30 weeks of instruction cover the following standards-based science topics:

Big Idea 1: Plants and animals depend on each other and on their environment for survival
Week 1: Why do beavers build dams?
Week 2: Why do some plants have fruit
Week 3: Do all bees make honey?
Week 4: Where do animals get food in the winter?
Week 5: Unit Review

Big Idea 2: Most microorganisms do not cause disease, and many are beneficial
Week 1: Why does garbage smell?
Week 2: How do bacteria create cavities?
Week 3: Are all germs bad?
Week 4: Is it safe to eat moldy food?
Week 5: Unit Review

Big Idea 3: Both slow and rapid processes - from erosion to earthquakes - shape and reshape the Earth's surface
Week 1: How was the Grand Canyon formed?
Week 2: Do glaciers really move?
Week 3: What makes volcanoes erupt?
Week 4: What causes earthquakes?
Week 5: Unit Review

Big Idea 4: The properties of rocks and minerals reflect the process that formed them
Week 1: What's the difference between a rock and a mineral?
Week 2: Where do rocks come from?
Week 3: Are some rocks valuable?
Week 4: Do all rocks come from Earth?
Week 5: Unit Review

Big Idea 5: Electrical energy can be converted into heat, light, souund, and motion
Week 1: How do toasters work?
Week 2: What lights a digital clock?
Week 3: How do hearing aids help people hear?
Week 4: How do electric cars work?
Week 5: Unit Review

Big Idea 6: People invented machines to make work easier
Week 1: Why do some building entrances have ramps?
Week 2: What's the difference between a nail and a screw?
Week 3: How do elevators work?
Week 4: How does a wheelbarrow make works easier?
Week 5: Unit Review