lhs-FOSS: Earth Science Strand Matrix

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(Full Option Science System)

EARTH SCIENCE STRAND MATRIX
Grade Level	Module	Science Concepts	Thinking Processes	Module Overview
6-8	Planetary Science Course	Solar system Planet Satellite Crater Atmosphere Scale Orbit Revolution Rotation Day and night Interaction Change	Inferring Relating Organizing Comparing Communicating Observing	Students study the Earth as a celestial object before progressing to lunar science and lunar exploration, and then on to the solar system. They explore the Moon’s origin, phases and geology, celestial motions, cratering, imaging, and space exploration.
	Earth History Course	Erosion Deposition Sedimentation Lithification Index fossil Rock formation Landform Prehistoric environment Evidence		Students investigate rocks and fossils to discover clues that reveal Earth’s history. They explore Grand Canyon rocks and fossils, the processes that created them, and compare evidence discovered in rocks to present day processes and life.
	Weather and Water Course	Heat Radiation Conduction Convection Density Pressure Condensation Water cycle Drainage basin Climate		Students investigate the properties of Earth’s atmosphere and the processes that produce weather, including energy transfer, atmospheric pressure, and water cycle. Students collect and analyze local and global weather data.
5-6	Landforms Module	Contour Erosion Deposition Elevation Landform Map Model Point of view Slope Topography	Relating Organizing Comparing Communicating Observing	Students investigate variables that influence erosion and deposition and the subsequent creation of landforms and create topographic maps as a means to represent landforms.
5-6	Solar Energy Module	Absorb Change Energy transfer Heat sink Insulation Orientation Reflect Shadow Solar Energy Surface Area	Relating Organizing Comparing Communicating Observing	Students study the relationship between the sun, an object, and the shadow it casts. They set up experiments to discover which variables influence the transfer of solar energy.
3-4	Earth Materials Module	Earth material Crystal Geology Mineral Rock Property	Advanced Organizing Comparing Communicating Observing	Students examine rocks in detail and discover that rocks are made of combinations of minerals. They identify rocks and minerals by observing their properties, e.g. color and hardness.
3-4	Water Module	Change Cycle Condensation Earth material Evaporation Liquid Solid Property Surface tension	Advanced Organizing Comparing Communicating Observing	Students examine the properties of water as solid, liquid, and gas. They discover what happens to water as it is heated, cooled, frozen, evaporated, and allowed to interact with other materials.
1-2	Pebbles, Sand, and Silt Module	Earth material Rock Mixture Particles Soil	Beginning Organizing Comparing Communicating Observing	Students study the properties of rocks and soil. They group and seriate rocks, learning simple ways by which earth materials can be organized.
1-2	Air and Weather Module	Air Gas Lift Pressure Propulsion Temperature Weather Wind	Beginning Organizing Comparing Communicating Observing	Students study the properties of air. They examine its effects on other materials and use basic tools to gather information about air and weather.
K	Paper, Wood, and Fabric Modules	Materials Structures Change	Comparing Communicating Observing	Students observe, compare, and describe wood, paper, and fabric, and find out what happens when these materials interact with other materials.

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