GRADE 7 SCIENCE
Unit 8: Earth Systems - 30 Days
Performance Expectations
Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence from rock strata for how the geologic time scale is used to organize Earth’s 4.6-billion-year-old history.
Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth’s materials and the flow of energy that drives this process.
Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth’s surface at varying time and spatial scales.
Analyze and interpret data on the distribution of fossils and rocks, continental shapes, and seafloor structures to provide evidence of the past plate motions.
Assessment (Required)
Performance Task and Writing Prompt on Pg. 7 Students develop a rock cycle model using crayons, sugar cubes, or other suitable material.Standards
ESS1-4 ESS2-1 ESS2-2 ESS2-3
Detailed Unit Plans
ESS1-4 Geologic Timescale
ESS2-1 Earth's Materials
ESS 2-2 Earth's Surface
ESS 2-3 Plates
Essential Questions
How do people figure out that the Earth and life on Earth have changed over time?
How does the movement of tectonic plates affect the surface of Earth?
How do the materials in and on Earth’s crust change over time?
What scientific evidence found in rock strata can be used to explain how the geologic time scale is used to organize Earth’s 4.6-billion-year-old history?
What drives the cycling of Earth’s materials?
How have geoscience processes changed Earth’s surface at varying time and spatial scales?
How does the distribution of fossils and rocks, continental shapes, and seafloor structures provide evidence of past plate motions?