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Weathering and Erosion
Grade 4 - Science - Challenge Me
Worksheet 1
1Observation: wet sand near the shore was carried away after repeated waves. Which explanation fits?
2Which agent caused the change in this observation: water froze in a crack and widened it?
3Which setup would likely erode faster?
4Which solution could slow this process caused by gravity and rain?
5Which comparison gives useful evidence about weathering or erosion?
6Observation: mud slid downhill after heavy rain. Which explanation fits?
7Which agent caused the change in this observation: roots grew into a sidewalk crack and pushed it wider?
8Which setup would likely erode faster?
9Which solution could slow this process caused by ice?
10Which comparison gives useful evidence about weathering or erosion?
About this worksheet
Weathering and erosion investigations show how Earth's surface changes when rock breaks down and sediment moves asks fourth graders to connect observations with an explanation, model, or design decision instead of choosing a fact from memory. Students may use weathering and erosion as if they mean the same thing, or they may choose a cause without reading the measurement or observation. This worksheet uses short investigations and evidence-based situations so students must read what happened, decide which science idea is being tested, and choose the answer that fits the title. Students identify agents of weathering and erosion, compare rates from measurements, connect plants and slope to erosion, and choose evidence-based explanations. Support versions use familiar objects and direct wording. Standard and challenge versions add closer distractors, fair-test language, and multi-step evidence. Ask your child to point to the measurement, diagram, map, or observation before answering. If the choice does not explain the evidence in the prompt, it is probably a distractor. That habit keeps science reasoning tied to data rather than guesswork.
What your child will learn
Tell weathering from erosion
Identify water, wind, ice, roots, and waves as agents
Use measurements to compare erosion rates
Explain how plants can reduce erosion
Worked example
If more sand washes from a steep tray than a flat tray, water eroded the steep slope faster.
Common mistake
Naming an agent without using the observation that shows what it did.
Helpful hint
Weathering breaks material down; erosion moves it away.
Worksheet 1