4th Grade Science : Identify patterns of change in rock formations

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Identify Patterns Of Change In Rock Formations

What patterns of change are noticeable in the graphic of the rock formation below?

Colorado River, Grand Canyon, Landscape

Possible Answers:

The colors of the rock get lighter as the rock formation progresses upwards.

The colors of the rock get darker as the rock formation progresses upwards.

The rock formation gets rougher as it progresses upwards.

The rock formation gets smoother as it progresses upwards.

Correct answer:

The colors of the rock get darker as the rock formation progresses upwards.

Explanation:

This is a graphic of a canyon, which is a type of rock formation. Changes can be noticed in the formation as it progresses upwards. The colors are light, almost gray color towards the bottom of the canyon closest to the water. The canyon is darker and burnt orange as it moves upwards. As the canyon changes in age, it also changes in colors. A canyon like the one pictured is an obvious way to see how the Earth has changed over the years.

Example Question #2 : Identify Patterns Of Change In Rock Formations

This is a graphic of sandstone on a beach that has been worn away over time by wind and water. What patterns are identifiable in this rock formation?


Rock, Sandstone, Washout, Nature, Shoreline, Beach

Possible Answers:

There are alternating patterns of designs that can be seen in the graphic. There are stripes and swirls throughout the rocks.

There is no pattern with colors, textures, or types of rocks. There is nothing that can be identified in this example.

There is a pattern with the colors alternating between darker and lighter. It also alternates between being smooth and also covered in holes.

There is a pattern with the type of rock that is in the formation. It alternates between sandstone and other kinds of stones.

Correct answer:

There is a pattern with the colors alternating between darker and lighter. It also alternates between being smooth and also covered in holes.

Explanation:

This sandstone on the beach shore demonstrates the patterns of change that can be seen in rock formations. The rock changes colors as it progresses; there are stripes of different oranges, tans, and reds. Some sections are covered in holes, and those parts are grey, black, and white. There are changes in textures throughout the rock formation. Some parts are smooth, and others are covered in holes. As rocks are weathered and eroded with wind and water over the years, there are visible changes to the formations and structure.

Example Question #2 : Identify Patterns Of Change In Rock Formations

Based on the table below, how do rock formations change?

Screen shot 2020 06 18 at 2.18.19 pm

Possible Answers:

Each layer is formed in the same way but of different materials.

Each layer is formed in a different way and of different materials.

Each layer is formed differently but of the same materials.

Each layer is formed in the same way and of the same materials.

Correct answer:

Each layer is formed in a different way and of different materials.

Explanation:

This table shows the different layers of rocks, how they are formed, and what they are created from. What is noticeable about the changes in the rock layers is that each one is built from something different, has unique characteristics, and is formed in its ways. There are no two layers that are the same.

Example Question #3 : Identify Patterns Of Change In Rock Formations

Which graphic represents a rock formation that has changed through time?

Possible Answers:

Hard, Life, Dry, Landscape, Sharp, Rock

Rocks, Stones, Pebbles, Background, Gray

Rock Formations, Rock Sides, Cliffs

Bhutan, Travel, Journey, Adventure

Correct answer:

Rock Formations, Rock Sides, Cliffs

Explanation:

The graphic that represents a rock formation that has changed over time must demonstrate different layers, weathered walls, a change in shape, and variation in colors. Only one photo matches this description and shows a rock formation that has changed.

Example Question #4 : Identify Patterns Of Change In Rock Formations

How does this photo represent patterns of change within a rock formation?

Screen shot 2020 06 18 at 4.09.17 pm

Possible Answers:

The photo is separated into layers, and there are variations in the color, some segments have ledges, and the texture appears to change throughout the formation.

The main change in this photo is the color of the rocks. Most of it is red, so that means there was some change happening at the time the red rocks were formed.

Layers A and C are almost the same color, so they must have been formed around the same time, the photo also proves that layers D, E, and F were created at the same time.

There are no patterns of change represented in this rock formations photo.

Correct answer:

The photo is separated into layers, and there are variations in the color, some segments have ledges, and the texture appears to change throughout the formation.

Explanation:

This photo is an excellent example of how rock formation change and there are patterns within the layers. The picture is separated into layers, and there are variations in the color, some segments have ledges, and the texture appears to change throughout the formation. The oldest layers at the bottom are similar in color and appearance, while the same can be said about the upper layers.

Example Question #5 : Identify Patterns Of Change In Rock Formations

True or False: Scientists study the rock formations (like in the picture below) looking for patterns to determine how the Earth has changed over time.

Screen shot 2020 09 08 at 8.37.25 am

Possible Answers:

True

False

Correct answer:

True

Explanation:

This is a graphic of a canyon, which is a type of rock formation. Changes can be noticed in the formation as it progresses upwards. The colors are light, almost gray color towards the bottom of the canyon closest to the water. The canyon is darker and burnt orange as it moves upwards. As the canyon changes in age, it also changes in colors. A canyon like the one pictured is an obvious way to see how the Earth has changed over the years. Scientists look for these changes and study how the Earth has changed over time.

Example Question #6 : Identify Patterns Of Change In Rock Formations

What natural processes cause changes in this rock formation over time?

Screen shot 2020 09 08 at 8.52.12 am

Possible Answers:

Energy flow and nutrient cycles

Plant and animal interactions

Weathering and erosion

The water cycle

Correct answer:

Weathering and erosion

Explanation:

This sandstone on the beach shore demonstrates the patterns of change that can be seen in rock formations. The rock changes colors as it progresses; there are stripes of different oranges, tans, and reds. Some sections are covered in holes, and those parts are grey, black, and white. There are changes in textures throughout the rock formation. Some parts are smooth, and others are covered in holes. As rocks are weathered and eroded with wind and water over the years, there are visible changes to the formations and structure.

Example Question #7 : Identify Patterns Of Change In Rock Formations

How does the data table below demonstrate that rock formations change over time?

Screen shot 2020 09 08 at 8.56.19 am

Possible Answers:

Each layer is made of the same particles and has a different appearance.

Each layer is made of different particles and has a different appearance.

Each layer is made of the same particles and has a similar appearance.

Each layer is made of different particles and has a similar appearance.

Correct answer:

Each layer is made of different particles and has a different appearance.

Explanation:

This table shows the different layers of rocks, how they are formed, and what they are created from. What is noticeable about the changes in the rock layers is that each one is built from something different, has unique characteristics, and is formed in its ways. There are no two layers that are the same. Each layer is different, which demonstrates there is a change in the formation as well as the environment with the creation of each new layer.

Example Question #8 : Identify Patterns Of Change In Rock Formations

What patterns can be found between the two images of rock formations below?

Screen shot 2020 09 08 at 8.37.25 amScreen shot 2020 09 08 at 9.03.16 am

Possible Answers:

Both rock formations have grooves and lines carved into the walls.

Both rock formations have distinct layers.

None of the answer choices are correct.

All of the answer choices are correct.

Both rock formations have various colors.

Correct answer:

All of the answer choices are correct.

Explanation:

The graphics represent rock formations that have changed over time must demonstrate different layers, weathered walls, a change in shape, and variation in colors. When comparing the two rock formations, there are differences, but a pattern emerges that color variations, lines and grooves, and distinct layers are present in both formations.

Example Question #9 : Identify Patterns Of Change In Rock Formations

True or False: The photo below represents the natural process of weathering and erosion, creating a rock formation.

Screen shot 2020 09 08 at 9.12.17 am

Possible Answers:

True

False

Correct answer:

False

Explanation:

A graphic that includes a rock formation that has changed over time must demonstrate different layers, weathered walls, a change in shape, variation in colors, and must be naturally occurring. This is a pile of rocks that has been stacked on each other by a human and is not naturally occurring through weathering and erosion.

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