1 Investigating Earth Systems Program Overview

2 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.

3 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.

4 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.

5 Module Structure  Pre-Assessment  Seven Investigations  Final Product and Presentation  Back to the Beginning  Summative Assessment

6 Investigation Structure: Key Question Investigate Student Presentations Digging Deeper Review and Reflect The Earth System Connection

7 The Student Journal: Students keep a record of… Initial ideas Research designs Observations Results New questions Connections to the Earth’s systems

8 Starting Inquiry With a Key Question

9 Promoting Scientific Inquiry: Form questions to answer by inquiry Collect and review data using tools Design an investigation Conduct an investigation Use evidence to develop ideas Consider evidence for explanations Seek alternative explanations Show evidence and reasons to others Use mathematics for science inquiry

10 Sharing Results:

11 Earth System Connection: All students should develop an understanding of Earth as a set of closely interrelated systems: (NSES, 1996) Geosphere Hydrosphere Atmosphere Biosphere

12 Assessment Tools Pre- and Post-Assessments Sample Rubrics for Assessing:  Inquiry  Understanding of Content  Earth’s Systems Connections  Journal Entries  Participation in Inquiry  Final Projects Module Exams

13 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