4th Grade Science : Earth and Space Science

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

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Example Questions

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

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

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Possible Answers:

Plant and animal interactions

The water cycle

Energy flow and nutrient cycles

Weathering and erosion

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 #2 : Identify Patterns Of Change In Rock Formations

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

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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 similar appearance.

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

Each layer is made of different particles and has a different 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 #1 : Identify Patterns Of Change In Rock Formations

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

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Possible Answers:

Both rock formations have various colors.

None of the answer choices are correct.

Both rock formations have distinct layers.

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

All of the answer choices are correct.

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 #1 : 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.

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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.

Example Question #1 : Identify Patterns Of Change In Fossils And Rock Layers

Which section of this rock formation would be the oldest?

Cyprus, Cavo Greko, Sea Caves, Window

Possible Answers:

The top layer is the oldest.

The middle layer is the oldest.

The bottom layer is the oldest.

The oldest layer no longer exists.

Correct answer:

The bottom layer is the oldest.

Explanation:

The section of rock that is the oldest is at the bottom of the formation. The graphic shown has a change in color as the rock formation changes in age. The darkest portion at the bottom is the oldest; then it gets lighter as the rock gets newer, the newest portion is the orange/tan section at the top. Each layer of rock has been exposed, weathered, and eroded over time.

Example Question #2 : Identify Patterns Of Change In Fossils And Rock Layers

In which of Earth's layer would there most likely be a yellow shade of rock?

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Possible Answers:

Granite

Basalt

Sandstone

Limestone

Correct answer:

Sandstone

Explanation:

This data table provides information about the different characteristics of each of Earth's layers. Each layer has individual features and changes the patterns and appearance of the rock formations. The only layer which has a yellow color is made of sandstone. Using the process of elimination, this could be determined from the table.

Example Question #3 : Identify Patterns Of Change In Fossils And Rock Layers

These fossils were found in the Earth's layer made of what type of rock?


Fossil, Museum, Ammonite.     Screen shot 2020 06 18 at 2.18.19 pm

Possible Answers:

Aquatic (water) animal fossils

Limestone

Shale

Terrestrial (land) animal fossils

Correct answer:

Aquatic (water) animal fossils

Explanation:

These are fossils of shells leftover from aquatic creatures, so they would be found in the marine (water) animal layer. They would not be found where land animals lived or in areas of magma or volcanic ash. There are changes in fossils depending on their location and which Earth layer they are located in.

Example Question #4 : Identify Patterns Of Change In Fossils And Rock Layers

Which answer choice has the rock layers listed in the correct order from oldest to newest?

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Possible Answers:

F, G, A, B, C, E, D

A, B, C, D, E, F, G

A, B, C, G, F, D, E

G, F, E, D, C, B, A

Correct answer:

G, F, E, D, C, B, A

Explanation:

The rock layers change through the years, and their location within the formation can assist scientists and researchers learn how old each layer is. The oldest layers are at the bottom of the structure, and the newest layers are at the top. The correct order is G, F, E, D, C, B, A.

Example Question #5 : Identify Patterns Of Change In Fossils And Rock Layers

True or False: The photo below depicts no changes to the rock layers over time.

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Possible Answers:

True

False

Correct answer:

False

Explanation:

The section of rock that is the oldest is at the bottom of the formation. The graphic shown has a change in color as the rock formation changes in age. The darkest portion at the bottom is the oldest; then it gets lighter as the rock gets newer; the newest part is the orange/tan section at the top. Each layer of rock has been exposed, weathered, and eroded over time. The statement in the question is false; this rock formation depicts changes over time.

Example Question #1 : Identify Patterns Of Change In Fossils And Rock Layers

Which section of this rock formation would be the newest?

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Possible Answers:

Slate

Siltstone

Basalt Dike

Limestone

Sandstone

Correct answer:

Siltstone

Explanation:

The section of rock at the top of the formation would be the newest or youngest stone. The oldest layers start at the bottom, and they are more recent (younger) as they move upwards.

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