Exploring Earth's Systems

Overview

In this introductory lesson, 5th grade students will gain a foundational understanding of Earth's four main systems: atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere, and hydrosphere. The lesson focuses on interactive and visual learning appropriate for their developmental level, engaging them in observation, discussion, and creative expression. This is the first lesson in a 30-lesson unit on Earth's Systems.

Standards Alignment

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Correlation (to complement Common Core):

• 5-ESS2-1: Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.
• 5-ESS2-2: Describe and graph the amounts and percentages of water and fresh water in various reservoirs to provide evidence about the distribution of water on Earth.

Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Integration:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.3: Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text based on specific information