TEKS Addressed: 7.1A, 7.1B, 7.2A, 7.2C, 7.2E, 7.3A, 7.3B, 7.3C, 7.4A, 7.4B, 7.6A, 7.8A, 7.8B, 7.8C

Introduction

This unit bundles Student Expectations relating to how natural events and human activity can impact Earth systems.

Prior to this Unit

• Grade 3

  • 3.7A – Explore and record how soils are formed by weathering of rock and the decomposition of plant and animal remains.

  • 3.7B – Investigate rapid changes in Earth's surface such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and landslides.

• Grade 4

  • 4.7B – Observe and identify slow changes to Earth's surface caused by weathering, erosion, and deposition from water, wind, and ice.

• Grade 5

  • 5.7A – Explore the processes that led to the formation of sedimentary rocks and fossil fuels.

  • 5.7B – Recognize how landforms such as deltas, canyons, and sand dunes are the result of changes to Earth's surface by wind, water, and ice.

• Grade 7

  • 7.6A – Distinguish between physical and chemical changes in matter.

During this Unit

Students use scientific practices and a variety of tools to investigate and analyze the effects of weathering, erosion, and deposition on the environment in ecoregions of Texas. They also predict and describe how catastrophic events such as floods, hurricanes, or tornadoes impact ecosystems. Students model the effects of human activity on groundwater and surface water in a watershed. They identify changes as physical or chemical. Additionally, students communicate and discuss their observations and record and organize data in their notebooks. Furthermore, students analyze and interpret information to construct reasonable explanations based on evidence from their investigations and communicate valid conclusions (supported by collected data). Students continue to demonstrate safe practices as outlined in Texas Education Agency-approved safety standards and consider environmentally appropriate and ethical practices with resources during investigations.

After this Unit

In Grade 8, students will interpret topographic maps and satellite views to identify land and erosional features and predict how these features may be reshaped by weathering.