Here are 36 unit study ideas for 4th grade with instructions for each:
Week 1: Solar System
- Research the eight planets and their characteristics
- Make a model of the solar system
- Write a report about a specific planet
Week 2: Native Americans
- Learn about different Native American tribes and their cultures
- Create a dreamcatcher or a totem pole
- Write a report about a specific tribe
Week 3: Water Cycle
- Learn about the stages of the water cycle
- Create a visual representation of the water cycle
- Conduct an experiment to demonstrate the water cycle
Week 4: Poetry
- Read and analyze different types of poems
- Write original poems in different styles
- Create a poetry journal with illustrations
Week 5: Ancient Egypt
- Research Ancient Egyptian civilization and culture
- Learn about hieroglyphics and create a message using them
- Build a model of a pyramid
Week 6: Birds
- Learn about different species of birds and their habitats
- Go birdwatching and identify birds in the area
- Create a birdhouse or feeder
Week 7: Fractions
- Learn about fractions and their relationship to decimals and percentages
- Practice adding, subtracting, and multiplying fractions
- Create a visual representation of a fraction
Week 8: Space Exploration
- Learn about the history of space exploration
- Research current space missions and discoveries
- Create a model of a space vehicle
Week 9: Rocks and Minerals
- Learn about different types of rocks and minerals
- Conduct experiments to observe the properties of rocks and minerals
- Create a rock and mineral collection
Week 10: Famous Americans
- Research famous Americans and their contributions to history
- Create a timeline of American history
- Write a report about a specific American
Week 11: Weather
- Learn about different types of weather and their causes
- Observe weather patterns and create a weather journal
- Conduct experiments to demonstrate weather phenomena
Week 12: Ancient Greece
- Research Ancient Greek civilization and culture
- Learn about Greek mythology and create a myth
- Build a model of a Greek temple or statue
Week 13: Plants
- Learn about different types of plants and their life cycles
- Plant a garden and observe the growth of plants
- Conduct experiments to learn about photosynthesis
Week 14: Government
- Learn about the structure of government and the branches of government
- Create a mock election and campaign
- Write a report about a specific government official
Week 15: Inventors and Inventions
- Research famous inventors and their inventions
- Invent something new and present it to the class
- Write a report about a specific inventor and their invention
Week 16: Ocean Life
- Learn about different types of ocean life and their habitats
- Create a diorama of an ocean ecosystem
- Conduct experiments to learn about ocean currents and tides
Week 17: Money
- Learn about the value of money and how to manage it
- Practice making changes and calculating expenses
- Create a budget for a pretend family
Week 18: Human Body
- Learn about the different systems of the human body
- Create a model of a body part or system
- Write a report about a specific body part or system
Week 19: Fairy Tales
- Read and analyze different fairy tales from different cultures
- Write original fairy tales
- Create a fairy tale character and illustrate it
Week 20: U.S. Regions
- Learn about the different regions of the United States and their characteristics
- Create a map of the United States and label the regions
- Write a report about a specific region
Week 21: World Geography
- Learn about different countries and their cultures
- Identify and label continents and oceans on a map
- Write a report about a specific country
Week 22: Insects
- Learn about different types of insects and their habitats
- Observe and collect insects and create a classification chart
- Conduct experiments to learn about insect behavior and anatomy
Week 23: Civil Rights Movement
- Learn about the history of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States
- Research famous Civil Rights activists and their contributions
- Write a report or create a presentation about a specific Civil Rights activist
Week 24: Music
- Learn about different types of music and their history
- Play a musical instrument or create a musical composition
- Attend a musical performance or concert
Week 25: Habitats
- Learn about different types of habitats and their characteristics
- Create a diorama of a specific habitat
- Write a report about a specific habitat and the animals that live there
Week 26: Electricity
- Learn about electricity and how it is generated
- Conduct experiments to learn about the properties of electricity
- Create a circuit or an electrical device
Week 27: Ancient Rome
- Research Ancient Roman civilization and culture
- Learn about Roman mythology and create a myth
- Build a model of a Roman structure or monument
Week 28: Geometry
- Learn about different types of shapes and their properties
- Identify and create symmetrical shapes
- Use geometry to solve problems and create art
Week 29: Oceanography
- Learn about the different zones of the ocean and their characteristics
- Observe and collect samples of ocean water and sediment
- Write a report about a specific oceanographer and their contributions
Week 30: Ecosystems
- Learn about different types of ecosystems and their characteristics
- Create a food chain or food web for a specific ecosystem
- Write a report about a specific endangered species and its ecosystem
Week 31: Digital Citizenship
- Learn about digital citizenship and how to be safe online
- Practice responsible online behavior and etiquette
- Create a presentation or PSA about digital citizenship
Week 32: Mammals
- Learn about different types of mammals and their characteristics
- Observe and identify local mammals in their habitats
- Create a classification chart for different types of mammals
Week 33: Coding
- Learn about coding and computer programming
- Create a simple program or game using code
- Present the program or game to the class
Week 34: Energy
- Learn about different types of energy and their sources
- Conduct experiments to learn about the properties of energy
- Write a report about a specific type of energy and its impact on the environment
Week 35: Art History
- Learn about different art movements and artists throughout history
- Create an original artwork in the style of a specific art movement
- Write a report about a specific artist and their contributions to art
Week 36: Culminating Project
- Choose a topic of interest and create a culminating project to showcase what was learned throughout the year
- Present the project to the class and reflect on what was learned