Asking Questions
The student asks questions and defines problems related to phenomena and engineering challenges.
What does a student learn in
Mastery Learning Standards
The required skills a student should display by the end of Grade 4.
Science and Engineering Practices
Science and Engineering Practices
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Modeling
The student develops and uses models to represent phenomena, systems, and engineering designs.
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Investigations
The student plans and carries out investigations to gather data that support an explanation or design solution.
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Data Analysis
The student analyzes and interprets data to support claims, identify patterns, and refine designs.
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Mathematics and Computational Thinking
The student uses mathematics and computational thinking to represent and analyze phenomena.
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Explanations and Solutions
The student constructs explanations and designs solutions based on evidence.
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Argument from Evidence
The student engages in argument from evidence to evaluate competing explanations or design solutions.
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Communicate Information
The student obtains, evaluates, and communicates scientific information using multiple modalities.
| Standard | Definition | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Asking Questions | The student asks questions and defines problems related to phenomena and engineering challenges. | PA-SCI.PRAC.4.1 |
| Modeling | The student develops and uses models to represent phenomena, systems, and engineering designs. | PA-SCI.PRAC.4.2 |
| Investigations | The student plans and carries out investigations to gather data that support an explanation or design solution. | PA-SCI.PRAC.4.3 |
| Data Analysis | The student analyzes and interprets data to support claims, identify patterns, and refine designs. | PA-SCI.PRAC.4.4 |
| Mathematics and Computational Thinking | The student uses mathematics and computational thinking to represent and analyze phenomena. | PA-SCI.PRAC.4.5 |
| Explanations and Solutions | The student constructs explanations and designs solutions based on evidence. | PA-SCI.PRAC.4.6 |
| Argument from Evidence | The student engages in argument from evidence to evaluate competing explanations or design solutions. | PA-SCI.PRAC.4.7 |
| Communicate Information | The student obtains, evaluates, and communicates scientific information using multiple modalities. | PA-SCI.PRAC.4.8 |
Physical Science
Physical Science
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Matter and Its Interactions
The student investigates the structure of matter and its interactions to develop explanations of physical phenomena.
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Motion and Stability
The student investigates forces, motion, and the interactions of objects.
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Energy
The student investigates the forms, transfer, and conservation of energy.
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Waves and Information
The student investigates waves and their applications in transferring energy and information.
| Standard | Definition | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Matter and Its Interactions | The student investigates the structure of matter and its interactions to develop explanations of physical phenomena. | PA-SCI.PS.4.1 |
| Motion and Stability | The student investigates forces, motion, and the interactions of objects. | PA-SCI.PS.4.2 |
| Energy | The student investigates the forms, transfer, and conservation of energy. | PA-SCI.PS.4.3 |
| Waves and Information | The student investigates waves and their applications in transferring energy and information. | PA-SCI.PS.4.4 |
Life Science
Life Science
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Structures and Processes
The student investigates the structures and processes of living organisms, from cells to whole systems.
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Ecosystems
The student investigates how matter and energy cycle in ecosystems and how organisms interact within communities.
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Heredity
The student investigates inheritance and variation of traits across generations.
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Biological Evolution
The student investigates the unity and diversity of life and the mechanisms of evolution.
| Standard | Definition | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Structures and Processes | The student investigates the structures and processes of living organisms, from cells to whole systems. | PA-SCI.LS.4.1 |
| Ecosystems | The student investigates how matter and energy cycle in ecosystems and how organisms interact within communities. | PA-SCI.LS.4.2 |
| Heredity | The student investigates inheritance and variation of traits across generations. | PA-SCI.LS.4.3 |
| Biological Evolution | The student investigates the unity and diversity of life and the mechanisms of evolution. | PA-SCI.LS.4.4 |
Earth and Space Science
Earth and Space Science
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Earth's Place in the Universe
The student investigates Earth's place in the universe, including patterns of motion and the history of Earth.
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Earth's Systems
The student investigates the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere and how they interact.
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Earth and Human Activity
The student investigates how human activity influences Earth's systems and how natural hazards affect human life.
| Standard | Definition | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Earth's Place in the Universe | The student investigates Earth's place in the universe, including patterns of motion and the history of Earth. | PA-SCI.ESS.4.1 |
| Earth's Systems | The student investigates the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere and how they interact. | PA-SCI.ESS.4.2 |
| Earth and Human Activity | The student investigates how human activity influences Earth's systems and how natural hazards affect human life. | PA-SCI.ESS.4.3 |
Environmental Literacy and Sustainability
Environmental Literacy and Sustainability
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Agriculture and Society
The student investigates how agricultural systems sustain human society and interact with the environment.
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Environment and Ecology
The student investigates ecosystems, watersheds, and environmental issues affecting Pennsylvania and beyond.
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Sustainability
The student investigates sustainable practices that balance human needs with the health of natural systems.
| Standard | Definition | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture and Society | The student investigates how agricultural systems sustain human society and interact with the environment. | PA-SCI.ELS.4.1 |
| Environment and Ecology | The student investigates ecosystems, watersheds, and environmental issues affecting Pennsylvania and beyond. | PA-SCI.ELS.4.2 |
| Sustainability | The student investigates sustainable practices that balance human needs with the health of natural systems. | PA-SCI.ELS.4.3 |
Assessments
The state tests students at this grade and subject take.
PSSA Science (Grade 4)
PSSA Science is the grade 4 spring science test, aligned to PA Standards (transitioning to STEELS).
- When given:
- spring
- Frequency:
- annual
NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress)
Federally administered sample-based assessment in reading, mathematics, science, and writing. NAEP results inform state-by-state comparisons rather than individual student or school accountability.
- When given:
- biennial in winter
- Frequency:
- every two years