4th Grade Science : Earth and Space Science

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for 4th Grade Science

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : 4th Grade Science

Fill in the blank. 

The condition of the atmosphere each day is known as the __________.  

Possible Answers:

climate 

weather 

precipitation 

temperature  

Correct answer:

weather 

Explanation:

To answer this question correctly, we need to understand the terms in the answer choices:

Weather is the condition of the atmosphere each day. Weather can be described by the temperature, amount of precipitation, and the humidity.

Climate is the overall weather patterns that last for long periods of time in a certain area. For example, the climate in a tropical area is generally always warm, it doesn't change day by day. 

Temperature is the degree of heat in the atmosphere. 

Precipitation is the amount of rain, snow, hail, or sleet that falls.

Based on the question, weather is the correct answer because it changes each day. 

Example Question #1 : Earth And Space Science

Fill in the blank. 

The overall weather pattern in a certain area is called the __________. 

Possible Answers:

temperature 

precipitation 

weather

climate 

Correct answer:

climate 

Explanation:

To answer this question correctly, we need to understand the terms in the answer choices:

Weather is the condition of the atmosphere each day. Weather can be described by the temperature, amount of precipitation, and the humidity.

Climate is the overall weather patterns that last for long periods of time in a certain area. For example, the climate in a tropical area is generally always warm, it doesn't change day by day. 

Temperature is the degree of heat in the atmosphere. 

Precipitation is the amount of rain, snow, hail, or sleet that falls.

Based on the question, climate is the correct answer because climate is an overall weather patter. 

Example Question #2 : Earth And Space Science

Select the moon phase that comes after a full moon. 

Possible Answers:

Waning Gibbous Moon

Waxing Crescent Moon

Waxing Gibbous Moon

Waning Crescent Moon

Correct answer:

Waning Gibbous Moon

Explanation:

Using the diagram below, we see the full moon on the right side. Following the pattern of the arrows, waning gibbous moon comes after the full moon. 

Moon phase

Example Question #3 : 4th Grade Science

How many phases does the moon go through? 

Possible Answers:

Eight

Six

Five

Seven

Correct answer:

Eight

Explanation:

The moon goes through eight phases, as outlined in the diagram provided: 

Moon phase

Example Question #1 : Earth And Space Science

This map shows Fire Island, which is off the coast of Long Island, New York. Fire Island has been studied since the 1800s, and using ariel photos and historical maps, the United States Geological Survey has been tracking both long-term and short-term changes to the island. This map is focused on long-term changes and identifies coastal shoreline changes from 1830 to 2007. 

Using the legend and provided map describe a pattern that can be identified.

Screen shot 2020 06 18 at 8.47.28 am

 

Possible Answers:

The island has become shorter over the years.

The island is becoming more narrow over time.

The island is becoming wider over time.

The island has had no changes over the years.

Correct answer:

The island is becoming more narrow over time.

Explanation:

This ariel photo shows Fire Island, and each colored line shows how the shore has been changed over time. One noticeable pattern is that the shoreline became more narrow over time. When looking at the legend, the red lines represent 1830, and the blue line represents 2007. It can be seen that over time the lines are pushing closer and closer to the shoreline, and by 2007 the line is midway on the existing island.

Example Question #1 : Earth And Space Science

This is a map of different active volcanoes in California and their hazard levels and zones.

Screen shot 2020 06 18 at 8.23.01 am

Based on the map provided, what pattern can be identified with the location of the volcanoes?

Possible Answers:

The most hazardous volcanoes are located in the southern part of the state.

There are no identifiable patterns on this map.

The most hazardous volcanoes are located in the northern part of the state.

The most hazardous volcanoes are located in the western part of the state.

Correct answer:

The most hazardous volcanoes are located in the northern part of the state.

Explanation:

Maps are a tool used to not only find locations and directions to a specific place but also a way to find patterns about Earth's landforms. When looking at this legend, we can see that the red triangles represent the most hazardous volcanoes in the state. Most of the high to very high hazard level volcanoes are located in Northern California. This pattern can be recognized based on the information from this map.

Example Question #1 : Patterns Of Earth's Features

Maps can be used to identify patterns. Is there a pattern related to volcanoes that produce ash in amounts of two inches or higher? If so, what is the trend?

Screen shot 2020 06 18 at 8.23.01 am

Possible Answers:

Volcanoes with a lower hazard rating are more likely to produce ash in amounts of two inches or higher.

Volcanoes with a higher hazard rating are less likely to produce ash in amounts of two inches or higher.

Volcanoes with a higher hazard rating are more likely to produce ash in amounts of two inches or higher.

There is no identifiable pattern within this map.

Correct answer:

Volcanoes with a higher hazard rating are more likely to produce ash in amounts of two inches or higher.

Explanation:

Maps are an excellent tool for finding your way when lost but also for finding patterns. Many times certain areas have similar characteristics or landforms, and a map provides a visual representation of these patterns. The map provided shows the location of volcanoes in California, their hazard level, and what the areas around them may experience. A trend that emerges when looking at this map is that volcanoes with a higher hazard rating are more likely to produce ash in amounts of two inches or higher. Of the four volcanoes circled, three of them are high to very high hazard levels. This indicates a pattern.

Example Question #4 : Analyze And Interpret Data From Maps To Describe Patterns

This map shows Fire Island, which is off the coast of Long Island, New York. Fire Island has been studied since the 1800s, and using ariel photos and historical maps, the United States Geological Survey has been tracking both long-term and short-term changes to the island. This map is focused on long-term changes and identifies coastal shoreline changes from 1830 to 2007. Crews have been working to restore part of the island, use the island as a barrier to protect landforms behind it, and create safe conditions for tourists.

Using the legend and provided map describe a pattern that can be identified.

Screen shot 2020 06 18 at 10.26.29 am

Possible Answers:

The island has become broader over the decades.

There is no identifiable pattern in this map.

The island has become shorter over the decades.

The island has become longer over the decades.

Correct answer:

The island has become longer over the decades.

Explanation:

Maps are an excellent tool for identifying patterns in Earth's landforms. This map uses colored lines to show how the coast has changed on Fire Island over time. Starting with the red line, which represents 1830, the island was very short; it is extended in 1870, again in 1933, and so on. In 2007 the blue line showed how much longer the shoreline has become over the years. Scientists and environmental groups have been working to restore Fire Island and extend the shore for years. By dredging and redepositing the sand as well as building barriers and drainage, they have been able to extend Fire Island and help protect it.

Example Question #5 : Analyze And Interpret Data From Maps To Describe Patterns

Below are maps of Dauphin Island which is off the coast of Alabama. The maps are models to show what would happen if the island faces less frequent and less intense tropical storms, moderate frequency and moderate-intensity storms, and more frequent and more intense storms. What pattern can be described after viewing these maps?

Screen shot 2020 06 18 at 10.41.41 am  

                                                    Less frequent and less intense storms  

Screen shot 2020 06 18 at 10.45.08 am

                                     Moderate frequency and moderate-intensity storms

Screen shot 2020 06 18 at 10.41.55 am

                                             More frequent and more intense storms

Possible Answers:

More island is eroded as storms become more frequent and intense.

There are no identifiable patterns within these maps.

More island is eroded as storms become less frequent and intense.

Less island is eroded as storms become more frequent and intense.

Correct answer:

More island is eroded as storms become more frequent and intense.

Explanation:

These maps are a great visual representation of what storms do to our barrier islands. Dauphin island is slowly being eroded daily by wind and waves, but intense tropical storms accelerate that damage. From the first map to the third map, a pattern can be identified. The island is eroded when faced with tropical storms. As the storms become more frequent and intense erosion is accelerated, and large pieces of the island are gone. The overall depth of the landform is also reduced due to severe, frequent storms.

Example Question #4 : Analyze And Interpret Data From Maps To Describe Patterns

There are 169 potentially active volcanoes in the United States. This map indicates the location of these volcanoes using multi-colored triangles. The different colors indicate levels of concern based on data from scientists observing them.

Screen shot 2020 08 28 at 10.58.06 am

Based on the map, what pattern can be determined about the volcanoes' location?

Source: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/index.html

Possible Answers:

Most of the United States' volcanoes are located around Hudson Bay.

Most of the United States' volcanoes are located around the Pacific Ocean.

Most of the United States' volcanoes are located around the Labrador Sea.

Most of the United States' volcanoes are located around the Gulf of Mexico.

Correct answer:

Most of the United States' volcanoes are located around the Pacific Ocean.

Explanation:

This map provides precise data in the form of a visual image about the location of volcanoes in the United States. The volcanoes are primarily located near the Pacific Ocean. The Western United States, Alaska, and Hawaii are the central locations of volcanoes and volcanic activity. This happens to be part of the "Ring of Fire," and these areas also experience higher rates of earthquake activity than other parts of the world.

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