Transcript Investigating Earth Systems - American Geosciences Institute

Program Overview
Investigating Earth
Systems
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Investigating Earth Systems
Modular, 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-Assessment
Seven Investigations
Final Product and Presentation
Back to the Beginning
Summative Assessment
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Investigation Structure:
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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
Conduct an
investigation
Seek alternative
explanations
Collect and
review data
using tools
Use evidence to
develop ideas
Show evidence
and reasons to
others
Design an
investigation
Consider
evidence for
explanations
Use mathematics
for science
inquiry
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Sharing Results:
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Earth System Connection:
Atmosphere
Biosphere
All students should
develop an
understanding of
Earth as a set of
closely interrelated
systems:
(NSES, 1996)
Geosphere Hydrosphere
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Assessment Tools
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Pre- and Post-Assessments
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Sample Rubrics for Assessing:
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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
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