PS4-3)