Earth Systems

Grade Level: 5th

Subject: Science

Time Frame: 4 weeks (February/March)

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Essential Questions

 

- what are the four major systems that make up our Earth and how do they interact?
- what are the four layers of the Earth and what are the characteristics of each?
- what are the components of our atmosphere and how is the atmosophere affected by animals and plants?
- where is the water on Earth located? How much of this water is usable by humans?
- what effect does ocean water have on the nearby land?

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By the end of the unit, students will know:

 

- earth is a nonliving object that is made up of four major systems
- the earth's geosphere is composed of four distinct layers
- animals and plants rely on each other to create the gases needed for survival
- the ozone layer protects us from the Earth's harmful UV rays
- the vast majority of water on Earth is salt water and unusable. Most of the water that is usable is trapped in glaciers
- areas that are near water will have milder climate changes because the ocean will slowly absorb and release heat

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By the end of the unit, students will be able to:

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- explain the four major systems of the Earth based on distinct characteristics
- explain the relationship between plants and animals when it comes to the production of oxygen and carbon dioxide 
- describe how life on Earth would be different if the ozone layer continues to be depleted
- interpret and create graphs that represent the location of both salt and fresh water on Earth
- analyze lab results that suggest that areas near water will see milder temperature fluctuations than areas that are further inland

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Topics

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- geosphere
- atmosphere
- hydrosphere
- biosphere
- human interactions with each sphere
- interactions between spheres
- survival based on factors impacting different spheres 

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Standards

ESS2.A, ESS2.C