4th Grade Science : 4th Grade Science

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #4 : Argue That Animals Have Structures For Survival

Darrell says that elephants’ size is the only thing that helps them survive in their habitats. Why is Darrell’s argument wrong?

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Possible Answers:

Elephants have long trunks that can pick up food and suck up water.

Elephants have large ears and wrinkly skin, which helps them stay cool.

Elephants have tusks that they can use to protect themselves.

All of these arguments are reasons why Darrell’s argument is wrong.

Correct answer:

All of these arguments are reasons why Darrell’s argument is wrong.

Explanation:

While animals’ size can undoubtedly assist them in their efforts to survive, elephants have several other structures that they rely on for survival, including their ears and skin, which keep them cool, their trunks which they use to eat and drink, and their tusks that they use for protection.

Example Question #5 : Argue That Animals Have Structures For Survival

Platypus have a "sixth-sense" that allows them to hunt underwater: electroreception. To find meals in the mud, it uses its bill to detect movements and subtle electric fields produced by its prey. Receptors on the bill detect changes in pressure and motion. Two types of receptors track the electrical signals produced by small prey when they contract their muscles. The platypus moves its head side-to-side to determine the direction and distance of its next meal by collecting and processing this sensory information. The platypus has about 40,000 of these special receptors.

Electroreception is an example of an ______________ structure.

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Possible Answers:

External

Internal

Correct answer:

Internal

Explanation:

Electroreception is an internal structure. Internal structures are the inner pieces and parts which keep animals alive. A platypus cannot survive without electroreception, or, the ability to perceive electrical stimuli.

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.

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Possible Answers:

The island is becoming wider over time.

The island has had no changes over the years.

The island is becoming more narrow over time.

The island has become shorter 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 #2 : Earth And Space Science

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

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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.

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

There are no identifiable patterns on this map.

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 #3 : Earth And Space Science

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?

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Possible Answers:

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

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 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 : 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. 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.

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Possible Answers:

The island has become shorter over the decades.

The island has become longer over the decades.

There is no identifiable pattern in this map.

The island has become broader 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 : Earth And Space Science

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?

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                                                    Less frequent and less intense storms  

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                                     Moderate frequency and moderate-intensity storms

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                                             More frequent and more intense storms

Possible Answers:

There are no identifiable patterns within these maps.

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

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

More island is eroded as storms become less 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 #1 : Earth And Space Science

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.

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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 the Labrador Sea.

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

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

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

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.

Example Question #11 : Earth And Space Science

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.

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Based on this map, which state is most likely to experience volcanic activity?

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

Possible Answers:

Oregon

Idaho

Wyoming

Montana

Correct answer:

Oregon

Explanation:

This map provides a visual representation of locations with volcanoes in the United States. When reviewing the map, a pattern emerges, Oregon is a state with a high concentration of volcanoes. Based on the four states provided in the answer choices, it is most likely that Oregon would experience volcanic activity due to the high number of active volcanoes.

Example Question #61 : 4th Grade Science

The two maps below display important information used to keep people safe. The first map is of the United States and its volcanic activity. Each triangle represents an active volcano being monitored by scientists.

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Source: https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/volcano-hazards

The second map highlights what is known as the "Ring of Fire." The areas highlighted in red are zones of frequent earthquakes. The blue lines represent deep oceanic trenches.

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Source: https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/ring-fire

What pattern can be identified using both graphs?

Possible Answers:

There is no recognizable pattern between the two graphs that were presented.

The same area highlighted on the "Ring of Fire" map is where a majority of the United States' volcanoes are located.

The area on the "Ring of Fire" map highlighted in red represents a high number of hurricanes, as does each triangle on the other map.

The area highlighted on the "Ring of Fire" map is the opposite to where most of the United States' volcanoes are located.

Correct answer:

The same area highlighted on the "Ring of Fire" map is where a majority of the United States' volcanoes are located.

Explanation:

These two maps can be compared to find patterns in Earth's features. The areas highlighted in red on the "Ring of Fire" map represent high concentrations of earthquake activity. When looking at the map of volcanic locations in the United States, one may notice that the fall along the same line or path as the "Ring of Fire." This indicates a pattern in the area. Places located within the "Ring of Fire" are more likely to receive earthquakes and have volcanic activity.

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