ECOLOGY: INTERACTIONS OF LIVING SYSTEMS & THE ENVIRONMENT
Standard 8.E.5: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the processes that alter the structure of Earth and provide resources for life on the planet.
8.E.5A. Conceptual Understanding: All Earth processes are the result of energy flowing and matter cycling within and among Earth’s systems. Because Earth’s processes are dynamic and interactive in nature, the surface of Earth is constantly changing. Earth’s hot interior is a main source of energy that drives the cycling and moving of materials. Plate tectonics is the unifying theory that explains the past and current crustal movements at the Earth’s surface. This theory provides a framework for understanding geological history.
Performance Indicators: Students who demonstrate this understanding can:
8.E.5A.1 Develop and use models to explain how the processes of weathering, erosion, and deposition change surface features in the environment.
8.E.5A.2 Use the rock cycle model to describe the relationship between the processes and forces that create igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
8.E.5A.3 Obtain and communicate information about the relative position, density, and composition of Earth’s layers to describe the crust, mantle, and core.
8.E.5A.4 Construct explanations for how the theory of plate tectonics accounts for (1) the motion of lithospheric plates, (2) the geologic activities at plate boundaries, and (3) the changes in landform areas over geologic time.
8.E.5A.5 Construct and analyze scientific arguments to support claims that plate tectonics accounts for (1) the distribution of fossils on different continents, (2) the occurrence of earthquakes, and (3) continental and ocean floor features (including mountains, volcanoes, faults and trenches).
8.E.5B. Conceptual Understanding: Natural processes can cause sudden or gradual changes to Earth’s systems. Some may adversely affect humans such as volcanic eruptions or earthquakes. Mapping the history of natural hazards in a region, combined with an understanding of related geological forces can help forecast the locations and likelihoods of future events.
Performance Indicators: Students who demonstrate this understanding can:
8.E.5B.1 Analyze and interpret data to describe patterns in the location of volcanoes and earthquakes related to tectonic plate boundaries, interactions, and hot spots.
8.E.5B.2 Construct explanations of how forces inside Earth result in earthquakes and volcanoes.
8.E.5B.3 Define problems that may be caused by a catastrophic event resulting from plate movements and design possible devices or solutions to minimize the effects of that event on Earth’s surface and/or human structures.
8.E.5C. Conceptual Understanding: Humans depend upon many Earth resources – some renewable over human lifetimes and some nonrenewable or irreplaceable. Resources are distributed unevenly around the planet as a result of past geological processes.
Performance Indicators: Students who demonstrate this understanding can:
8.E.5C.1 Obtain and communicate information regarding the physical and chemical properties of minerals, ores, and fossil fuels to describe their importance as Earth resources.