5.1 Strand

Earth’s major systems are the geosphere (solid and molten rock, soil, and sediments), the hydrosphere (water and ice), the atmosphere (air), and the biosphere (living things, including humans). Within these systems, the location of Earth’s land and water can be described. Also, these systems interact in multiple ways. Weathering and erosion are examples of interactions between Earth’s systems. Some interactions cause landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions that impact humans and other organisms. Humans cannot eliminate natural hazards, but solutions can be designed to reduce their impact.

STORYLINE: 5.1.1 Earth's Features

Standard(s) 5.1.1: Analyze and interpret data to describe patterns of Earth’s features. Emphasize most earthquakes and volcanoes occur in bands that are often along the boundaries between continents and oceans while major mountain chains may be found inside continents or near their edges. Examples of data could include maps showing locations of mountains on continents and the ocean floor or the locations of volcanoes and earthquakes. (ESS2.B)

Practices

Analyzing and Interpreting Data Analyzing data in 3–5 builds on K–2 experiences and progresses to introducing quantitative approaches to collecting data and conducting multiple trials of qualitative observations. When possible and feasible, digital tools should be used.

Analyze and interpret data to make sense of phenomena using logical reasoning.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

ESS2.B: Plate Tectonics and Large-Scale System Interactions

The locations of mountain ranges, deep ocean trenches, ocean floor structures, earthquakes, and volcanoes occur in patterns. Most earthquakes and volcanoes occur in bands that are often along the boundaries between continents and oceans. Major mountain chains form inside continents or near their edges. Maps can help locate the different land and water features areas of Earth.

Cross Cutting Concepts

Patterns

Patterns can be used as evidence to support an explanation.

Storyline Narrative

To begin this storyline students will investigate the phenomenon, a volcano rapidly formed in a field in Paricutin. Students will obtain information about a volcano that grew in a field in Paricutin, Mexico over the course of 9 years, destroying the village.

Then students will obtain information about other North American examples of volcano and earthquake activity and mountain ranges to analyze patterns in the data. They will look at volcanoes in the area of Paricutin to understand and reason that the occurrence of that volcano was part of a pattern rather than a random act. From there, students will look at examples and nonexamples of volcanoes, earthquakes, and mountain ranges to further analyze and interpret data to find patterns of Earth’s features. Finally, when given a map with known volcano and/or earthquake occurrences, students identify which location is more likely to have the next occurrence and support their answer using the data from their investigations?

Phenomena Statement

A volcano rapidly formed in a field in Paricutin.

Storyline Matrix

Storyboard Slides

Student Resources

Site Feedback

Utah Science

Curriculum Consortium

Tyson Grover

Annette Nielson

SEEd Storylines

3rd Grade

The third-grade SEEd standards provide a framework for students to analyze and interpret data to reveal patterns that indicate typical weather conditions expected during a particular season. Students develop and use models to describe changes that organisms go through during their life cycle. Students plan and carry out investigations that provide evidence of the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object. Additionally, students design solutions to problems that exist in these areas.

The Utah SEEd Standards is a research-grounded document aimed at providing accurate and appropriate guidance for educators and stakeholders. But above all else, the goal of this document is to provide students with the education they deserve, honoring their abilities, their potential, and their right to utilize scientific thought and skills for themselves and the world that they will build.

Strand 3.1

Weather and Climate Patterns

Strand 3.2

Effects of Traits on Survival

Strand 3.3

Force Effects Motion

Content Courses

Cross Cutting Concepts

Science & Engineering Practices

3rd Grade Writing Team

Annette Nielson

Lead Writer

Davis School District

Liz Wiser

Davis School District

Lisa Bodily

Davis School District

Emily Wride

Davis School District

Sarah Hunt

Davis School District