Standards Covered:

G.6_12.17 - I can describe the physical processes of Earth's surfaces.

G.6_12.37 - I can analyze, describe, interpret, and identify physical and human characteristics of a region.

Big Ideas:

1. Earth’s movement and the sun’s energy interact to create day and night, temperature changes, and the seasons.

• Earth’s movement affects the amount of energy we receive from the sun.

• Earth's seasons are caused by the planet's tilt.

2. Water is a dominant feature on Earth's surface and is essential for life.

• Salt water and freshwater make up Earth's water supply.

• In the water cycle, water circulates from Earth's surface to the atmosphere and back again.

• Water plays an important role in people's lives

3. Processes below and on Earth's surface shape the planet's physical features.

• Earth's surface is covered by many different landforms.

• Forces below Earth's surface build up our landforms.

• Forces on the planet's surface shape Earth's landforms.

• Landforms influence people's lives and culture.

4. The sun, location, wind, water, and mountains affect weather and climate.

• While weather is short term, climate is a region's average weather over a long period.

• The amount of sun at a given location is affected by Earth's tilt, movement, and shape.

• Wind and water move heat around Earth, affecting how warm or wet a place is.

• Mountains influence temperature and precipitation.

5. Earth's five major climate zones are identified by temperature, precipitation, and plant life.

• Geographers use temperature, precipitation, and plant life to identify climate zones.

• Tropical climates are wet and warm, while dry climates receive little or no rain.

• Temperate climates have the most seasonal change.

• Polar climates are cold and dry, while highland climates change with elevation.

6. Plants, animals, and the environment, including soil, interact and affect one another.

• The environment and life are interconnected and exist in a fragile balance.

• Soils play an important role in the environment.

7. Earth's natural resources have many valuable uses, and their availability affects people in many ways.

• Earth provides valuable resources for our use.

• Energy resources provide fuel, heat, and electricity.

• Mineral resources include metals, rocks, and salt.

• Resources shape people's lives and countries' wealth.

Vocabulary for Module 2:

• Climate

• Geography

• Natural Resources

Notes for Module:

1. Earth's Movement

2. Water on Earth

3. The Land

4. Weather & Climate

5. World Climates

6. Environments & Biomes

7. Natural Resources