Cycle 1

In the previous concept, students developed models of Earth’s surface processes to explain the relationship between these processes, sedimentary resources on Earth, and the cycling of matter. Students explained how these processes create unique rock and mineral resources, and connected these resources to their everyday objects.
In this cycle, students will construct an explanation that answers the guiding question: What is the inside of the Earth like? Students begin by exploring the phenomenon of volcanic eruptions, asking questions about them and wondering what might cause these events. They view a model of convection and describe how this model might help explain what is happening with volcanoes. Students read text and watch videos to explore the composition of Earth’s interior and to explain how heat energy from Earth’s core drives cycling of matter on our planet. Students then discuss limitations of models and refine their own model of Earth’s interior and what drives movement of matter in it, based on what they have read and watched.
In the next cycle, students will continue to explore how interior processes cycle matter to create different types of rocks.