Interactions Among Earth and Space Systems

Middle School - Earth Science - NGSS

Interactions Among Earth and Space Systems is a two part unit, one that focuses on interactions among Earth systems and one that focuses on interactions among space systems. Interactions Among Earth and Space Systems: Earth Systems is geared toward Middle School students and is designed so that students figure out the phenomenon of large cracks in the Arizona desert and how they are related to human activity. The theme throughout the Earth Systems unit is human impact on Earth’s resources.

Interactions Among Earth and Space Systems: Space Systems is a continuation of Earth Systems with their exploration into space systems and cycles through the lens of a phenomenon of what happens on Earth. Students are engaged in figuring out what causes tidal bores. They begin their exploration into space systems and cycles through trying to figure out the cause of tidal bores on some rivers. They explore the effect of the moon and sun’s gravitational pull on Earth and expand their learning to the moon, planets, and asteroids that are held in orbit by the sun’s gravitational pull on them.

Anchor Phenomenon: Earth Systems: Large cracks are forming in the Arizona desert where large quantities of water are being drawn to the surface for irrigation.

Driving Question: Earth Systems: What is the effect of drawing large quantities of water from groundwater for irrigating a desert? Are we running out of water? Are we running out of stuff?

Anchor Phenomenon: Space Systems: Surfers ride large waves called tidal bores against the river current. Stars appear to shoot across the sky.

Driving Question: Space Systems: What causes the tidal bores to occur and how do they move against the flow of the river? What causes “shooting stars”?

Engineering Design Challenge: Earth Systems: Design and build a model of the effect of drawing water from groundwater. Engage in a Geo-Inquiry activity that explores the water source in their community.