Grade 4 Unit 5 The Wonder of Zoology 1
This enriching unit uniquely explores the animal kingdom by drawing meaningful connections between humans and animals. Designed to engage your child's curiosity and understanding, the central theme of this unit emphasizes what distinguishes humans from animals: our ability to walk upright, freeing our hands to serve ourselves and others. This concept introduces your child to the idea that our hands are tools for creating, helping, and giving back to the world, instilling a sense of responsibility and morality. While animals possess specialized skills—like incredible hearing, eyesight, or the ability to fly—humans have a balanced skill set and the creativity to design tools that extend our capabilities beyond our natural limits.
The unit also includes a detailed study of the human body, divided into the head, trunk, and limbs. Your child will explore the different functions and characteristics of these body parts, understanding how the head receives sensory information while the limbs are active, giving back to the world. This knowledge sets the stage for observing and appreciating the unique abilities of animals.
Your child will engage in activities such as observation, poetry, sketching, modelling, drawing, and writing to foster a deeper understanding of the animal world. The unit concludes with an independent animal research project, allowing your child to apply what they have learned in a creative and meaningful way.
This unit, informed by Charles Kovacs' book The Human Being and the Animal World, promises to bring wonder, reverence, and a profound connection to the study of zoology.
This purchase includes one digital curriculum unit with 15 days of lesson plans and 5 days of flexible projects. This unit will inspire you with beautiful images, clear instructions and exciting project ideas.
And that's not all. You will also gain access to the Wonder Hub, which includes supporting documents, videos, resources, and community.
The Wonder of Zoology 1
Learning Standards
Concept: Exploring stories and other texts helps us understand ourselves and make connections to others and to the world.
Connection: Your child will engage with stories and other texts that help them draw parallels between human experiences and the animal kingdom. By comparing human traits and behaviours with those of animals, your child will develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their connection to others and the world. This approach enhances reading comprehension and encourages empathy and a broader perspective on life.
Science
Concept: All living things sense and respond to their environment.
Connection: You will focus on the sensory abilities of living creatures. Your child will learn about how animals perceive and respond to their environment, often in far more specialized ways than humans. Your child will gain insight into the incredible diversity of life on Earth through comparisons between human senses and those of various animals. This study fosters an appreciation for the adaptability and specialization found in the animal kingdom, highlighting the unique ways animals survive and thrive in their habitats.
Math
Concept: Fractions and decimals are types of numbers that can represent quantities.
Connection: You will revisit and practice fractions and decimals skills, allowing your child to build on their previous learning.