Hands-On Science and Technology for Ontario, Grade 4 is an easy-to-use resource for teaching the five strands of the Ontario science and technology (2022) curriculum:
STEM Skills and Connections
Life Systems: Habitats and Communities
Matter and Energy: Light and Sound
Structures and Mechanisms: Pulleys and Gears
Earth and Space Systems: Rocks and Minerals
Hands-On Science and Technology for Ontario, Grade 4 encourages students' natural curiosity about science and the world around them as they participate in hands-on activities and explore their environment. Using the inquiry approach, this comprehensive resource
fosters students' understanding of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills
makes coding and emerging technologies approachable for both teachers and students
emphasizes personalized learning using a four-part instructional process: activate, action, consolidate and debrief, enhance
relates science and technology to sustainability and our changing world, including society, the economy, and the environment
focuses on practical applications of the engineering design process as students work on solutions to real-life problems
builds understanding of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives specific to Ontario
explores contributions to science and technology by people with diverse lived experiences
Using proven Hands-On features, this book provides resources for both teachers and students including background information on the science topics; complete, easy-to-follow lesson plans; materials lists; and digital image banks and reproducibles (find download instructions in the Appendix of the book).
Innovative elements developed specifically for the Ontario curriculum include the following:
plugged and unplugged coding activities in nearly every lesson
land-based learning activities
opportunities for students to use guided research, hands-on inquiry, and the engineering design process
a fully developed assessment plan to guide assessment for, as, and of learning
ideas and prompts for STEM Makerspace projects
Author Biography:
Jennifer E. Lawson, PhD, is the creator of the Hands-On books published by Portage & Main Press. As senior writer and editor for the series, she has contributed to more than 50 publications for teachers and students. Jennifer provides professional development workshops for educators locally, nationally, and virtually, and is a Workplace Wellness Advisor. Her most recent book is a collective effort called Teacher, Take Care: A Guide to Well-Being and Workplace Wellness for Educators. She is also one of the founders of Mission to Mexico, an organization that supports schools in some of the most impoverished communities in Puerto Vallarta. Throughout her extensive career in education, Jennifer has worked as a classroom teacher, resource and special education teacher, consultant, principal, university instructor, and school trustee. She lives with her family in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
For over 20 years, Kellie Ierullo (she, her, hers) has been an educator with the Toronto District School Board including as a classroom teacher, special education teacher, and now as a teacher-librarian, technology chair and science/STEM lead educator. Kellie is passionate about helping teachers engage students through meaningful coding and STEM activities and encouraging students to move beyond navigating technology to creating it for themselves. Kellie lives in Woodbridge, Ontario with her family.
Jennifer H. Manitowabi (she/her/hers) is an Ojibway educator and PhD student at Lakehead University. Throughout her career in education in both Canada and the US, she has worked as a bus driver, classroom teacher, principal, and education director. Jennifer encourages all teachers to incorporate Indigenous worldviews into their lessons and find opportunities to build relationships with the First Nations of Turtle Island. Jennifer is a member of Lac Seul First Nation, where she currently resides, and can often be found creating artwork that celebrates her culture.
