Content Area: Science
Standard: 3. Earth Systems Science
Prepared Graduates:
⦁ Evaluate evidence that Earth’s geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere interact as a complex system
Grade Level Expectation: Seventh Grade
Concepts and skills students master:
1. Major geologic events such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, mid-ocean ridges, and mountain formation are associated with plate boundaries and attributed to plate motions
Evidence Outcomes 21st Century Skills and Readiness Competencies
Students can:
⦁ Gather, analyze, and communicate data that explains Earth’s plates, plate motions, and the results of plate motions (DOK 1-2)
⦁ Identify, interpret, and explain models of plates motions on Earth (DOK 1-3)
⦁ Use maps to locate likely geologic “hot spots”, using evidence of earthquakes and volcanic activity (DOK 1-3)
⦁ Use web-based or other technology tools to show connections and patterns in data about tectonic plate boundaries and earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain formation (DOK 1-2)
Inquiry Questions:
⦁ How can major geologic events be attributed to plate movement?
⦁ What evidence supports the theory of plate tectonics?
⦁ What are the effects of plate movement along plate boundaries?
Relevance and Application:
⦁ Computer models and simulations help us understand and make informed decisions about major geologic events.
⦁ Building codes and emergency plans often reflect natural threats in an area.
Nature of Science:
⦁ Construct a model to demonstrate how plate movement results in geologic events. (DOK 2-3)
⦁ Trace the development of a scientific theory using the theory of plate tectonics. (DOK 2-3)
⦁ Describe the ethical traditions of science: value peer review; truthful reporting of methods and outcomes; making work public; and sharing a lens of professional skepticism when reviewing the work of others. (DOK 1)
Grade Level Expectation: Seventh Grade
Concepts and skills students master:
2. Geologic time, history, and changing life forms are indicated by fossils and successive sedimentation, folding, faulting, and uplifting of layers of sedimentary rock
Evidence Outcomes 21st Century Skills and Readiness Competencies
Students can:
⦁ Describe the geologic time scale and why it is used (DOK 1)
⦁ Identify and describe the impact of major geologic events on life on Earth (DOK 1)
⦁ Identify and describe major events in Earth’s geologic history (DOK 1)
⦁ Use direct and indirect evidence to determine the sequence of events in geologic time (DOK 1-2) Inquiry Questions:
⦁ How can we interpret data from layers of rock?
⦁ What is geologic time?
Relevance and Application:
⦁ Knowledge of Earth’s structure such as knowing where to mine for gold or drill for oil helps humans locate and extract resources.
⦁ Dating fossils absolutely and relatively helps assemble the story of the evolution of life on Earth.
Nature of Science:
⦁ Ask testable questions and make falsifiable hypotheses on the history of the earth and design a method to find an answer. (DOK 2-4)
⦁ Describe how scientists study fossils, and suggest ways that understanding fossil evidence contributed to our knowledge about life on Earth over geologic time. (DOK 2-3)