Download Grade Level - Research 2

Grade Level: Elementary
Big Idea: Processes That Change the Earth
Knowledge
Reasoning
Slow processes include weathering and
erosion
Describe the processes that change
surface of the earth
Fast processes include landslides,
volcanic eruptions and earthquakes
Compare the factors that contribute to
the earth's surface changing
Explain the consequences of both fast
and slow changes
Skills
Products
Grade Level: 6th Grade
Big Idea: Processes That Change the Earth
Knowledge
Reasoning
Skills
List the steps in the rock cycle
Classify rocks based on their physical
properties
Use models to investigate the
properties of rocks
Identify the difference between rocks
and minerals (properties)
Classify various landforms as created by
constructive or deconstructive forces
Observe natural properties
and characteristics of
landforms
Define and identify constructive forces
(crustal deformation, faulting, volcanic
eruption, deposition of sediment)
Predict nature of landforms that are
affected by constructive/deconstructive
forces
Define and identify deconstructive
forces (weathering, erosion)
Infer what landforms will look like in the
future based on past events
Explain that total amount of material
that makes up Earth is constant and
constantly changing (conservation of
mass/matter)
Products
Grade Level: 7th Grade
Big Idea: Earth Processes
Knowledge
Reasoning
Describe the physical properties of the
three main layers of the earth's interior
Analyze the data from S and P waves to
interpret layered composition of the
earth's interior
Identify the earth processes used to
create the model of the earth's interior
Evaluate several models of earth's
interior based on evidence
Know that models are useful, but are
open to revision or rejection as new info
is obtained
Explain the purpose of using data and
observations to create models
Recognize that the interactions
between the layers impact both the
earth and its organisms
Know that movement of lithospheric
plates causes volcanoes and
earthquakes
Skills
Products
Grade Level: 8th Grade
Big Idea: Processes That Change Earth
Knowledge
Reasoning
Skills
I can explain how old the earth and
solar system are
Compare fast and slow changes to the
earth's surface
Investigate geological dating
techniques
I can identify processes that shape the
earth
Evaluate geological dating techniques
Investigate the forces
responsible for changes on
earth
Identify the data that supports the
accepted age of the earth/solar system
Predict the age of rocks and fossils
based on data and models
Observe models that show
the age of rocks/fossils
Identify a variety of landforms found on
earth
Observe convection current
in liquids
Describe various techniques for
estimating geological time
Model the movement of
molten rock in the earth
Explain how heat flow in the mantle
causes changes in the crust
Describe heat transfer inside the earth
Products
Grade Level: High School
Big Idea: Processes That Change the Earth
Knowledge
Reasoning
Skills
Identify reliable sources on information
Distinguish between theory, hypothesis, and
law
Research using reliable sources
Form an operational definition of theory
Describe the theory of plate tectonics
Explain the theory of plate tectonics
List the evidence that supports plate
tectonic theory
Know that plate tectonic theory is accepted
by the scientific community
Explain early (prior) explanations for earth
changes
Explain examples of biological (incl. humans)
consequences of plate movement
Explain examples of geological
consequences of plate movement (e.g.,
shape and location of continents,
earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis)
Identify evidence which supports
continental drift
Explain how seismic waves travel
Explain how seismic waves transfer energy
Explain wave behavior (seismic)
Understand (explain?) that the density
differences inside the mantle result in
convection currents
Identify rapid/slow changes
Understand that rapid/slow changes impact
living organisms
Evaluate the evidence as support for plate
tectonic theory
Predict consequences of mantle convection
currents on humans and other living things
Compare/contrast types of seismic (P and S)
waves
Compare/contrast rapid and slow changes
Predict wave behavior (seismic)
Research the historical rise in
acceptance of the theory of
plate tectonics
Research the geological and
biological consequences of plate
movement
Investigate waves
Investigate rules describing
wave behavior
Investigate energy transfer via
waves
Investigate wave behavior
(seismic)
Products