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Investigating Earth Systems

Program Overview

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Investigating Earth SystemsModular, inquiry-based Earth science curriculum

Driven by the National Science Education Standards and Project 2061 Benchmarks for Science Literacy

Developed by Earth science experts and classroom teachers through the American Geological Institute

Published by It’s About Time

Includes materials kits, teacher guides, web sites, and professional development to support teachers.

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IES Students…

Learn the principles and practices of Earth science.

Hypothesize, experiment, reflect, and analyze.

Develop an understanding of how the Earth works as a set of systems.

Appreciate the relevance of Earth science to their lives and the environment.

Work collaboratively with other students to solve problems.

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The Big Picture:Earth is a set of closely linked systems.

Earth's processes are powered by two sources; the Sun and Earth's own inner heat.

The geology of Earth is dynamic, and has evolved over 4.5 billion years.

The geological evolution of Earth has left a record of its history that geoscientists interpret.

We depend upon Earth's resources-both mined and grown.

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Module Structure

Pre-AssessmentSeven InvestigationsFinal Product and PresentationBack to the BeginningSummative Assessment

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Investigation Structure: Key Question Investigate Student Presentations Digging Deeper Review and Reflect The Earth System

Connection

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The Student Journal:Students keep a record of… Initial ideas Research designs Observations Results New questions Connections to the Earth’s systems

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Starting Inquiry With a Key Question

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Promoting Scientific Inquiry:

Form questions to answer by

inquiry

Collect and review data using tools

Design an investigation

Conduct an investigation

Use evidence to develop ideas

Consider evidence for explanations

Seek alternative explanations

Show evidence and reasons to

others

Use mathematics for science

inquiry

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Sharing Results:

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Earth System Connection:

All students should develop an understanding of Earth as a set of closely interrelated systems:(NSES, 1996)

Geosphere Hydrosphere

Atmosphere Biosphere

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Assessment Tools Pre- and Post-Assessments

Sample Rubrics for Assessing: Inquiry Understanding of Content Earth’s Systems Connections Journal Entries Participation in Inquiry Final Projects

Module Exams

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The Nine Modules

Investigating Soil

Investigating Minerals and

Materials

Investigating Rocks and Landforms

Investigating Oceans

Investigating Climate and

Weather

Investigating Water as a Resource

Investigating Fossils

Investigating Our Dynamic Planet

Investigating Energy

Resources