Structures and Functions of Living allows students to explore a key concept in biology, that structure is related to function. The structure of a bird’s wing is related to the function of flying. The bright color associated with a flower’s structure is related to the function of attracting insects for pollination as part of reproduction. All plants and animals have both external and internal structures that work together as systems that enable organisms to survive, grow, and reproduce.

Structures and Functions of Living Things allows students to understand that the structure-function relationship holds true for the fundamental unit of life, the cell. Groups of cells make up tissues, groups of tissues make up organs, and groups of organs are organ systems. At all levels, structure is related to function. This unit introduces Grade 4 students to real-world examples and fundamental concepts that will be explored in greater depth in later grades. Students will learn about tissues, organs, and organ systems, with an emphasis on visual and auditory sensory systems.

When reading Structures and Functions of Living Things students explore the concept that all living things are made up of parts that work together to carry out a function. In this Unit, students come to understand the ways in which these animal and plant structures, are organized and how they come together in a system.