Sensational Scientists

(Grade 4) A sense is broadly defined as “a specialized function or mechanism by which an animal receives and responds to external or internal stimuli”. The five traditional senses - sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell - allow humans to gather and respond to vast amounts of information from the environment, helping us navigate daily life and stay safe. The five senses in humans are sufficient to gather information about the world around us in order to survive, but some other species have senses that reach far beyond those of humans. The senses of animals, in particular, help them to navigate through their environment, to find and recognize mates, stay connected with the group, avoid danger, and find or hunt food. This curriculum is designed to foster curiosity, empathy, and connection by guiding students to explore how animals use their senses—deepening their understanding of the natural world and their place within it.