2024-2025 School Year
4th Grade Science GVL
Course Description
Science for 3rd-5th grade students is taught on a three-year rotation, using the Answers in Genesis series to cover a broad spectrum and prepare students for higher level science classes. Each year two categories are covered, one in the fall and one in the spring. See the 3rd-5th Science Rotation chart below to learn more about what will be covered each semester throughout the rotation. Each week the student will have science homework to be completed. Homework will vary depending on if your child is signed up for the one day or two day model.
See Homework table below for more information.
One Day Model:
Students will come on either Monday or Wednesday and attend science as one of their package of 4 classes. Core concepts will be taught on class day through a powerpoint presentation and note taking. Some experiments and hands-on activities will be done as time permits. Students will have 2 days of homework to complete, as well as an optional challenge assignment.
Homework will be due the following week.
Two Day Model:
Students will come both Monday and Wednesday and attend science as one of their package of 4 classes. Monday will be when most of the core concepts are taught and delivered through a powerpoint presentation and note taking. On Wednesday, students will be able to dive deeper into the topic they are studying and do more hands-on experiments or activities. Students will have 1 day of homework to complete, as well as up to two optional challenge assignments.
Homework will be due the following Monday.
To be successful in this class:
Listen and participate in class, complete assigned work on time, and follow instructions.
Grades: 4th Grade
Fees: One Day Model: $450 for 4th grade package of 4 classes
Two Day Model: $900 for 4th grade package of 4 classes
Plus the following fees:
-$140 enrollment fee per child
-$70 security fee per family
-$10 per student portrait/ID fee
Prerequisites:
Must be 9 by September 1st
Sections Offered: 4th- Green Cedar (Mondays- One Day Model) 4th- Red Oak (Wednesdays- One Day Model) 4th- Yellow Birch (Mondays & Wednesdays- Two Day Model) 4th- Blue Spruce (Mondays & Wednesdays- Two Day Model)
Required Materials
Textbooks:
- God’s Design for Heaven and Earth (Student- MB Edition) – One per family
- Note: If you are buying new, please purchase the newest edition. If you already have the 4th edition of the older version, that is fine to use as well.
- Optional: God’s Design for Heaven and Earth (Teacher Guide- MB Edition)
- The teacher guide books provide an introduction on how to teach the curriculum, a supply list and answer key for each lesson, a resource guide containing suggested books, videos, and field trips, etc. They also include student supplement worksheets and tests in an electronic form. If you choose to use the student assessments, UHC recommends you make sure your student reads the entire chapters of content (even if they are not all assigned by the UHC science teacher) in order to be adequately prepared for the science curriculum assessments. The UHC Science teachers will not be assigning any tests or quizzes as part of the regular weekly homework; however, tests may be assigned as a Challenge Assignment either by the teacher or the parent.
Other Materials:
Each class has a supply list of required materials parents must purchase and send to class with their student. Find supply lists here.
3rd-5th Grade Science Rotation
2024-2025
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|
| God’s Design for Heaven and Earth (Student-MB Edition)
Discover God’s design for our unique planet. Learn about rocks, the Genesis Flood, and the Ice Age, as you study this special place for us to live. |
God’s Design for Heaven and Earth (Student-MB Edition)
Study the atmosphere and oceans of Earth. You will discover what weather is, God’s design of the oceans, and how these oceans affect weather systems. |
2025-2026
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|
| God’s Design for Life (Student-MB Edition)
The human body is an incredibly complex and created wonder. Learn about the amazing functions of each system and understand that you are made in God’s image! |
God’s Design for Heaven and Earth (Student-MB Edition)
Explore our solar system and the universe. Learn about the planets, Earth’s special design, information about stars and comets, and the space program. |
2026-2027
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|
| God’s Design for Life (Student-MB Edition)
Discover the Creator’s handiwork as you study the beauty and intricacy of seeds, leaves, and flowers. Explore trees, fungi, algae, unusual plants, moss, and more. |
God’s Design for Life (Student-MB Edition)
Discover how each animal was designed by God to be unique, from cuddly mammals and slimy frogs to jellyfish, butterflies, and bacteria. Get ready for an exciting adventure! |
Homework Table Examples:
The following tables are just examples meant to help you compare in class and homework assignments per model. The assignments listed below are a general representation and not from a specific teacher.
One Day Model:
| Concepts | Day at UHC | Day 1 HW | Day 2 HW |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Circulatory System | Powerpoint Presentation on the Circulatory System. Core concepts will be taught and students will take notes. Some experiments and/or demonstrations may be done. | Watch a video about the Circulatory System. Complete the handout from class answering questions found in the video. | Read Ch. 22 in your textbooks on Nutrition. Answer the questions at the end of the chapter. |
Two Day Model:
| Concepts | Monday at UHC | Day 1 HW | Wednesday at UHC | Day 2 HW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Circulatory System | Powerpoint Presentation on the Circulatory System. Core concepts will be taught and students will take notes. Some experiments and/or demonstrations may be done. | Watch a video about the Circulatory System. Complete the handout from class answering questions found in the video. | Students will break into groups of 4-5 for an Escape Room Challenge. Students will answer questions together about the Circulatory System to escape before time runs out! | No Homework |
4th- Green Cedar (Mondays- One Day Model)
Meet Rebekah Worley
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Mississippi College
Teaching experience: Upstate Homeschool Co-op and Classical Conversations in North Carolina
UHC courses taught:
- Elementary Science
- Biology
- Legos
- Botany
Began teaching at UHC in 2012
4th- Red Oak (Wednesdays- One Day Model)
Meet Jodi Williams
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from Clemson University (2001).
Teaching experience: Upstate Homeschool Co-op
UHC courses taught:
- Elementary Science
- Math 4th Grade
- Math Lab
- Middle School Study Skills
Began teaching at UHC in 2019
4th- Yellow Birch (Mondays & Wednesdays- Two Day Model)
Meet Joanna Supler
Education: Master of Arts in Elementary Education from USC
Teaching experience: I taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade in public schools in Columbia and Greenville, SC from 2008-2015
Homeschool experience: I started homeschooling my daughter Lily in 2020 for her K5 year and have continued homeschooling Richard Ryan for his K5 year since 2022.
Certifications: Certified in Elementary Education 2008-2026
UHC Courses Taught: 3rd grade IEW, 3rd-5th Grade Science
Began teaching at UHC in 2021
4th- Blue Spruce (Mondays & Wednesdays- Two Day Model)
Meet Courtney Pitts
Education: University of South Florida
Teaching Experience:
- K5
- 3rd Grade
- 4th Grade
- 5th Grade
Certifications: ESOL
UHC Courses Taught:
- 3rd-5th Science
- Google Apps
Began teaching at UHC in 2023.