OGS.4.ESS
Open Global Science Standards 2026™ · 3rd Grade
Earth and Space Sciences: Geology, Atmosphere, Weather, Astronomy, and Geography
Grade3rd Grade
SubjectScience
Levelstrand
Child standards (4)
- OGS.4.ESS.1Compare the physical properties of soils, rocks, and minerals; investigate soil composition (weathered rock particles, air, water, and decomposed organic matter/humus); describe the formation of fossils from trapped remains of ancient living organisms; and explain how rocks and soils serve as essential Earth resources.
- OGS.4.ESS.2Observe, measure, record, and compare day-to-day weather conditions across different locations and seasons (air temperature, precipitation types, wind speed/direction, cloud cover, and atmospheric pressure); use meteorological tools (thermometers, rain gauges, wind vanes, barometers); describe severe weather phenomena (thunderstorms, blizzards, hurricanes, droughts, floods); and apply appropriate safety protocols.
- OGS.4.ESS.3Construct and use models of the Sun-Earth-Moon orbital system to explain day and night, apparent motion of the Sun, variations in shadow length and direction, the four seasons, and lunar phases; identify the order and relative positions of the planets in the Solar System; and compare mass and gravitational weight across planetary bodies.
- OGS.4.ESS.4Identify physical landscape features, landforms (hills, valleys, mountains, plains), bodies of water (springs, rivers, lakes, seas, reservoirs), and tectonic forces shaping relief; read and create simple maps, plans, and sketches with map legends and cardinal directions (North, South, East, West) determined by gnomon shadows, compasses, and geographic bearings.