Overview

Students observe the properties of rocks of various sizes and study the components of soil, study the results of weathering and erosion, locate natural sources of water, and determine how to represent the shapes and kinds of land and bodies of water on Earth. Students use simple tools to observe, describe, analyze, and sort solid earth materials and learn how the properties of the materials are suited to different purposes. Students explore how wind and water change the shape of the land and compare ways to slow the process of erosion. Students learn about the important role that earth materials have as natural resources.

Anchoring Phenomenon/Event

How do we (people) use rocks to make our lives better?

Essential Question

Earth material—the solid rock and liquid water that we observe on Earth’s surface – are everywhere. The guiding question for this investigation is what are properties of rocks and how do they change?

The documents below have been created to help consider the FOSS materials in the context of the Next Generation Science Standards. We recommend you review, at the very least, the following documents:

• Unit Guide - A summary of materials, sequencing and content for the module.

• Storyline - An overview of the sequencing and reasons for the various activities

• Assessment - A collection of assessment tools including what to look for as students work on the activities.