Grade 4 Science · Earth and Space Systems
Virginia SOL 4.5.PS
Virginia SOL 4.5.PS is part of the Earth and Space Systems strand in Grade 4 Science (Science). Under this Standards of Learning objective, students investigate planets, their characteristics, and their place in the solar system. Below is what 4.5.PS covers in plain language, the specific skills it is assessed on, the key concepts to review, and how to practice 4.5.PS for the Virginia SOL test.
What SOL 4.5.PS means
Investigate planets, their characteristics, and their place in the solar system.
Skills you’ll practice for 4.5.PS
- Describe how planets rotate on their axes and revolve around the sun.
- Compare characteristics of planets and their specific order in the solar system.
- Compare the sizes of the sun and planets.
Key concepts covered by 4.5.PS
- planetary motion
- rotation
- revolution
- orbital mechanics
- planet characteristics
- solar system order
- planetary comparison
- solar system scale
- planet size
- sun size
How to study and practice SOL 4.5.PS
Start with a quick diagnostic to see whether 4.5.PS is already solid, then work each skill above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see our Virginia SOL practice tests guide and how to study for the SOL test.
Related Grade 4 Science standards in Earth and Space Systems
- 4.4.WP — Investigate weather conditions, phenomena, and their effects on ecosystems and climate prediction.
- 4.6.EMS — Investigate relationships among Earth, the moon, and the sun, including seasons, moon phases, and tides.
- 4.7.OE — Investigate the ocean environment, including geology, water properties, and marine organisms.
Frequently asked questions about SOL 4.5.PS
What is Virginia SOL 4.5.PS?
SOL 4.5.PS is a Grade 4 Science Standard of Learning in the Earth and Space Systems strand. It expects students to investigate planets, their characteristics, and their place in the solar system.
What skills does SOL 4.5.PS cover?
SOL 4.5.PS is assessed on 3 skills: describe how planets rotate on their axes and revolve around the sun; compare characteristics of planets and their specific order in the solar system; compare the sizes of the sun and planets.
What strand of Grade 4 Science is SOL 4.5.PS in?
SOL 4.5.PS belongs to the Earth and Space Systems reporting strand of the Grade 4 Science Virginia Standards of Learning.
How do I study and practice for SOL 4.5.PS?
Start with a diagnostic to see whether 4.5.PS is already solid, then work the 3 skills above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see the Virginia SOL practice tests guide.