4th Grade Science

Studying Earth systems, energy transfer, and the scientific method for fourth grade students.

Earth's Four SystemsEnergy Transfer in NatureThe Scientific Method
Cycles in Earth's SystemsFood Chains and EcosystemsWeather and Climate
Protecting Our PlanetObserving Weather and NatureSimple Energy Experiments
Breaking Down Big IdeasUsing Pictures and Diagrams
Earth's Four SystemsEnergy Transfer in N...The Scientific Metho...Cycles in Earth's Sy...Food Chains and Ecos...Weather and ClimateProtecting Our Plane...Observing Weather an...Simple Energy Experi...Breaking Down Big Id...Using Pictures and D...
Advanced Topics

Cycles in Earth's Systems

How Do Things Move in Cycles?

Many things on Earth move in repeating cycles that connect the four systems. Two important cycles are:

  • The Water Cycle: Water evaporates from oceans, forms clouds, falls as rain, and flows back to the sea.
  • The Rock Cycle: Rocks change from one type to another over time through heat, pressure, and erosion.

Why Are Cycles Important?

Cycles keep Earth's systems balanced and healthy. Without them, plants wouldn't get water, and new soil wouldn't form.

Real-World Connections

The water you drink today may have once been rain, a river, or even a cloud!

Examples

  • Clouds forming from ocean water, then raining on mountains and flowing back to rivers.

  • A volcano creating new rocks that eventually become soil through weathering.

In a Nutshell

Earth's cycles, like the water and rock cycles, help renew and connect its systems.

Key Terms

Water Cycle
The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of Earth.
Rock Cycle
The process by which rocks are formed, broken down, and changed into new types.
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Food Chains and Ecosystems