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Pennsylvania Grade 4 Science
Pennsylvania Grade 4 Science: explore science lessons, skill quizzes, practice tests, and standards references. Use evidence and answer explanations to guide review.
State resources · Focused study · Clear next steps
Standards source: State Academic Standards, Pennsylvania State Board of Education.
Science Lessons and Related Quizzes
Read a short lesson, work through its example, and try a related science-area quiz. These are common Grade 4 ideas; use the state standards below to choose what matches your class.
Physical Science
Life Science
Pennsylvania Science by Grade
Every Pennsylvania science center, grade 1 through grade 8.
Start With a Practice Test
Six full, timed grade 4 science practice tests, 30 questions each, instant scoring, and a written explanation for every question. Pennsylvania does not test science this year, so use these to find gaps early. Each one opens right here.
Pennsylvania Grade 4 Science Practice Test 1
A full diagnostic across every science area for this grade.
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Pennsylvania Grade 4 Science Practice Test 2
Fresh questions and new phenomena to build accuracy.
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Pennsylvania Grade 4 Science Practice Test 3
New problems that push reading of data, models, and evidence.
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Pennsylvania Grade 4 Science Practice Test 4
Another complete, timed exam to build pacing and stamina.
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Pennsylvania Grade 4 Science Practice Test 5
A brand-new mixed set to test how ready you are.
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Pennsylvania Grade 4 Science Practice Test 6
A final full-length simulation to confirm you are ready.
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Grade 4 Science Skill Quizzes
Pick one science area, answer 10 questions, and see exactly where the idea broke down. Each quiz opens right here.
Matter and Its Properties
A quick 10-question check on matter and its properties, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.
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Forces and Motion
A quick 10-question check on forces and motion, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.
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Energy
A quick 10-question check on energy, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.
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Waves and Information
A quick 10-question check on waves and information, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.
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Cells, Structures and Life Processes
A quick 10-question check on cells, structures and life processes, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.
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Ecosystems and Heredity
A quick 10-question check on ecosystems and heredity, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.
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Evolution, Fossils and Adaptation
A quick 10-question check on evolution, fossils and adaptation, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.
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Earth and Space Systems
A quick 10-question check on earth and space systems, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.
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Earth, Human Activity and Engineering
A quick 10-question check on earth, human activity and engineering, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.
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Grade 4 Science Study Tools
A few minutes of review between practice tests. Both open right here.
Grade 4 Science Flashcards
All 145 terms this grade is expected to know. Search the deck, filter by science area, star the hard ones, and mark off what you have down.
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Grade 4 Science Quick Review
Every must-know idea for this grade on one page, grouped by science area, with the vocabulary for each one.
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Pennsylvania Grade 4 Science Snapshot
Pennsylvania Grade 4 Science Topics
This study reference lists 48 expectations for grade 4 from Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards (STEELS), organized for study. Check the current state document for the official sequence, full wording, and any updates. Reference codes help you compare the listed expectations with the source. Confirm the current state edition and grade placement before using them as classroom requirements.
3.1 Life Science
- 3.1.4.A3.1.4.BOrganism Needs, Structures, and Life Cycles
3.2 Physical Science
- 3.2.4.AEvidence Explanation Relating Speed Object Energy Object Speed
- 3.2.4.BMagnets, Electricity, and Circuits
- 3.2.4.CQuestions Outcomes About Changes Energy Occur When Objects
- 3.2.4.DScientific Ideas Test Refine Device Converts Energy One
- 3.2.4.ELight, Sound, and Wave Behavior
- 3.2.4.FLight Reflecting Objects Entering Eye Allows Objects Seen
- 3.2.4.GPatterns, Systems, Cause and Effect, and Change
3.3 Earth and Space Science
- 3.3.4.A3.3.4.BEarth Materials, Rocks, Fossils, and Landforms
- 3.3.4.CData Analysis, Patterns, and Model Limits
- 3.3.4.DNatural Resources and Human Impacts
- 3.3.4.EEngineering Design and Solution Evaluation
3.5 Technology and Engineering
- 3.5.3-5.A3.5.3-5.H3.5.3-5.HHPatterns, Systems, Cause and Effect, and Change
- 3.5.3-5.B3.5.3-5.K3.5.3-5.M3.5.3-5.P3.5.3-5.Q3.5.3-5.S+6Engineering Design and Solution Evaluation
- 3.5.3-5.CFollow Directions Complete Technological Task
- 3.5.3-5.NWhy Product System Not Working Properly
- 3.5.3-5.DCertain Aspects Daily Lives Would Different Without Given
- 3.5.3-5.E3.5.3-5.F3.5.3-5.FF3.5.3-5.GGNatural Resources and Human Impacts
- 3.5.3-5.GHelpful Harmful Effects Technology Natural Energy Sources
- 3.5.3-5.JTechnologies Developed Adapted When Individual Societal Needs Wants
- 3.5.3-5.RTools Techniques Materials Safe Manner Part Process
- 3.5.3-5.XVarious Relationships Exist Between Technology Engineering Other Content
- 3.5.3-5.DDMagnets, Electricity, and Circuits
- 3.5.3-5.LTools Machines Extend Human Capabilities Holding Lifting Carrying
- 3.5.3-5.WMaterial Properties and Uses
- 3.5.3-5.YResources Needed Get Technical Job Done People Materials
- 3.5.3-5.ZNew Product Improves Someone'S Life
- 3.5.3-5.BBWhen Parts System Missing May Not Work Planned
- 3.5.3-5.CCSubsystem System Operates Part Another Larger System
- 3.5.3-5.AARepresentations Tools People Made They Cultivated Provide Food
Grouped and ordered from the state's own standards document.
Pennsylvania Grade 4 Science Standards
A science standards reference for grade 4, with codes and learning expectations from Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards (STEELS). If your Pennsylvania classroom or report card mentions a code, you will find it here.
3.1 Life Science
- 3.1.4.AOrganism Needs, Structures, and Life CyclesConstruct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction
- 3.1.4.BOrganism Needs, Structures, and Life CyclesUse a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways
3.2 Physical Science
- 3.2.4.AEvidence Explanation Relating Speed Object Energy Object SpeedUse evidence to construct an explanation relating the speed of an object to the energy of that object
- 3.2.4.BMagnets, Electricity, and CircuitsMake and communicate observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents
- 3.2.4.CQuestions Outcomes About Changes Energy Occur When ObjectsAsk questions and predict outcomes about the changes in energy that occur when objects collide
- 3.2.4.DScientific Ideas Test Refine Device Converts Energy OneApply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another
- 3.2.4.ELight, Sound, and Wave BehaviorDevelop a model of waves to describe patterns in terms of amplitude and wavelength and that waves can cause objects to move
- 3.2.4.FLight Reflecting Objects Entering Eye Allows Objects SeenDevelop a model to describe that light reflecting from objects and entering the eye allows objects to be seen
- 3.2.4.GPatterns, Systems, Cause and Effect, and ChangeGenerate and compare multiple solutions that use patterns to transfer information
3.3 Earth and Space Science
- 3.3.4.AEarth Materials, Rocks, Fossils, and LandformsIdentify evidence from patterns in rock formations and fossils in rock layers to support an explanation for changes in a landscape over time
- 3.3.4.BEarth Materials, Rocks, Fossils, and LandformsMake observations and/or measurements to provide evidence of the effects of weathering or the rate of erosion by water, ice, wind, or vegetation
- 3.3.4.CData Analysis, Patterns, and Model LimitsAnalyze and interpret data from maps to describe patterns of Earth's features
- 3.3.4.DNatural Resources and Human ImpactsObtain and combine information to describe that energy and fuels are derived from natural resources and their uses affect the environment
- 3.3.4.EEngineering Design and Solution EvaluationGenerate and compare multiple solutions to reduce the impacts of natural Earth processes on humans
3.5 Technology and Engineering
- 3.5.3-5.APatterns, Systems, Cause and Effect, and ChangeUse appropriate symbols, numbers and words to communicate key ideas about technological products and systems
- 3.5.3-5.BEngineering Design and Solution EvaluationExamine information to assess the trade-offs of using a product or system
- 3.5.3-5.CFollow Directions Complete Technological TaskFollow directions to complete a technological task
- 3.5.3-5.NWhy Product System Not Working ProperlyIdentify why a product or system is not working properly
- 3.5.3-5.DCertain Aspects Daily Lives Would Different Without GivenPredict how certain aspects of their daily lives would be different without given technologies
- 3.5.3-5.ENatural Resources and Human ImpactsExplain why responsible use of technology requires sustainable management of resources
- 3.5.3-5.FNatural Resources and Human ImpactsClassify resources used to create technologies as either renewable or nonrenewable
- 3.5.3-5.GHelpful Harmful Effects Technology Natural Energy SourcesDescribe the helpful and harmful effects of technology
- 3.5.3-5.KEngineering Design and Solution EvaluationJudge technologies to determine the best one to use to complete a given task or meet a need
- 3.5.3-5.HPatterns, Systems, Cause and Effect, and ChangeDetermine factors that influence changes in a society's technological systems or infrastructure
- 3.5.3-5.JTechnologies Developed Adapted When Individual Societal Needs WantsExplain how technologies are developed or adapted when individual or societal needs and wants change
- 3.5.3-5.MEngineering Design and Solution EvaluationDemonstrate essential skills of the engineering design process
- 3.5.3-5.PEngineering Design and Solution EvaluationEvaluate the strengths and weaknesses of existing design solutions, including their own solutions
- 3.5.3-5.QEngineering Design and Solution EvaluationPractice successful design skills
- 3.5.3-5.RTools Techniques Materials Safe Manner Part ProcessApply tools, techniques, and materials in a safe manner as part of the design process
- 3.5.3-5.SEngineering Design and Solution EvaluationIllustrate that there are multiple approaches to design
- 3.5.3-5.TEngineering Design and Solution EvaluationApply universal principles and elements of design
- 3.5.3-5.UEngineering Design and Solution EvaluationEvaluate designs based on criteria, constraints, and standards
- 3.5.3-5.VEngineering Design and Solution EvaluationInterpret how good design improves the human condition
- 3.5.3-5.XVarious Relationships Exist Between Technology Engineering Other ContentExplain how various relationships can exist between technology and engineering and other content areas
- 3.5.3-5.DDMagnets, Electricity, and CircuitsDemonstrate how simple technologies are often combined to form more complex systems
- 3.5.3-5.IEngineering Design and Solution EvaluationDesign solutions by safely using tools, materials, and skills
- 3.5.3-5.EEEngineering Design and Solution EvaluationExplain how solutions to problems are shaped by economic, political, and cultural forces
- 3.5.3-5.FFNatural Resources and Human ImpactsCompare how things found in nature differ from things that are human-made, noting differences and similarities in how they are produced and used
- 3.5.3-5.GGNatural Resources and Human ImpactsDescribe the unique relationship between science and technology, and how the natural world can contribute to the human-made world to build innovation
- 3.5.3-5.HHPatterns, Systems, Cause and Effect, and ChangeDifferentiate between the role of scientists, engineers, technologists, and others in creating and maintaining technological systems
- 3.5.3-5.LTools Machines Extend Human Capabilities Holding Lifting CarryingDemonstrate how tools and machines extend human capabilities, such as holding, lifting, carrying, fastening, separating, and computing
- 3.5.3-5.OEngineering Design and Solution EvaluationDescribe requirements of designing or making a product or system
- 3.5.3-5.WMaterial Properties and UsesDescribe the properties of different materials
- 3.5.3-5.YResources Needed Get Technical Job Done People MaterialsIdentify the resources needed to get a technical job done, such as people, materials, capital, tools, machines, knowledge, energy, and time
- 3.5.3-5.ZNew Product Improves Someone'S LifeCreate a new product that improves someone's life
- 3.5.3-5.BBWhen Parts System Missing May Not Work PlannedIllustrate how, when parts of a system are missing, it may not work as planned
- 3.5.3-5.CCSubsystem System Operates Part Another Larger SystemDescribe how a subsystem is a system that operates as a part of another larger system
- 3.5.3-5.AARepresentations Tools People Made They Cultivated Provide FoodCreate representations of the tools people made, how they cultivated to provide food, made clothing, and built shelters to protect themselves
Source: Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy and Sustainability (STEELS) Standards. Always check the current official document before relying on a code for placement or reporting.
Pennsylvania Grade 4: Math and English Too
Science is one of three Pennsylvania grade 4 centers. Same format, same standards-first approach, for the other two subjects.
Pennsylvania Grade 4 Math
Six full practice tests, printable worksheets, step-by-step lessons, and every Pennsylvania grade 4 math standard.
Open the math center →Pennsylvania Grade 4 English
Reading, writing, and language standards for Pennsylvania grade 4, broken into short skill targets with practice for each one.
Open the English center →Pennsylvania Grade 4 Science FAQ
Does Pennsylvania test science in grade 4?
No. Pennsylvania gives PSSA Science in grades 5 and 8, so grade 4 students do not sit a state science test this year. Pennsylvania also gives the high school biology Keystone exam. The standards on this page are still the ones grade 4 teachers teach, and they are what the next science test builds on.
Which standards does grade 4 science in Pennsylvania follow?
Pennsylvania follows the Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards (STEELS), published by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. All 48 of this grade's standards are listed further down the page with their official codes.
How long are the practice tests?
Each of the six practice tests has 30 questions and a 55-minute timer. The timer auto-submits at zero and you get your score, a breakdown by science area, and a written explanation for every question.
Is any of this free?
Yes, every practice test, quiz, and flashcard set on this page is free and needs no login. Your progress is saved in your own browser and nowhere else.
What is the fastest way to use this page?
Take practice test 1 cold. Look at the topic breakdown, pick the weakest science area, and do that skill quiz. Then read the quick review for that area and come back for practice test 2.
Grade 4 Science in Other States
Standards, practice tests, and quizzes for grade 4 science in every state and Washington, D.C.
Start With One Practice Test
Grade 4 is a building year for science in Pennsylvania. Take a timed test, see which area is thinnest, and fix that one before it compounds.
Start a practice testA USEFUL NEXT STEP
Pennsylvania Grade 4 Science: study questions
How should I choose a Grade 4 science study target?
Start with the course or standards reference for this state. Explain one idea before doing its related practice, then use the feedback to decide what needs another example.
Official source ↗Are these activities official state assessments?
These are independently published learning resources. A practice score does not predict or replace an official state score. Use the directions in each activity and consult your school for official testing and accommodation rules.
Resources from Effortless Math · Editorial standards