Need 4th grade science test prep activities? Science is becoming more and more rigorous for our elementary students over the past few years. They are expected to learn all of the complex academic vocabulary, perform hands-on labs and stem challenges, and be able to connect ideas to one another.
Anytime I explain to one of my mom friends what type of work I do, they get so shocked at how much the students are learning at such young ages.
Most students get so excited about learning science and doing the hands-on assignments, but when it comes down to reviewing the science concepts and vocabulary, they are less than thrilled.
You may also be drawing blanks on how to get science reviews to be fun and exciting for your students before they end a unit or dive head-first into end-of-year testing!
4th Grade Science test prep doesn’t have to be dry and boring! Over my years of teaching the NGSS standards, I’ve come up with lots of strategies to make science review and prep more fun. One of my favorites is using task cards to teach and review science.
Do you want to use task cards, but don’t know where to begin with your classroom management first? Read this blog post on how I structure my expectations as a STEM teacher.
What are task cards?
Go into any lower elementary classroom, and you will see task cards! They are very popular amongst lower-grade teachers, but they are making their way to popularity in upper-grade classrooms as well. They are a set of cards about one topic with visuals and a question. In math class, you will see one math problem on each card. In ELA, you may see a grammar question on a card.
Usually, the deck of cards includes anywhere from 20-40 cards, and they are all about a single topic of review.
The questions can vary in complexity. They can be true/false, short answers, multiple-choice, or fill in the blank.
Why Use Task Cards for 4th Grade Science Test Prep?
Students are tired of seeing and working on worksheets. These task cards are such a great alternative to the basic worksheet. Also, students feel like they’re playing a game as they hold the card in their hands.
In addition, students are also very focused on task cards because there is only a question on each card. Each of the task cards are highly effective for your most distracted students. Also, they remove overwhelm for the students because students only have access to one card at a time. During the activity, they complete the question and then pick up the new card from the deck of cards.
Students can also play a highly engaging game called Scoot using the task cards to review science. There is a card set at each student’s desk. Students are expected to stand up, answer the question, and move to the next seat once the teacher exclaims “Scoot.” This gets the students up and moving, and this type of science review is one your students will constantly ask for over and over again.
Read this blog post to see all the ways you can use Task Cards for 4th grade science test prep.
How Can I Use Task Cards for 4th Grade Science Test Prep?
You can use task cards in many ways. Students can use them as games, center activities, or even for independent practice. I have used them in my classes as both morning work and exit tickets. That’s when they work on 1-3 task cards a day to review what they’re learning in science class. These task cards are also great for early finishers. You can print a few sets for each of the units you are working on. If students complete their work, they can walk over to the early finisher bin and pick up the deck of cards to work on.
Once you print your cards, laminate them, cut them, and place them in either bags or storage boxes. This way, they can be used for years to come.
Which Science Topics Can You Review with Task Cards?
Use task cards for any and all of your science (or other content areas) lessons! I have used them in a wide variety of grade levels, subjects, and science topics.
If you’re considering teaching or reviewing the engineering design process before doing any stem challenges, this set is perfect.
If you’re reviewing any of the 4th-grade NGSS standards, you can create or use these decks. It can even be used in 5th grade using these cards.
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If you are teaching 4th grade NGSS or upper elementary science, you will need these 30+ writing prompts! They are the perfect way to incorporate science into ELA or writing into science!
