Earth Science: Digging In

Sample Material

» Table of Contents (PDF)
» What's the Big Question (PDF)
» Learning Set 1 (PDF)

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The Big Question: How do scientists work together to solve problems?

Within the context of Earth science, students explore variables, reliable procedures, fair tests, case studies, models and simulations, and use evidence to construct explanations and make recommendations to answer the Big Question. Through a series of design challenges, students explore the practices of scientists, while learning about such fundamental principles as matter, atoms, molecules, volume, density, erosion and deposition, volcanoes, and rocks and minerals.

Implements STEM initiative
Uses the Engineering Design Cycle

• atoms
• buoyant force
• criteria and constraints
• density
• deposition
• design process
• erosion
• factors that affect erosion

• gravity
• iteration
• lava
• magma
• matter
• minerals
• models and simulations
• molecules

• phenomena
• repeatable
• rock
• rock classification
• trends
• types of lava
• volcanoes
• volume

• asking questions
• cases and case studies
• claims
• control variables
• data
• dependent variable
• designing and measuring procedures
• evidence
• fair test
• inconsistent data
• independent variable

• ingenuity
• iteration
• line plots
• precision
• range of results
• recording observations
• reliability
• replicating results
• standardized procedures
• trials
• variables
• variation

21ST CENTURY SKILLS
Collaboration
Communicating plans and ideas Developing explanations
Finding trends in data
Critical thinking including:

• building on the work of others
• collecting, organizing, and analyzing data
• observations and interpretation using science knowledge
• using evidence to support claims