Grade 4 · Science · Physical science

4th Grade Waves, Light, and Sound worksheets

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Waves, Light, and Sound

Grade 4 Science Worksheet - Challenge Me

NameDate

Circle the answer.

1.
A student claims bigger waves are always longer waves. Which example proves this wrong?
- a short wave with crests close together
- two waves with crests 5 cm apart, one taller than the other
- a tall wave with crests far apart
- two waves that are exactly the same
2.
A student holds a rope and moves her hand up and down faster. The crests get closer together. What changed?
- the wavelength got shorter
- the wavelength got longer
- the amplitude got bigger
- the rope got longer
3.
Two tuning forks make the same note. Fork A is struck harder. What will a listener notice?
- fork A sounds the same
- fork A sounds quieter
- fork A makes a light flash
- fork A sounds louder
4.
Kim measures waves in a tray: crest to crest is 3 cm, and height above the middle is 1 cm. What are the wavelength and amplitude?
- wavelength 4 cm, amplitude 1 cm
- wavelength 3 cm, amplitude 1 cm
- wavelength 3 cm, amplitude 3 cm
- wavelength 1 cm, amplitude 3 cm
5.
During an earthquake, waves travel through the ground. What do they carry from place to place?
- rocks from the center of Earth
- energy that shakes the ground
- the soil from where they started
- water from the ocean

4th Grade Waves, Light, and Sound worksheet 1 – printable PDF — Download PDF: 1 2 3 4 5 6

About this worksheet

Waves, light, and sound models help students explain patterns they can observe but not always see directly asks fourth graders to connect observations with an explanation, model, or design decision instead of choosing a fact from memory. Students may confuse a wave property with a material property, or think eyes send out light instead of receiving reflected light from objects. 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 interpret amplitude and wavelength, model how reflected light lets us see, and compare sound or light patterns used to transfer information. 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

Model wave patterns
Relate wave properties to observations
Explain how reflected light enters the eye
Use patterns to transfer information

NGSS standard: 4-PS4-1

Worked example

A drum sound with larger amplitude is louder, while seeing the drum requires light reflecting from it into the eye.

Common mistake

Saying the eye shines light onto objects instead of receiving reflected light.

Helpful hint

Match the model to the observation: wave pattern, reflected light, or information signal.

Next skill: Simple Circuits Earlier: Energy and Motion

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with waves, light, and sound?

Saying the eye shines light onto objects instead of receiving reflected light.

How can I help my child with waves, light, and sound?

Match the model to the observation: wave pattern, reflected light, or information signal.

Are these 4th grade science worksheets free to print?

Yes. All 6 printable versions on this page are free to download and print, with no account needed.

More 4th grade physical science

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