Case Study: Middle School Earth Science Lesson Adaptation
Focal Science Practices:
Asking questions
Developing and using models
Planning and carrying out investigations
Analyzing and interpreting data
Using mathematical and computational thinking
Constructing explanations
Engaging in argument from evidence
Obtaining, evaluating and communicating information
Lesson Description:
In this middle school earth science lesson, students are gathering evidence to answer the question: What is causing the average global temperature on Earth to increase? Students will examine data on human population growth, energy consumption, carbon emissions from fossil fuels, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, carbon sources and sinks, volcanic activity, and global temperature to find evidence to construct their arguments.
Related NGSS Performance Expectation:
MS-ESS3-4. Construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth's systems.
Clarification Statement: Examples of evidence include grade-appropriate databases on human populations and the rates of consumption of food and natural resources (such as freshwater, mineral, and energy). Examples of impacts can include changes to the appearance, composition, and structure of Earth’s systems as well as the rates at which they change. The consequences of increases in human populations and consumption of natural resources are described by science, but science does not make the decisions for the actions society takes.
