NGSS.4-ESS2-1 / TEKS 4.7.B✓ Michigan Department of Education Official Framework📚 2 Units • 5 Sequenced Topics
Grade 4 Science: Earth Systems, Weathering, Energy Waves & Sound
An inquiry-driven physical and earth science curriculum covering weathering, rock strata, fossil timelines, energy collisions, wave properties, and biological adaptations.
Start Interactive Lesson (Earth Systems) →Academic Year 2026–27 • Verified Against Official Standards
Unit 14-ESS1 & 4-ESS2
3 Sequenced TopicsEarth Systems, Weathering & Rock Strata
Examine evidence from rock strata and fossils, analyze weathering and erosion processes, and map landform features.
1.1
Earth Systems: Geosphere, Hydrosphere, Atmosphere & Biosphere⚡ Video Masterclass Aligned✓ Standard Aligned
NGSS.4-ESS2-1 — Identify evidence from patterns in rock formations and fossils in rock layers to explain changes over time
Investigate how the hydrosphere, geosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere interact through rainfall, weathering, and continental rock formation.
📺 Featured Masterclass: Introduction to Earth Systems and Life Cycles by Amoeba Sisters (9m 27s)
1.2
Weathering, Erosion & Deposition of Sediments⚡ Video Masterclass Aligned✓ Standard Aligned
NGSS.4-ESS2-1 — Make observations and measurements to provide evidence of the effects of weathering or the rate of erosion
Observe how running river water, coastal surf, and desert wind break down and transport earth materials.
📺 Featured Masterclass: Weathering and Erosion: How Landforms Change by Crash Course Kids (4m 06s)
1.3
Fossil Evidence in Rock Strata & Past Environments⚡ Video Masterclass Aligned✓ Standard Aligned
NGSS.4-ESS1-1 — Identify evidence from patterns in rock formations and fossils in rock layers to explain changes over time
Decode ancient geological history: why marine fossils are found on mountain tops and how rock strata preserve chronological timelines.
📺 Featured Masterclass: Fossil Management: What Fossils Tell Us About Earth by Crash Course Kids (4m 15s)
Unit 24-PS3 & 4-PS4
2 Sequenced TopicsEnergy, Speed & Wave Mechanics
Investigate kinetic energy, collision momentum, and wave properties including wavelength, amplitude, and reflection.
2.1
Kinetic Energy, Speed & Collision Transfer⚡ Video Masterclass Aligned✓ Standard Aligned
NGSS.4-PS3-1 — Use evidence to construct an explanation relating the speed of an object to the energy of that object
Discover how speed governs kinetic energy and how energy transfers between objects during physical collisions.
📺 Featured Masterclass: What Is Energy? | World's Most Asked Questions by SciShow (4m 30s)
2.2
Wave Properties: Amplitude, Wavelength & Patterns⚡ Video Masterclass Aligned✓ Standard Aligned
NGSS.4-PS4-1 — Develop a model of waves to describe patterns in terms of amplitude and wavelength
Visualize how waves transfer energy through water, air, and space without permanently transporting matter.
📺 Featured Masterclass: What is Sound? | Physics for Kids by SciShow Kids (4m 10s)