4th grade Social Studies practice sheet
California Content Standards · from Gradelings · Name: ______________________
Question 1
Which place is closest to the equator?
- Sacramento (about 38° N)
- Eureka (about 41° N)
- Lake Tahoe (about 39° N)
- San Diego (about 33° N)
San Diego (about 33° N)
Hint: The smaller the latitude, the closer to the equator.
Question 2
Donner Pass is a route through the…
- Mojave Desert
- Sierra Nevada
- Coast Ranges
- Channel Islands
Sierra Nevada
Hint: Wagon trains and railroads crossed here.
Question 3
Many coastal nations used shell beads as…
- roof tiles
- money in trade
- paint
- fishing nets
money in trade
Hint: Shell beads carried value.
Question 4
In 1579, English sea captain Francis Drake landed on…
- the northern California coast
- the Mojave Desert
- Lake Tahoe
- the Colorado River
the northern California coast
Hint: He claimed land for England.
Question 5
The Mexican-American War ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in…
- 1848
- 1776
- 1812
- 1900
1848
Hint: California became US land.
Question 6
Many immigrants from Asia entered the United States through the immigration station on…
- Catalina Island
- Angel Island
- Alcatraz
- Ellis Island in the Pacific
Angel Island
Hint: It is in San Francisco Bay.
Question 7
How many members are in the California State Senate?
- 40
- 435
- 9
- 100
40
Hint: Each senator represents a district.
Question 8
Put these events in order, earliest first.
- Russians build Fort Ross
- Sacramento becomes the capital
- Mission San Diego de Alcalá is founded
- Anza's settlers reach San Francisco Bay
Mission San Diego de Alcalá is founded → Anza's settlers reach San Francisco Bay → Russians build Fort Ross → Sacramento becomes the capital
Hint: In order: Mission San Diego de Alcalá is founded (1769), Anza's settlers reach San Francisco Bay (1776), Russians build Fort Ross (1812), Sacramento becomes the capital (1854).
Question 9
Lines of latitude are also called…
- borders
- contours
- parallels
- meridians
parallels
Hint: They never meet each other.
Question 10
Which river forms part of California's border with Arizona?
- the Russian River
- the Colorado River
- the Sacramento River
- the Klamath River
the Colorado River
Hint: It flows through the Grand Canyon first.
Answer key
- 1. San Diego (about 33° N) (Latitude & Longitude)
- 2. Sierra Nevada (California's Land & Regions)
- 3. money in trade (California Indian Nations)
- 4. the northern California coast (Missions, Presidios & Ranchos)
- 5. 1848 (Gold Rush & Statehood)
- 6. Angel Island (A Growing State)
- 7. 40 (Governing California)
- 8. Mission San Diego de Alcalá is founded → Anza's settlers reach San Francisco Bay → Russians build Fort Ross → Sacramento becomes the capital (California Through Time)
- 9. parallels (Latitude & Longitude)
- 10. the Colorado River (California's Land & Regions)
Want more than 10 questions?
In Gradelings the questions change every time and adjust to your child, with hints and kind feedback. See all social studies units.