Prism Curricula: Grade 4
You may download individual lessons or even entire units by visiting each curriculum page. View students in action and samples of student work. See the standards addressed with each unit and concept maps of each unit. Some of the units address specific ecosystems while others focus on key concepts. Check it out!
Please note that all curricula currently available are drafts that will be updated periodically. Please feel free to send suggestions via email to Colby McNaughton .
On this page:
Hawaiʻi's Coral Reefs - 4th Grade
Coral reefs in the Hawaiian archipelago comprise over 80% of U.S. coral reefs and span over 2,000km. Hawaiian reefs posses some of the most abundant levels of marine endemic species in the world as well as sheltering over 700 species of fish, 400 species of algae and over 2000 species of invertebrates. Reef-building corals are the keystone framework organisms in coral reefs and for this reason it is important for our youth to understand that corals are not colorful rocks but living organisms. This curriculum uses hands-on activities to promote interactive learning about Hawaii's coral as organisms and the coral reef ecosystem.
Fish Adaptations - 4th Grade (Supplement)
This unit is designed to provide an enhanced understanding and appreciation for general fish anatomy and the physical adaptations they have developed over time to increase their ability to live and survive in the water. They will understand that while fish come in many shapes, sizes, and colors they all share the same basic anatomy with some specialized structures necessary for survival. Activities include a thought swap on what a fish needs to survive, dressing up as a fish, observing and comparing fresh fish, and more.
Exploring Hawaiʻi's Forests - 4th Grade
Hawaiʻi’s forest ecosystems are very diverse; this can be attributed to the amount of rainfall that falls in an area and the elevation in which it is found. These ecosystems provide a habitat for a menagerie of plant and animal species, as well as, support the lifestyle and culture of island residents. This curriculum promotes an enhanced understanding within Hawaiʻi’s youth on how Hawaiʻi’s forest ecosystems function, the problems that they face, and how we can care for them. This unit includes hands-on, inquiry-based lessons and activities to promote and enhanced learning about Hawaiʻi’s forest ecosystems.
Coqui Frog - 4th Grade (Supplement)
Coqui frogs are an invasive species to Hawaiʻi that were first introduced in the late 1980's from their native home in Puerto Rico. Since that time their populations have drastically increased due to the ideal climate conditions provided by Hawaiʻi Island. This curriculum uses hands-on activities to promote student knowledge and awareness of the impacts caused by invasive species like the coqui frog in Hawaiʻi.