Hands-on experiments and activities are the ideal way to excite children about science. From physics and biology, to earth science and earth ecology, these intriguing activities make learning science fun!
Fourth graders build on the concepts learned in third grade, moving beyond simply testing hypotheses to interpreting data and engaging in scientific discussions. Furthermore, they become adept at designing and presenting posters.
Solar System
The solar system consists of the sun and its orbiting objects such as planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. Through scientific projects on this topic, students can gain an understanding of why planets differ in color and size; how their elliptical orbit creates seasons on Earth; and why tilted axes cause Moon phases.
This project allows children to decide whether or not Pluto should be reinstated as a planet, with each station reading an article supporting reinstatement and one against, creating posters to reflect how they voted, then voting by creating posters displaying how they voted. Another fun solar system activity includes this scavenger hunt in which students collect black-and-white planet cards to add to their science notebooks.
Earth Science
Earth science encompasses all physical processes taking place on our planet, such as earthquakes, volcanoes, erosion and weathering; life cycles as they impact ecosystems are also studied in depth here.
As with other science projects, the ideal way for students to begin an environmental science research project is to begin reading up on an area that interests them before keeping an eye out for any related items in daily life.
Once they’ve chosen a question they want answered through an experiment, they can design a display to share their results. For example, they could build a model showing how tsunami-proof homes or earthquake-proof skyscrapers would function; other ideas might include testing parachute designs, simulating rock cycles, studying cloud formations or creating an ocean layers model.
Minerals
Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic solids with a unique chemical composition and ordered internal structure, and geologists can recognize them by their physical properties such as luster, streak hardness diaphaneity color cleavage.
Explore density changes with this easy, fun 4th grade science experiment! It also serves as a great opportunity for children to practice reading and measuring skills!
Boyle’s Law can be demonstrated easily with this hands-on demonstration that shows its effects. By adding heat, volume decreases as heat expands the liquid.
Kids can explore energy and Newton’s third law with this fun balloon project! A great way to introduce students to physics!
Chemistry
Chemistry, the scientific field that examines matter and its transformations, is one of the most fascinating science topics for 4th graders. Students explore atomic structure, acids and bases, water cycles and Newton’s third law through these fun physical science worksheets.
Help kids understand physical and chemical changes with this printable exercise featuring everyday scenes from life. Snip along the dotted lines before sorting images according to physical versus chemical transformation (for instance lighting a match is physical while frying an egg is chemical).
Surprise children with this fun density experiment using colored sugar water! When the fluids stack in vibrant Valentine’s Day hues, children will surely be impressed!
Biology
Biology is the science that explores life and its interactions with its environment, offering students an intriguing exploration of cells creating organisms which interact with each other and the outside world. As they pursue biology studies in school, kids gain an appreciation of its depth.
Make density easy to grasp for young learners with this engaging sugary water experiment that illustrates its concept in an engaging and educational manner. Your children will see how liquids with various densities clump together differently when placed side-by-side.
Plastic milk may seem modern, but it is an ancient science experiment still enjoyed by children today. You can also test what effects acid rain has on plants or try variations of classic balloon cars such as balloon cars for exploring how design changes impact travel capabilities.