4th Grade Science : Earth and Space Science

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #3 : Generate Ways To Reduce Impacts Of Earth Processes

Tsunamis are severe oceanic storms that cause extreme devastation. They are a series of waves that can be miles long, up to 100 feet high, and can travel at 400 miles per hour. They are caused by significant and sudden disturbances of the sea’s surface. Volcanic eruptions, landslides, earthquakes can trigger a tsunami. A massive wall of water will wash ashore, and there is very little time or warning for those who live in the communities nearby. The series of waves can last for hours, and massive flooding adds to the problem. If you find yourself in a tsunami, get to high ground, keep calm, do not drive, and follow instructions from local officials.

True or False: Based on the information in the passage above, there are very few negative impacts on humans due to natural events.

Possible Answers:

False

True

Correct answer:

False

Explanation:

The passage provided illuminates many adverse effects or possible effects on humans due to Earth's natural processes. Massive flooding, series of waves that last for hours, waves traveling at immense speeds, and heights are all examples of natural processes that can devastate communities and the lives of the citizens.

Example Question #4 : Natural Earth Processes

The Governor of Florida is having a contest for students in the 4th grade to help generate ideas to reduce the impact of natural disasters on the state. Which type of natural disaster should the students focus on to make the most significant impact in Florida?

Possible Answers:

Volcanic eruptions

Blizzards

Hurricanes

Earthquakes

Correct answer:

Hurricanes

Explanation:

The students in Florida should focus on hurricane preparedness plans and ways to strengthen their communities against the intense wind a rain that the storms bring. Florida has a season where hurricanes are likely and more prevalent, and the whole state is at risk. Hurricanes can spawn tornadoes, flooding, intense wind gusts, and massive amounts of rain. Students would make the most significant impact on Florida residents if they generated ideas for hurricanes.

Example Question #5 : Natural Earth Processes

True or False: Basic emergency preparedness is an essential step to reducing the injury and damage of natural disasters.

Possible Answers:

True

False

Correct answer:

True

Explanation:

The statement in the question is true. Being prepared for an emergency (including a natural disaster or severe storm) is an essential step to reduce injury and damage. First aid supplies, food, water, home strengthening materials like rope or plywood, as well as flashlights, and many other things can serve benefits to keeping people and buildings safe during an emergency.

Example Question #6 : Natural Earth Processes

What does the term "natural Earth processes" mean?

Possible Answers:

Physical processes that are reversed by humans

Physical processes that are done to the Earth by humans

Physical processes on Earth that stop unnecessary change

Physical processes on Earth that create constant change

Correct answer:

Physical processes on Earth that create constant change

Explanation:

The term "natural Earth processes" refers to the physical processes on Earth that create constant change. These processes—including movement in the tectonic plates in the crust, wind and water erosion, and deposition—shape features on Earth's surface and happen naturally. They also include natural disasters like typhoons, hurricanes, landslides, and tornadoes.

Example Question #11 : Natural Earth Processes

Which solution to reduce the impacts of an earthquake would be beneficial to the MOST people?

Possible Answers:

Emergency plans for all the citizens over 80 years old

Improvements to brand new homes

Evacuate people who live in houses costing over $1 million

Earthquake safe building codes

Correct answer:

Earthquake safe building codes

Explanation:

All of these solutions would mitigate the effect of an earthquake on residents in areas that are prone to natural disasters. Still, only one would be beneficial to a large population. Creating building codes that require all new construction and existing buildings to be built to a high safety standard will help save lives and reduce damage. These building codes have regulations that companies must follow to ensure they are stable and safe.

Example Question #11 : Natural Earth Processes

Tsunamis are severe oceanic storms that cause extreme devastation. They are a series of waves that can be miles long, up to 100 feet high, and can travel at 400 miles per hour. They are caused by significant and sudden disturbances of the sea’s surface. Volcanic eruptions, landslides, earthquakes can trigger a tsunami. A massive wall of water will wash ashore, and there is very little time or warning for those who live in the communities nearby. The series of waves can last for hours, and massive flooding adds to the problem. If you find yourself in a tsunami, get to high ground, keep calm, do not drive, and follow instructions from local officials.

Melissa says that the best solution for reducing the impact tsunamis have on a city is to build a ten-foot wall around the city. Maggie thinks they should give all the residents boats so they can row away after the roads are flooded. Natalie says they should create a siren that goes off when there is a chance of a tsunami so people can evacuate. Brian thinks that each resident should build an emergency supply bag to keep in their car.

When comparing the four different solutions, which is the most reasonable and would have the most benefit to the residents?

Possible Answers:

Brian thinks his idea is the best because an emergency kit would allow people quick access to food, water, and medical supplies.

Natalie thinks her idea is best because a warning siren would reach all the residents of a town, and evacuation would keep them all safe.

Melissa has the best solution because the ten-foot wall would block the wave from entering the city and flooding it.

Maggie has the best solution because flooding is always a problem, and if residents had a boat, they could still get around town.

Correct answer:

Natalie thinks her idea is best because a warning siren would reach all the residents of a town, and evacuation would keep them all safe.

Explanation:

Tsunamis are a deadly natural hazard and very unpredictable storms. All of the friends came up with ideas to try and reduce the impact a tsunami would have on a town, but only one is the most reasonable and would benefit the majority of residents. A siren to warn residents a tsunami may be approaching would be an excellent early detection system. If residents hear the siren wherever they may be in town, they can get to higher ground or evacuate before the storm arrives. Many people are caught by surprise and are on low grounds or even at the beach when the tsunamis approach so this would be a real life-saver.

Example Question #12 : Natural Earth Processes

Tsunamis are severe oceanic storms that cause extreme devastation. They are a series of waves that can be miles long, up to 100 feet high, and can travel at 400 miles per hour. They are caused by significant and sudden disturbances of the sea’s surface. Volcanic eruptions, landslides, earthquakes can trigger a tsunami. A massive wall of water will wash ashore, and there is very little time or warning for those who live in the communities nearby. The series of waves can last for hours, and massive flooding adds to the problem. If you find yourself in a tsunami, get to high ground, keep calm, do not drive, and follow instructions from local officials.

Kaitlyn says that the best solution for reducing the impact tsunamis have on a city is to build a ten-foot wall around the city. Angie thinks they should send out warnings on all of the local television stations when a storm may be approaching. Jeff says they should create a siren that goes off when there is a chance of a tsunami so people can evacuate. Donald thinks that each resident should move to the lowest part of their house and hide.

When comparing the four different solutions, which would be the LEAST helpful to the residents?

 

Possible Answers:

Donald - move to the lowest level of the house

Jeff - warning siren

Kaitlyn - build a ten-foot wall

Angie - warning on television stations

Correct answer:

Donald - move to the lowest level of the house

Explanation:

Tsunamis are a deadly natural hazard and very unpredictable storms. All of the friends came up with ideas to try and reduce the impact a tsunami would have on a town, and not all of them would be the best, but Donald's plan would be the least helpful to residents. Donald's idea would be dangerous and put many peoples' lives at risk. A siren to warn residents a tsunami may be approaching would be an excellent early detection system. If residents hear the siren wherever they may be in town, they can get to higher ground or evacuate before the storm arrives. Warnings across the television stations would allow people to get prepared for an incoming wave. Building a ten-foot wall wouldn't do much against a 100-foot wave, but it would not put people at risk like Donald's plan.

Example Question #61 : Earth And Space Science

The state of Hawaii wants to invest money in protecting residents and communities from volcanoes. Which solution would be the most beneficial to residents and reduce the impact of a volcanic eruption?

Possible Answers:

Build fencing around the volcano

Improved monitoring systems

Better cameras to film the eruptions

Research how volcanoes can trigger tsunamis

Correct answer:

Improved monitoring systems

Explanation:

Volcanoes are a deadly natural hazard and can be unpredictable. If a volcano erupts, having better footage of the lava, smoke, and ash will do nothing at the moment to protect residents or their property. Lava would run right through, and under a fence, so it would not protect anyone from the volcano. Understanding the aftermath of a volcanic eruption is very important, but it does not address the issues with the explosion itself. Improving the monitoring systems would give people more time to evacuate or prepare, find a safe place, and would let scientists know the signs to look for future eruptions.

Example Question #13 : Natural Earth Processes

The state of Hawaii wants to invest money in protecting residents and communities from volcanoes. Which solution would be the LEAST beneficial to residents and reduce the impact of a volcanic eruption?

 

Possible Answers:

Create a warning device or siren to alert residents of an eruption

Improve monitoring systems

Build new construction further from volcanoes

Build a fence to stop the lava

Correct answer:

Build a fence to stop the lava

Explanation:

Volcanoes are a deadly natural hazard and can be unpredictable. Improving the monitoring systems would give people more time to evacuate or prepare, find a safe place, and would let scientists know the signs to look for future eruptions. A warning device or siren would give advanced notice to residents so they would be aware of the eruption before or as soon as it happens rather than it being too late. Building further away from volcanoes would be a smart investment for future construction, so there is a reduced chance of damage to the new buildings. Lava would run right through, and under a fence, so it would not protect anyone from the volcano. Building a fence would be the least beneficial investment.

Example Question #62 : Earth And Space Science

Which solution to reduce the impacts of an earthquake would be beneficial to the LEAST amount of people?

Possible Answers:

Evacuate all citizens over 80 years old

Improvements to brand new homes

Provide safety features in homes costing over $1 million

All of the answer choices are correct

Correct answer:

All of the answer choices are correct

Explanation:

All of these solutions would mitigate the effect of an earthquake on residents in areas that are prone to natural disasters. But, they would NOT be beneficial to a large population. Creating building codes that require all new construction and existing buildings to be built to a high safety standard will help save lives and reduce damage. These building codes have regulations that companies must follow to ensure they are stable and safe. The safety features should not just be in new homes or homes that cost over $1 million; this eliminates those who are living in less expensive homes or homes that were built previously. Only evacuating people over 80 years of age also narrows down the group of people receiving help drastically and leaves out a large piece of the population. None of these choices would be the best option to help large groups of people.

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