SC READY Grade 4 Science Sample Items

A student observed the roots of two plants. The student’s observations are shown below. Plant Root Diagrams Plant A: short, one main thick root, some smaller root structures Plant B: short, many small roots with hair-like structures The student concluded that plant B would survive better than plant A during a period without rain. Why did the student most likely make this conclusion?

• The hair-like structures on the roots increase its ability to absorb light from the Sun.

• The hair-like structures on the roots increase its ability to absorb water from the soil.

• The hair-like structures on the roots increase its ability to store food made by the plant.

• The hair-like structures on the roots increase its ability to release heat into the environment.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

The map shows locations where earthquakes are frequent around the world. Which statement best describes the data in the map?

• A. Earthquakes occur in random locations.

• B. Most earthquakes occur in the Southern Hemisphere.

• C. The strongest earthquakes occur near the middle of oceans.

• D. Most earthquakes occur along boundaries between continents.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

The oldest rock layer is the ______ layer, and it has ______ fossils.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The drawing shows the rock layers and fossils in an area. Use the drop-down menus to best describe this area and how it has changed over time. This means that a very long time ago, the area was ______.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The drawing shows the rock layers and fossils in an area. Use the drop-down menus to best describe this area and how it has changed over time. More recently, the area has been ______.

• dry land

• underwater

• a desert

• a forest

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which statement most likely explains what the student observed?

• Other birds avoid owls.

• Owls avoid other birds.

Which data best support the answer selected in part A?

• A. More birds were observed when the plastic owl was used.

• B. Fewer birds were observed when the plastic owl was used.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Use a model to describe how animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways.

• Animals use their senses to receive information, process it in their brain, and respond accordingly.

• Animals only use their brain to receive and process information.

• Animals do not respond to information received through their senses.

• Animals use their senses but do not process information in their brain.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-8

A school wants a plan to keep people safe when there is a tornado. Which two solutions are most likely to keep people at the school safe if a tornado is near?

• announcing a warning

• turning off building lights

• locking classroom windows and doors

• preparing students to ride home on school buses

• moving students out of classrooms to inside hallways

A person opened a can of tuna fish to make a sandwich for lunch. A cat ran into the kitchen from another room and began to meow. Which model best describes how the cat processed the information in its environment?

• A. tuna can makes a sound → cat’s brain receives a signal → cat runs into the kitchen

• B. cat’s brain receives a signal → tuna can makes a sound → cat runs into the kitchen

• C. cat sees can being opened → cat runs into the kitchen → cat’s brain receives a signal

• D. cat’s brain receives a signal → cat sees can being opened → cat runs into the kitchen

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-8