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.
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?
Site Feedback
Utah Science
Curriculum Consortium
Tyson Grover
Annette Nielson
Standard 6.2.1
Develop models to show that molecules are made of different kinds, proportions and quantities of atoms. Emphasize understanding that there are differences between atoms and molecules, and that certain combinations of atoms form specific molecules. Examples of simple molecules could include water (H2O), atmospheric oxygen (O2), and carbon dioxide (CO2).
Practices
Developing and Using Models
-
Develop and use a model to describe phenomena
Disciplinary Core Ideas
PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter
-
Substances are made from different types of atoms, which combine with one another in various ways. Atoms form molecules that range in size from two to thousands of atoms.
-
Solids may be formed from molecules, or they may be extended structures with repeating subunits (e.g., crystals).
Cross Cutting Concepts
Proportion and Quantity
-
Time, space, and energy phenomena can be observed at various scales using models to study systems that are too large or too small.
Standard 6.2.2
Practices
Developing and Using Models
-
Develop and use a model to describe phenomena
Disciplinary Core Ideas
PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter
-
Gases and liquids are made of molecules or inert atoms that are moving about relative to each other. Widely spaced (gas), closely spaced (liquid), static (solid)
-
The changes of state that occur with variations in temperature or pressure can be described and predicted using these models of matter.
PS3.A: Definitions of Energy
-
The term “heat” as used in everyday language refers both to thermal energy (the motion of atoms or molecules within a substance) and the transfer of that energy.
-
The temperature of a system is proportional to the average internal kinetic energy and potential energy per atom or molecule.
Cross Cutting Concepts
Cause and Effect
-
Cause and effect relationships may be used to predict phenomena in natural or designed systems.
Standard 6.2.3
Plan and carry out an investigation to determine the relationship between temperature, the amount of heat transferred, and the change of average particle motion in various types or amounts of matter. Emphasize recording and evaluating data, and communicating the results of the investigation.
Practices
Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
-
Plan an investigation individually and collaboratively, and in the design: identify independent and dependent variables and controls, what tools are needed to do the gathering, how measurements will be recorded, and how many data are needed to support a claim.
Disciplinary Core Ideas
PS3.A: Definitions of Energy
-
Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles of matter. The relationship between the temperature and the total energy of a system depends on the types, states, and amounts of matter present.
PS3.B: Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer
-
The amount of energy transfer needed to change the temperature of a matter sample by a given amount depends on the nature of the matter, the size of the sample, and the environment.
Cross Cutting Concepts
Energy and Matter
-
Energy may take different forms (e.g. energy in fields, thermal energy, energy of motion).
-
The transfer of energy can be tracked as energy flows through a designed or natural system.
Standard 6.2.4
Design an object, tool, or process that minimizes or maximizes the transfer of thermal energy. Identify criteria and constraints, develop a prototype for iterative testing, analyze data from testing, and propose modifications for optimizing the design solution. Emphasize demonstrating how the structure of differing materials allows them to function as either conductors or insulators.
Practices
Designing Solutions
-
Apply scientific ideas or principles to design, construct, and test a design of an object, tool, process or system.
Disciplinary Core Ideas
PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter
-
Substances are made from different types of atoms, which combine with one another in various ways. Atoms form molecules that range in size from two to thousands of atoms.
-
Solids may be formed from molecules, or they may be extended structures with repeating subunits (e.g., crystals).
Cross Cutting Concepts
Structure and Function
-
Structures can be designed to serve particular functions by taking into account properties of different materials, and how materials can be shaped and used.