Grade 4 Science: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 4 science in the Alberta Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Waste materials need to be managed, and some materials are dangerous.
- Gravity and magnetism are forces that act without touching.
- Earth's land, air, water and living things are connected, and people can help conserve them.
- External structures and sensory organs help organisms survive.
- Objects in space are connected to daily life.
- Design processes solve problems, and data and evidence build scientific knowledge.
Easy ways to practise science at home
- Try a kitchen experiment, such as what dissolves in water and what floats or sinks.
- Keep a simple weather or moon log for a month.
- Ask “What do you think will happen?” and then test it.
- Visit a park, beach or creek and look for living things and their habitats.
What each unit covers
Waste & Dangerous Materials
Children compare ways to manage waste (landfills, recycling, composting, repairing and reusing), plan to cut their own waste, and learn hazard symbols and why dangerous household materials need an adult and safe disposal.
Gravity & Magnets
Gravity pulls objects toward Earth. Magnets have a north and south pole; like poles repel and unlike poles attract. Children learn which materials are magnetic and that non-contact forces get weaker with distance.
Earth's Systems
Earth's land (lithosphere), air (atmosphere), water (hydrosphere) and living things (biosphere) interact. Children learn how the Sun warms Earth, why sunlight differs by place and season, and why water matters to every living thing.
Resources & Conservation
Natural resources such as water, soil, trees, oil and farm crops meet human needs. Children learn how changes in one system affect others, how parks protect land and animals, and how people, communities and Indigenous communities conserve resources.
Sense & Respond
How people, animals and plants sense and respond to their environment: the nervous system, reflexes, special animal senses and plant responses to light, gravity and touch.
Space & the Sky
The Sun is a star; the Moon and planets reflect its light. Children learn safe sky watching, constellations, the North Star, tools for viewing space, and how lunar and standard calendars differ.
Design & Computational Thinking
Children practise the steps of design (name a problem, brainstorm, build a prototype, test, improve) and basic computer-science ideas such as algorithms, loops and debugging.
Evidence & Data
Children tell observations from inferences, plan fair tests, record data, and see how evidence supports or changes an idea. This also builds the skills used in every other science unit.
What the report card levels look like at home
- Beginning
- Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
- Approaching
- Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practising the tricky parts.
- Meeting
- Has it! Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Exceeding
- Applies it confidently, even in new or harder situations. Try challenge mode and real-life problems.
Your child’s teacher decides the level on the report card. Read the Alberta report card guide.
Common questions
How can I help my Grade 4 child with science?
Try a kitchen experiment, such as what dissolves in water and what floats or sinks. Keep a simple weather or moon log for a month. Keep sessions short, about 10 to 15 minutes, and stop on a success.
What does my child learn in Grade 4 science in Alberta?
The Alberta Curriculum Grade 4 science units include waste & dangerous materials, gravity & magnets, earth's systems, resources & conservation, sense & respond, space & the sky.
Free printable Grade 4 science practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.