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Grade 4 · lesson 3 of 4

Trace sensory information

Trace sensory information using supplied evidence and a solved model.

About 18 minutes, plus any extended practice

Download the grade pack

Supplied materials

  • All measurements and observations below are supplied classroom examples. They are not data from actual learners or a claim about a particular real site.
  • Paper, drawing space or a browser document.
  • Reference card A: change that can be detected. Reference card B: structure detecting the change.
  • Assessment case 1: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: A light changes in brightness.
  • Assessment case 2: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Eye structures detect light.
  • Assessment case 3: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Brain interprets the signal.
  • Assessment case 4: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Person turns toward the light.
  • Assessment case 5: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: A sound begins.
  • Assessment case 6: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: An animal moves after detecting it.

Learn the idea

Sensory receptors detect stimuli, and signals can lead to responses. A model includes stimulus, detection, processing and response. Memory can also affect a response; the model is not a complete brain description.

Stimulus means change that can be detected. Receptor means structure detecting the change. Processing means information interpreted by nervous system. Response means action following detection and processing.

For stimulus, look for the clue “change that can be detected.” For receptor, look for “structure detecting the change.” More than one process can happen in a real situation. Answer about the one described in this question.

  1. Read or listen to the four science words and what each means. Say how the first two differ.
  2. Choose two of the short cases. Point to the clue that helps you choose a science word for each one. You may draw or say your answer.
  3. Answer each practice question. Say which clue helped you, then check the explanation.
  4. Use the extra task to make two examples that show different science words. Draw or say what makes each one fit.
Worked example

See the method in action

Worked reference-card problem: a card states “change that can be detected”; a second states “structure detecting the change.” The first fits stimulus and the second fits receptor. The reason is the described function or change, not the order of the cards or a favorite name. If their descriptions exchange places, their category labels exchange too. Keep the supplied descriptions attached to the correct case.

Your turn

Check your reasoning

Your answer is temporary and is not saved to an account. Download your current answer before leaving or reloading. Written work on paper or in another app stays in your own file.

Helpful tips
  • Use the feature “change that can be detected” to justify stimulus; do not sort by the name alone.
  • Distinguish receptor (structure detecting the change) from a different process occurring in the same situation.
Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: A light changes in brightness.

Feedback appears here after you check. This is practice, not a graded school assessment.

See the answer and explanation

stimulus

The answer is stimulus. In the notes, it means “change that can be detected.” Sensory receptors detect stimuli, and signals can lead to responses. A model includes stimulus, detection, processing and response. Memory can also affect a response; the model is not a complete brain description.

Take it further

Create one new case showing stimulus and one showing receptor. Expected: the first explicitly shows “change that can be detected”; the second explicitly shows “structure detecting the change.” Explain the distinction by drawing, speaking or writing. A label without a matching feature is incomplete.

Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. The answer download includes your current choice and any checked feedback. It does not include choices from the separate More practice section. Download that section separately.

More practice: try new cases

Choose an answer for each problem. Explain your method on paper, then use the feedback to decide what to revisit.

More practice: try new cases
1. Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Eye structures detect light.
Need a hint?
  • Look for the described feature: structure detecting the change.
  • Compare the clue with each science word. Use only what the case tells you; do not add a new event.
2. Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Brain interprets the signal.
Need a hint?
  • Look for the described feature: information interpreted by nervous system.
  • Compare the clue with each science word. Use only what the case tells you; do not add a new event.
3. Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Person turns toward the light.
Need a hint?
  • Look for the described feature: action following detection and processing.
  • Compare the clue with each science word. Use only what the case tells you; do not add a new event.

Your choices are temporary. Feedback appears after you check all the answers.

Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. Keep your own notes or download them before leaving. The score describes these questions; it does not certify subject mastery.

Check the subject sources

These LifeStarter passages, scenarios and exercises are authored for this Academy with AI assistance and review. External resources keep their publishers’ terms. A grade label suggests a starting level; it does not establish alignment with your school’s complete requirements.