What is the NGSS & 3 Dimensional Science Learning and Why is it Important?

Science Practices  -  Disciplinary Core Ideas  -  Crosscutting Concepts

HS-ESS1-5: Evidence of Plate Tectonics

Evaluate evidence of the past and current movements of continental and oceanic crust and the theory of plate tectonics to explain the ages of crustal rocks. (Patterns)

Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on the ability of plate tectonics to explain the ages of crustal rocks. Examples include evidence of the ages oceanic crust decreasing with distance from mid-ocean ridges (a result of plate spreading) and the ages of North American continental crust increasing with distance away from a central ancient core (a result of past plate interactions).

Boundary Statement: none

HS-ESS1-6: Evidence of the Earth's History

Apply scientific reasoning and evidence from ancient earth materials, meteorites, and other planetary surfaces to construct an account of earth’s formation and early history. (Stability and Change)

Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on using available evidence within the solar system to reconstruct the early history of Earth, which formed along with the rest of the solar system 4.6 billion years ago. Examples of evidence include the absolute ages of ancient materials (obtained by radiometric dating of meteorites, moon rocks, and Earth’s oldest minerals), the sizes and compositions of solar system objects, and the impact cratering record of planetary surfaces.

Boundary Statement: none

HS-ESS2-1: The Creation of Landforms

Develop a model to illustrate how earth’s internal and surface processes operate at different spatial and temporal scales to form continental and ocean-floor features. (Stability and Change)

Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on how the appearance of land features (such as mountains, valleys, and plateaus) and sea-floor features (such as trenches, ridges, and seamounts) are a result of both constructive forces (such as volcanism, tectonic uplift, and orogeny) and destructive mechanisms (such as weathering, mass wasting, and coastal erosion).

Boundary Statement: Assessment does not include memorization of the details of the formation of specific geographic features of Earth’s surface.