Grade 4
Earth Changes
Rock layers, fossils, weathering, erosion, maps, and reducing impacts of natural Earth processes.
4-ESS1-1, 4-ESS2-1, 4-ESS2-2, 4-ESS3-2
4 lessons
5 quiz questions
Lesson 1: Rock Layers and Fossils
Use rock layers and fossils as evidence of Earth's history.
Learning goals
- Describe rock layers as evidence.
- Explain how fossils show past life.
- Use patterns in rock formations.
Evidence in rocks
Rock layers and fossils provide evidence about landscapes and organisms from long ago. Older layers are often found below younger layers when layers have not been disturbed.
Past environments
Fossils in rock layers can show that an area once had different plants, animals, water, or climate.
Lesson 2: Weathering and Erosion
Explain how water, ice, wind, and living things change landforms.
Learning goals
- Define weathering and erosion.
- Identify causes of landform change.
- Describe slow and fast changes.
Weathering breaks rock
Weathering breaks rocks into smaller pieces. Water, ice, plant roots, temperature changes, and chemicals can weather rock.
Erosion moves sediment
Erosion moves weathered material by water, wind, ice, or gravity. Deposition happens when the material is dropped somewhere else.
Lesson 3: Maps of Earth Features
Use maps to describe patterns of land and water.
Learning goals
- Read simple maps of Earth features.
- Identify patterns in landforms and water.
- Use maps as evidence.
Maps show patterns
Maps can show mountains, valleys, rivers, volcanoes, earthquakes, and coastlines. Patterns on maps help scientists describe Earth features.
Using evidence
A map can help explain where natural processes happen and how landforms are arranged.
Lesson 4: Reducing Earth Process Impacts
Compare solutions that reduce harm from natural Earth processes.
Learning goals
- Identify natural Earth process hazards.
- Describe possible solutions.
- Compare solutions using criteria.
Natural hazards
Earth processes such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, and volcanic eruptions can affect people and environments.
Designing solutions
People can reduce impacts using stronger buildings, warning systems, barriers, safer land-use plans, and emergency preparation.