Introduction: Page 2

Introducing Investigating Earth Systems

Goals and Pedagogy.

Knowing the Earth as a system is extremely important, and is the goal of IES. Once your students begin to understand and appreciate this, the Earth Science components begin to fit into place for them. Throughout all Investigating Earth Systems modules, you will see that the student materials encourage them to think about the Earth System. Upon completing each investigation they are asked to relate what they have learned from the Earth System. They are also asked to make notes of this in their journals. Gradually, they will begin to understand the significance of the Earth System.

Your Students Have Access to the Most Up-to-Date Content.

The American Geological Institute's more than 500,000 Earth scientists worldwide share a common voice. Their mission is to raise public interest of the Earth sciences and the role that they play in mankind's natural resources, mitigation of natural hazards and stewardship of the environment. For more than 50 years, AGI has served scientists, teachers and students with the most accurate information available through their publications and web site.

NSES Content Standard D "Developing Student Understanding"

A major goal of science in the middle grades is for students to develop an understanding of Earth (and the solar system) as a set of closely interrelated systems. The idea of systems provides a framework in which students can investigate the four major interacting components of the Earth system:

• Geosphere (crust, mantle, and core),
• Hydrosphere (water),
• Atmosphere (air), and the
• Biosphere (the realm of living things).