EDC: Earth Science | NGSS

Chapter 2
Students learn about droughts in Texas and Tennessee, and consider how access to plentiful and clean water is critical to human survival. They build their knowledge about how water is obtained by reviewing the water cycle and learning the science behind surface and groundwater supplies. After researching case studies from communities around the world, they evaluate where their water comes from and whether their supply could be threatened in the future. 

Chapter 3
Students read a true story about Thor Heyerdahl, the explorer who set sail across the Pacific in the primitive raft Kon-Tiki to prove a theory. Students gather knowledge about the science of ocean currents to decide whether his idea was valid or had no chance of success.

3-4 Weeks

Chapter 4
Students start their exploration of climate by learning about their local climate and comparing it to a chosen travel destination. Students learn how climate is measured and how it affects the flora and fauna of a landscape. They investigate key factors that cause climate to vary around the world.

Chapter 5
Students read about a community in Alaska that is threatened by climate change and research the factors that influence global climate and can cause it to change. They consider whether members of the Alaskan community should move or stay, and prepare recommendations to share.

Chapter 6
Students explore the Earth’s past when climate was very different from today. Students study evidence—recorded in sediments, rocks, and ice—that climate has varied through Earth’s history, and explore the contributing factors to these changes, including human activity and natural factors. 

5-8 weeks

Chapter 8
Students explore Earth’s place in the universe by investigating how planets and solar systems form, gather evidence for the solar nebular theory, and learn about methods for dating the age of Earth and other solar system objects. Later, students conduct a mock trial to examine evidence for the solar nebular condensation theory, and examine line spectra used by astronomers to investigate objects located many light years from Earth.

Chapter 9
Students explore Earth’s internal structure, as well as the movements and changes that occur within the planet that have a profound effect on Earth’s surface. Ultimately, students synthesize their understanding of Earth’s interior by creating a “journey” into the earth, communicating scientific information about what they would encounter along the way.

3-4 weeks

Chapters 10-12

5-7 weeks

Chapters 13-14

3-6 weeks

Chapters 15-16

3-6 Weeks