Montague Township School District
STEM Curriculum Guide
Grade 4
2025-2026
Kayte Snyder
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Description
This K-8 STEM curriculum at Montague School integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on, investigative learning. Students engage in real-world problem-solving using the engineering design process, testing solutions, and learning from failure as part of authentic learning. Throughout the year, students explore principles of engineering, properties of materials and design, forces and motion, energy sources, coding, biomimicry, and technological innovation. The curriculum emphasizes observation, data collection, teamwork, and creative thinking to address challenges and design solutions.
Big Ideas
- The engineering design process guides problem-solving and solution development through iterative testing and refinement.
- Failure is a learning opportunity; persistent effort and adaptation lead to improved designs.
- STEM concepts connect across disciplines and apply to everyday life and career opportunities.
- Teamwork, communication, and creative thinking are essential 21st-century skills in STEM fields.
- Data collection, analysis, and evidence support design decisions and scientific conclusions.
Essential Questions
- How do scientists and engineers identify problems and design solutions?
- What role does testing and failure play in the design process?
- How can we apply STEM principles to solve real-world challenges?
- What makes an effective team in a STEM environment?
- How do we improve designs based on data and observation?
Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science
Earth and Space Sciences
Life Sciences
Physical Sciences
Algorithms and Programming
Data and Analysis
Engineering Design
Ethics and Culture
Interaction of Technology and Humans
Nature of Technology
Crosscutting Concepts
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Digital Literacy
Geometry
Measurement
Number and Operations in Base Ten
Operations and Algebraic Thinking
Science and Engineering Practices
Standards for Mathematical Practice
Students engage in scientific and technical writing throughout STEM investigations. They document observations, create digital reports of findings, communicate design solutions, and record data using word processing and presentation tools. Students develop vocabulary through exploration of natural and engineered systems.
Students apply mathematical skills to analyze and interpret data from STEM investigations. They measure distances, record heights of plants, create graphs and line plots, calculate area and perimeter of structures, and use mathematical reasoning to solve design problems. Students employ data collection strategies and statistical analysis.
Students examine environmental challenges, climate change impacts, and sustainability through design projects. They investigate how communities address problems, propose solutions to local and global issues, and understand the relationship between human activity and the environment. Design challenges connect to civics, environmental stewardship, and entrepreneurship.
Assessment in this STEM curriculum is authentic and multifaceted, reflecting real-world engineering and scientific practices. Students are assessed through observations of their problem-solving processes, discussions about their designs and reasoning, hands-on prototype testing, and data analysis activities. Formative assessments include pre-assessments, in-progress observations, "Do Now" activities, and student reflections on design improvements. Summative assessments include completed prototypes, design presentations, benchmark assessments on specific concepts (gear ratios, electrical circuits, Pascal's principle), and digital documentation using Google tools. Assessments also evaluate teamwork, persistence, creativity, and the ability to communicate ideas in new ways.
| Unit | Formative | Summative | Benchmark | Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01Introduction to STEM | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| 02Shapes, Strength, and Materials | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| 03Forces, Motion, and Ramps | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| 04Biomimicry and Design from Nature | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| 05Biomedical Engineering: Designing for the Human Body | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| 06Coding and Computational Thinking | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 07Structures and Engineering Design | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| 08Energy and Renewable Resources | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| 09Sound and Communication | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| 10Ecology and Environmental Engineering | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| 11Growth and Life Processes | ✓ | ✓ | — | ✓ |
| 12Design Challenges and Innovation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Coverage | 12/12 | 12/12 | 2/2 | 12/12 |
| Unit | IEP | 504 | MLL | At-Risk | Gifted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01Introduction to STEM | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 02Shapes, Strength, and Materials | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 03Forces, Motion, and Ramps | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 04Biomimicry and Design from Nature | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 05Biomedical Engineering: Designing for the Human Body | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 06Coding and Computational Thinking | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 07Structures and Engineering Design | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 08Energy and Renewable Resources | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 09Sound and Communication | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 10Ecology and Environmental Engineering | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 11Growth and Life Processes | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 12Design Challenges and Innovation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Coverage | 12/12 | 12/12 | 12/12 | 12/12 | 12/12 |