Cycle 1

Prior to this earth science module, in the lower elementary grades, students have been introduced to the idea that things people do can affect the environment, but they can make choices to reduce their impacts. In the upper elementary grades, students have explored Earth’s systems (the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere) and natural resources, ways that humans use natural resources, human impacts on Earth systems, and how humans can change behaviors to reduce impacts on the environment (Unit 22).

In this cycle, students will construct an explanation that answers the guiding question: How has the way humans use Earth’s surface changed over time? What is the relationship between increases in human population, per capita consumption and land use changes on Earth? This cycle sets the foundation for understanding the module driving question: How can I as a student design a solution to an environmental problem in my local community? To begin with students will observe a phenomena to consider how the Earth’s surface has changed over time and the relationship between human activities and these changes. Students will gather information from video and simulation resources to observe patterns between population growth over time and land use changes over time. They will explore historical events to determine the relationship between population growth, the consumption of natural resources, technological advances, and changes in land use. Students will obtain information from a story map, model, and case study to further develop explanations regarding this relationship. They will deepen their understanding by considering how land use changes have impacted Earth systems. They will utilize the evidence gathered throughout the cycle to construct an argument about how population growth, the consumption of natural resources, and technological advances will affect changes in land use in the future.

In the next cycle students will develop and use models to explore the causal relationship between land use change and water quality on Earth. Students will examine human environmental impacts on water quality, and assess, design and evaluate solutions that could reduce the impact of human activity on water quality.