4th Grade Science Study Guides
I have a beef with elementary school Common Core science. THIS IS NOT SCIENCE. This is memorization. Science is supposed to be about asking questions, testing, and forming conclusions. That is the way science works in the real world.
And yet, the Common Core insists that science is memorizing things that have already been discovered as if they were irrefutable, and all the questions have been asked and answered. No wonder my girls think that science is boring.
Still, there are tests to be taken both standardized and for their teacher. I found that my kids learn quite differently. One likes the material to be presented in a visual way. The other needs a deeper conceptual understanding to master the material.
I still have one child to go so I created study guides for their tests. I researched and found well-done videos. Some were cool experiments that my kids will love AND they will help them solidify a concept. Air pressure and heat? Think of that hot air balloon experiment. Other videos tied concepts together.
I also isolated the concepts my kids found confusing like cleavage versus fracture of rocks. Or erosion versus weathering. And don’t even get me started on the complex relationships of heat, air pressure, moisture, and wind for the weather unit. By putting these concepts side by side, it’s easier to figure out what the similarities and differences are.
There were also some great infographic charts which I poached. Also, some do-at-home projects. Also poached those. I did credit them back.
When my son hits fourth grade, I plan to steer him to each post and have him watch and read it daily for a week to prep for his test. If your child is really into science, it also might just a fun thing to explore. If you are the type that wants your child to review for the MCAS or your state’s standardized test, it’s the Common Core material so it’s an easy way to review.
I hope this is helpful for you and your child!
Phases of the Moon Study Guide for 4th Grade
Rocks and Minerals Study Guide for 4th Grade
Science of Weather Study Guide for 5th Grade
I am about to post a guide on 4th Grade Light, Energy and Sound as well.
Follow PragmaticMom’s board Science Fun on Pinterest.
Here is a book related to rocks and Indigenous cultures:
Where Wonder Grows by Xelena González, illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia
Within the rocks, crystals, meteorites, and shells in Grandma’s garden are stories that she reveals to her granddaughters. Wonder blooms in each rock that was formed long before humans inhabited the earth, and each possesses knowledge. There is more information in the back matter about Indigenous cultures and how they used rocks in their ceremonies. [picture book, ages 3 and up]
Follow PragmaticMom’s board Multicultural Books for Kids on Pinterest.
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My books:
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World
- Junior Library Guild Gold selection
- Massachusetts Book Award Long List
- Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
- Starred review from School Library Journal
- Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
- 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
- Green Earth Book Award Long List
- Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids
Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me
I think it is great you take such an active role in your children’s actual education! Science can be so fun! I really love this phases visual.
To Ann,
It’s actually a lazy way to prepare my kids for the test. I just need to do this once but since I have three kids, the other two can just sit and read the post and watch the videos. But I am happy to share!
Your such a great to achieve this kind of idea..Its a great experience to study science..
To Cmichaelsny,
Thanks so much! I hope you find the posts useful!