Virginia SOL 4.7.b

Science4th GradeEarth and Space Systems

The Standard

physical properties and movement of ocean water

Virginia Standards of Learning for Science

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students describe ocean water using traits such as salt content, temperature, and density. They distinguish waves, tides, and currents by how the water moves and what causes the motion.
What Mastery Looks Like: Students can identify waves, tides, and currents in diagrams or short examples. They can explain that ocean conditions vary by location and depth.
Common Misconceptions: Students may call every ocean movement a wave or think tides are caused by wind. They may also think ocean temperature and salt content are the same everywhere.
How to Assess It: Give students three labeled sketches showing a wave, a tide, and a current. Ask them to describe each movement and name one cause.

Lesson moves

Use a tray of water, a fan, and floating paper dots to model how wind moves surface water.
Ask students to write how a wave, tide, and current would affect a floating beach ball differently.
Have pairs sort scenario cards into waves, tides, or currents, then explain one choice to the class.
Read a local beach forecast and identify how water temperature, tides, waves, and currents could affect swimmers or boaters.

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A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 4.7.b, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.

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