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Patterns That Carry a Message is a free printable Grade 4 science worksheet on comparing solutions that use patterns to transfer information, aligned to Common Core standard 4-PS4-3. It prints 8 questions with an answer key on its own sheet of paper, in 25 versions that each ask different questions, so no two pupils in the class work from the same page. Print it from the browser or download it as a PDF — no account, no email.

Set 19 of 25 · the same problems every time you open this link.

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Set 1 has all 25 in a single PDF. All 25 sets ask different questions.

Patterns That Carry a Message

4-PS4-3

NameDate

Circle the best answer.

1.Why do some codes repeat each message twice?
  • A.So a missed part can be caught the second time
  • B.To use more battery
  • C.To fill time
2.Two designs send the same message. How would you compare them?
  • A.Measure which is heavier
  • B.Ask which looks better
  • C.Count how often the message arrives correctly
3.Long and short flashes stand for letters. What makes that a code?
  • A.An agreed pattern that stands for information
  • B.The colour of the torch
  • C.The brightness
4.A message arrives with one flash missing. What can happen?
  • A.The message gets shorter
  • B.Nothing changes
  • C.The pattern is misread, so the information is wrong
5.Which is more reliable over a long distance at night?
  • A.A pattern of small taps
  • B.A pattern of bright flashes
  • C.A whispered pattern
6.Which of these transfers information by a pattern?
  • A.A drum beaten in a rhythm that means 'come here'
  • B.A drum left silent
  • C.A drum beaten at random
7.Why is a pattern better than a single signal for sending words?
  • A.Patterns are prettier
  • B.Single signals are illegal
  • C.Different patterns can stand for different things
8.Why must both people know the code before it is used?
  • A.Otherwise the pattern carries no meaning to the receiver
  • B.To save the battery
  • C.To be polite

LessonPrint · 4-PS4-3 · Set 19 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Patterns That Carry a Message

Set 19. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.So a missed part can be caught the second time
  2. 2.Count how often the message arrives correctly
  3. 3.An agreed pattern that stands for information
  4. 4.The pattern is misread, so the information is wrong
  5. 5.A pattern of bright flashes
  6. 6.A drum beaten in a rhythm that means 'come here'
  7. 7.Different patterns can stand for different things
  8. 8.Otherwise the pattern carries no meaning to the receiver

More practice for 4-PS4-3

Compare designs that use patterns to send information.

Teaching this next? Patterns That Carry a Message is the 55-minute plan for it, with the misconceptions to expect.

All Grade 4 worksheets

Last reviewed 2026-09-05. Aligned to 4-PS4-3 of the Next Generation Science Standards.