Teaching senses in fourth grade involves sensory input and the brain. Kids learn how information travels through nerves to the brain, which processes the signals.
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Ms. Sneed Teaches Senses and the Brain
Our favorite fourth grade teacher sat at the side table with her teaching partner. Once again, they met to plan their life science unit.
Ms. Sneed sighed deeply. “Here we go again,” she said to Mr. Frank. “We need to teach Next Generation Science Standard 4-LS1-2:
Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways.
Mr. Frank tapped his pencil on the desk. “Hmm. Our kids have already built body systems models. This, however, involves a specific process. First, animals receive information. Second, they process it in their brains. Finally, they respond.”
“One piece seems to be missing,” said Ms. Sneed. “After receiving the information, it must be sent to the brain.”
“Aha, the nervous system. So basically, we have a four-part sequence: sensory input, nervous system, brain, response.”
What Part of the Brain Controls Senses?
Ms. Sneed nodded thoughtfully. “Right. Teaching senses in fourth grade digs builds on what they learned in primary grades. Therefore, I think a quick review of seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and feeling is sufficient. Then kids need a little knowledge of the brain.”
She clicked away on her laptop until she found a diagram. “Here. This simple diagram explains the three main parts of the brain. The cerebrum interprets sensory information. In addition, it handles speech, learning, reasoning, etc. The brainstem takes care of involuntary actions. And the cerebellum manages movement.”
“I like the simplicity of this chart,” said Mr. Frank. “Not too much information. Just right for fourth grade.”
How Does the Nervous System Send Sensory Information?
Ms. Sneed clicked away again. “Next,” she said, “we’ll teach about the nervous system. Like I said, kids need to know how information travels from their sensory organs to their brains.”
“Sensory organs? Oh, I guess you mean eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and skin.”
“Exactly. Look at this diagram. Again, it’s simple.”
“Perfect. Our students will learn about neurons, or nerve cells. Additionally, they’ll see how information from senses travels to the spinal cord and then the brain. You’re making all the connections,” Mr. Frank joked.
“Haha, good one.” Ms. Sneed smirked at her partner’s corny sense of humor.
How Do Reflex Actions Work with the Senses?
“Let’s review what we’ve planned so far,” said Mr. Frank. “We will discuss senses – and sensory organs. Then we’ll use simple diagrams to teach about the brain and nervous system. Now we need to figure out how to address reactions.”
“I’ve been wondering about that,” Ms. Sneed said. “My biggest question hinges around voluntary and involuntary reactions. After all, the brain diagram says that the cerebrum handles senses. But the brainstem manages involuntary actions.”
Once again, her fingers clicked on her keyboard. “Aha!” She moved her laptop so Mr. Frank could see another diagram.
“When, for example, someone touches a hot surface, the information travels to the spinal cord, which sends a quick signal to pull back. The arm muscle contracts automatically with no thought needed. This explains involuntary actions.”
“Interesting,” said Mr. Frank. “This is good for kids to know.”
Kids Interpret Situations About Senses
“Okay. Now our kids know about senses, the nervous system, and the brain. What will we have them do?” Ms. Sneed asked.
“20 questions!” Mr. Frank responded. “Let’s write 20 situations for them to interpret. For example, you want to buy some new sheets for your bed. The store allows you to touch samples of the fabrics.”
“Perfect,” said Ms. Sneed. “They can tell which sensory organ is used. Then they can tell or draw how they receive information from senses, process it, and respond.”
“In addition to their own senses, I’d like to throw in some situations involving body systems of other animals. For example, fish have lateral lines. These sensory organs allow them to feel wave patterns. From that information, they know whether to swim ahead or turn away.”
As the two teachers worked on the situations, Ms. Sneed relaxed. Now that they took the time to understand a concept, teaching senses in fourth grade would be much easier.
