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Earth Science Curriculum

Earth Science Curriculum

$450.00

A complete Earth Science curriculum differentiated for middle school students. Provides quality science education for traditional classrooms, digital settings and homeschooling families. Aligned with Earth Science NGSS across multiple grade-bands to allow for remediation, targeted and honors instruction.

Includes:
• 141 Lessons
• 64 Labs
• Review Materials & Summative Assessments
• BONUS Nature of Science Teaching Materials

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Description

This resource is being upgraded! See what is coming to ALL my resources: https://bit.ly/32AmRKr

About this Curriculum
This curriculum includes teaching materials differentiated for grades 6-8:
• Editable Presentations, Notes and Exams
• Printable and Digital Interactive Notebooks
• SNAPs Lab Station Activities
• Bell Ringers, Homework and Task Cards Tiered to Bloom’s Taxonomy
• Reading Passages with Text-Based Evidence Comprehension Questions
• Vocabulary Builders & Word Wall
• High Yield Review Sorts & Activities
• Differentiated Course and Unit Planning Guides

Important Notes:
• Download a FREE Unit Bundle to learn more about all my products.
• View an interactive pacing guide to review my curricula: https://bit.ly/3YhdU4C

Why invest in a curriculum from Stephanie Elkowitz?
★ An exceptional value for a comprehensive, ready-to-use curriculum
★ A one-time purchase grants you lifetime access to superior teaching materials
★ All future updates and iterations included. No additional purchase required.
★ Authentic alignment to NGSS. Thoughtful connections to math and ELA CCSS.
★ Quality FREE teaching tools to help your students at my site. No ads. No fees.
★ The most recent updates include beautiful, accurate, exclusive illustrations
★ Resources will inspire you and students to take pride in teaching and learning

DIGITAL RESOURCES
This bundle includes modified files that facilitate online – distance learning:
• Fillable slides designed to work with Google Slides and Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Digital task cards and assessments designed with Google Forms.

Important Notes about Fillable Slides:
• Digital assignments work seamlessly with Google Slides: WATCH ME
• Each assignment is saved as an individual file with the key removed.
• Digital assignments CANNOT be edited. Only the text boxes or forms can be manipulated.

All Digital resources can be shared via platforms that are password-protected or accessible only to students.

This curriculum includes 13 Earth Science units:
• Climate and Biomes Unit Bundle
• Earth, Moon and Celestial Cycles Unit Bundle
• Earth’s History Unit Bundle
• Earth’s Systems Unit Bundle
• Human Impact Unit Bundle
• Mapping Earth and Landforms Unit Bundle
• Natural Resources Unit Bundle
• Rocks and Minerals Unit Bundle
• Slow and Rapid Changes to Earth Unit Bundle
• Soil Unit Bundle
• Structure of the Universe Unit Bundle
• Tectonic Plates Unit Bundle
• Weather Unit Bundle

BONUS – NATURE OF SCIENCE TEACHING MATERIALS
This download also includes Nature of Science Teaching Materials:
• Understanding the Nature of Science Mini Unit Bundle
• Scientific Method and Science Practices Mini Unit Bundle
• Lab Safety, Lab Tools & Lab Skills Mini Unit Bundle
• Engineering Mini Unit Bundle

The following resources are included in this curriculum:

POWERPOINTS, NOTES & EXAMS
These resources are designed to help you deliver, discuss and assess science content. There are three teaching tools included with each PowerPoint product in this curriculum:
• PowerPoint Presentation (differentiated and editable slides)
• Scaffolded Notes (differentiated and editable, scaffolded and modified notes included)
• Summative Examination (differentiated and editable, answer key included)

These resources include PPTX and DOCX files that work with Microsoft PowerPoint and Word AND Google App files adapted to work with Google Slides and Docs. Digital, self-grading summative assessments made with Google Forms are included. Google App resources must be accessed using the Google Drive for Desktop App. Fonts are safe for use with Microsoft Office and Google Apps.

To upload Google App files to your Google Drive, use the Google Drive for Desktop App. You CANNOT directly upload the folders of lessons to your Google Drive within a web browser. Written and video directions included and can be viewed in a web browser: https://bit.ly/3RKqELd. Link to view my drive and manually make copies of Google App files included. 

INTERACTIVE NOTEBOOK UNITS
My interactive notebooks are comprehensive lessons. Each lesson includes:
• One page of input notes
• At least one INB activity (key included)
• A 4-5 question mini assessment (key included)
• A 2-part reflection exercise
• Editable copies of input notes are included as separate docx files

The digital interactive notebook is the counterpart to the printable INB unit. Each lesson includes one page of editable input notes, a digital INB activity, a digital quiz and a two-part formative reflection. Digital quizzes made with Google Forms – force-copy links provided.

BELL RINGERS (DAILY WARMUPS OR EXIT SLIPS)
These differentiated and tiered 3-part activities are designed to “warmup” students at the beginning of a lesson. The bell ringers align with the interactive notebook chapters for each respective unit. Full and half page printing options and key included. Fillable slides that can be used with Google slides and Microsoft PowerPoint included.

HOMEWORK
These differentiated and tiered 3-part assignments are designed to be a 15 to 20 minute at-home or independent activity. The assignments align with the interactive notebook chapters for each respective unit. They are best used following an INB lesson. Key included. Fillable slides that can be used with Google slides and Microsoft PowerPoint included.

READING PASSAGES
These differentiated reading passages with text-based evidence comprehension questions can be used a variety of ways, including close reading in the classroom, preparation for SNAPs labs or homework. Reading passages align with the interactive notebook chapters for each respective unit. Key included. Fillable slides that can be used with Google slides and Microsoft PowerPoint included.

IMMERSIVE READER
This resource includes reading passages that can be read to a student with Microsoft’s Immersive Reader. Immersive-Reader compatible passages are read-only word documents accessed in a web browser. Internet access required. Students are provided links to the Immersive Reader compatible passages in the printable and digital versions of each activity.

Immersive Reader is a FREE Microsoft educational tool. You do NOT need a Microsoft account to access this tool in a web browser. Learn more about Immersive Reader HERE.

Immersive Reader can:
• Read the entire passage to a student
• Help pronounce individual words in a passage as a student reads
• Translate the entire passage or individual words in the passage for ESL students
• Change the font, text color and background color for students with visual impairments

Additional Notes
• Written and video instructions for students are included: http://safesha.re/ppk
• Download a FREE unit of Immersive Reader compatible reading passages HERE.

VOCABULARY ACTIVITY PACKS
Includes EVERYTHING you need to introduce, reinforce, review and master science vocabulary! Crossword puzzles, flashcards, games and quizzes included. Printable, digital and editable components.

WORD WALL
Each card displays a simple illustration, one vocabulary word and a short definition. Half and quarter page printing options. Color and black and white.

TASK CARDS
Task cards are designed to assess students on key ideas and concepts covered in each respective unit. Questions are differentiated (with a color and shape code) and tiered with a “signal strength” code so to probe lower, mid and higher order thinking. Questions are tiered according to the revised Bloom’s taxonomy. Answer sheets (differentiated) and key included for each task card set.

DIGITAL TASK CARDS
Digital task cards are designed to work with Google Forms. The digital task card can be assigned to students with Google Classrooms or shared as a link with your student any way you choose. Self-grading. Task cards cannot be edited but can be added or removed from the form. Requires internet access.

HIGH-YIELD REVIEW ACTIVITIES
NO-PREP resources to review HIGH-YIELD topics in science! Each activity focuses on a single topic to develop mastery of that topic. Printable and digital activities and self-grading Google Forms included.

SNAPS LAB STATIONS ACTIVITIES
SNAPs Lab Stations Activities require students to use science, math, literacy, problem-solving and engineering skills. They combine the three dimensions of science learning – science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas and crosscutting concepts – in order to meet the Next Generation Science Standards. The labs also make interdisciplinary connections to STEM, Math CCSS and ELA CCSS to build the appropriate skills.

DIGITAL LAB ACTIVITIES
The SNAPs labs in this curriculum are offered in a digital format (fillable slides compatible with Microsoft PP and Google Slides) to facilitate distance learning and support digital classrooms. To better support digital classrooms, each assessment station is offered as an editable, self-grading Google Form as well.

DISTANCE LEARNING COMPATIBILITY
SNAPs lab activities are rated for their ease with distance – independent learning. Refer to the Master Lab Skills List for a brief overview of how well each laboratory works in a fully digital classroom and with distance learning.

EDITABLE DOCUMENTS
This download includes an editable word document (docx file) of all lab components:
• Pre-Lab and Post-Lab Activities
• The Lab Overview
• Lab Station Activities and Questions
• Directed Synthesis Project (when applicable)

Important Notes:
• Diagrams, illustrations, tables and graphs essential to lab activities are included
• Illustrative clipart is NOT included
• Editable documents and rubrics are included with the FREE SNAPs Setup Guide

Editable files allow you to:
• Edit the scope of the activities so to suit your students’ needs
• Edit the materials required based on resource availability
• Create single-period “mini-labs” using activities at the individual skills stations

About Differentiation
• Topics are differentiated for upper elementary, middle, and high school levels.
• Flexible pacing supports remediation, targeted instruction, and honors pacing.
• Best suited for grades 6–8, but also effective for grades 4–5 and 9–10.
• A consistent color-shape code across all resources makes differentiation easy.

Next Generation Science Standards
This curriculum supports all NGSS Earth Science standards for grades 3–5 and 6–8. It includes instructional materials and activities aligned with NGSS performance expectations, disciplinary core ideas (DCIs), Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs), and Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs). Where appropriate, resources also integrate ELA and Math Common Core Standards.

Detailed alignment guides with supporting evidence are being developed for every unit.

In addition to NGSS alignment, the curriculum expands on key concepts to support smooth topic transitions, preserve traditional science content, and incorporate local and historical context. Many states have adapted NGSS with their own unique standards — this curriculum includes lessons and labs designed to meet those specific state requirements.

Accessing Curriculum Resources
The curriculum is accessed in your account at www.stephanieelkowitz.com. Due to the size of the curriculum, you will download the resources “in chunks” with multiple links. A download link is provided for each unit.

Dropbox Access
Educators who own the curriculum (through a direct purchase or completing a full payment plan) can request access to the curriculum through Dropbox. Dropbox access allows alternative methods for download and preview of files before download. Complete this Google Form to request access: https://forms.gle/tKB4N6AyrgaXDPDs7

TERMS OF USE
• All rights reserved by Stephanie Elkowitz.
• This product is to be used by the original purchaser only.
• Intended for classroom and personal use only.
• Copying for more than one teacher, classroom, department, school, or school system is prohibited.
• This product may not be distributed or displayed digitally for public view.
• Failure to comply is a copyright infringement and a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

Scope & Sequence

Unit Snapshots

Earth Science Units

 

Nature of Science Units

NGSS

Grade 3-5 NGSS Earth Science Standards

3-ESS2-1. Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical weather conditions expected during a particular season. Examples of data could include average temperature, precipitation, and wind direction. Representations of data can include tables, graphs, and maps.

3-ESS2-2. Obtain and combine information to describe climates in different regions of the world. Examples of climate data could include seasonal temperature and precipitation. Examples of information resources could include books, weather websites, and maps.

3-ESS3-1. Make a claim about the merit of a design solution that reduces the impacts of a weather-related hazard. Examples of design solutions to weather-related hazards could include barriers to prevent flooding, wind-resistant roofs, and lightning rods.

4-ESS1-1. Identify evidence from patterns in rock formations and fossils in rock layers to support an explanation for changes in a landscape over time. Examples of evidence from patterns could include rock layers with marine shell fossils above rock layers with plant fossils and no shells, indicating a change from land to water over time; and a canyon with different rock layers in the walls and a river in the bottom, indicating that over time water eroded rock.

4-ESS2-1. Make observations and/or measurements to provide evidence of the effects of weathering or the rate of erosion by water, ice, wind, or vegetation. Examples of variables to test could include angle of slope in the downhill movement of water, amount of vegetation, speed of wind, relative rate of deposition, cycles of freezing and thawing of water, cycles of heating and cooling, and volume of water flow.

4-ESS2-2 Analyze and interpret data from maps to describe patterns of Earth’s features. Maps can include topographic maps of Earth’s land and ocean floor, as well as maps of the locations of mountains, continental boundaries, volcanoes, and earthquakes.

4-ESS3-1. Obtain and combine information to describe that energy and fuels are derived from natural resources and that their uses affect the environment. Examples of renewable energy resources could include wind energy, water behind dams, and sunlight; nonrenewable energy resources are fossil fuels and fissile materials. Examples of environmental effects could include loss of habitat due to dams, loss of habitat due to surface mining, and air pollution from burning of fossil fuels.

4-ESS3-2. Generate and compare multiple solutions to reduce the impacts of natural Earth processes on humans. Examples of solutions could include designing an earthquake-resistant building and improving monitoring of volcanic activity.

5-ESS1-1. Support an argument that the apparent brightness of the sun and stars is due to their relative distances from Earth.

5-ESS1-2. Represent data in graphical displays to reveal patterns of daily changes in length and direction of shadows, day and night, and the seasonal appearance of some stars in the night sky. Examples of patterns could include the position and motion of Earth with respect to the sun and selected stars that are visible only in particular months.

5-ESS2-1. Develop a model using an example to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact. Examples could include the influence of the ocean on ecosystems, landform shape, and climate; the influence of the atmosphere on landforms and ecosystems through weather and climate; and the influence of mountain ranges on winds and clouds in the atmosphere. The geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere are each a system.

5-ESS2-2. Describe and graph the amounts and percentages of water and fresh water in various reservoirs to provide evidence about the distribution of water on Earth.

5-ESS3-1. Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment. Examples of information could include use of recycling programs, conservation efforts to preserve water and energy, and community initiatives to reduce pollution or restore natural habitats.

Middle School NGSS Standards

MS-ESS1-1. Develop and use a model of the Earth-sun-moon system to describe the cyclic patterns of lunar phases, eclipses of the sun and moon, and seasons. Examples of models can be physical, graphical, or conceptual.

MS-ESS1-2. Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system. Emphasis is on gravity as the force that holds together the solar system and Milky Way galaxy and controls orbital motions within them. Examples of models can be physical (such as the analogy of distance along a football field or computer visualizations of elliptical orbits) or conceptual (such as mathematical proportions relative to the size of familiar objects such as students’ school or state).

MS-ESS1-3. Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system. Emphasis is on the analysis of data from Earth-based instruments, space-based telescopes, and spacecraft to determine similarities and differences among solar system objects. Examples of scale properties include the sizes of an object’s layers (such as crust and atmosphere), surface features (such as volcanoes), and orbital radius. Examples of data include statistical information, drawings and photographs, and models.

MS-ESS2-1. Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth’s materials and the flow of energy that drives this process. Emphasis is on the processes of melting, crystallization, weathering, deformation, and sedimentation, which act together to form minerals and rocks through the cycling of Earth’s materials.

MS-ESS2-2. Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth’s surface at varying time and spatial scales. Emphasis is on how processes change Earth’s surface at time and spatial scales that can be large (such as slow plate motions or the uplift of large mountain ranges) or small (such as rapid landslides or microscopic geochemical reactions), and how many geoscience processes (such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and meteor impacts) usually behave gradually but are punctuated by catastrophic events.

MS-ESS2-3. Analyze and interpret data on the distribution of fossils and rocks, continental shapes, and seafloor structures to provide evidence of past plate motions. Examples of data include similarities of rock and fossil types on different continents, the shapes of the continents (including continental shelves), and the locations of ocean structures (such as ridges, fracture zones, and trenches).

MS-ESS2-4. Develop a model to describe the cycling of water through Earth’s systems driven by energy from the sun and the force of gravity. Emphasis is on the ways water changes its state as it moves through the multiple pathways of the hydrologic cycle. Examples of models can be conceptual or physical.

MS-ESS2-5. Collect data to provide evidence for how the motions and complex interactions of air masses result in changes in weather conditions. Emphasis is on how air masses flow from regions of high pressure to low pressure, causing weather (defined by temperature, pressure, humidity, precipitation, and wind) at a fixed location to change over time, and how sudden changes in weather can result when different air masses collide. Emphasis is on how weather can be predicted within probabilistic ranges. Examples of data can be provided to students (such as weather maps, diagrams, and visualizations) or obtained through laboratory experiments (such as with condensation).

MS-ESS2-6. Develop and use a model to describe how unequal heating and rotation of the Earth cause patterns of atmospheric and oceanic circulation that determine regional climates. Emphasis is on how patterns vary by latitude, altitude, and geographic land distribution. Emphasis of atmospheric circulation is on the sunlight-driven latitudinal banding, the Coriolis effect, and resulting prevailing winds; emphasis of ocean circulation is on the transfer of heat by the global ocean convection cycle, which is constrained by the Coriolis effect and the outlines of continents. Examples of models can be diagrams, maps, and globes or digital representations.

MS-ESS3-1. Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how the uneven distributions of Earth’s mineral, energy, and groundwater resources are the result of past and current geoscience processes. Examples of uneven distributions of resources as a result of past processes include but are not limited to petroleum (locations of the burial of organic marine sediments and subsequent geologic traps), metal ores (locations of past volcanic and hydrothermal activity associated with subduction zones), and soil (product of weathering and biological decomposition of organic material).

MS-ESS3-2. Analyze and interpret data on natural hazards to forecast future catastrophic events and inform the development of technologies to mitigate their effects. Emphasis is on how some natural hazards, such as volcanic eruptions and severe weather, are preceded by phenomena that allow for reliable predictions, and that others, such as earthquakes, occur suddenly and with no notice, and thus are not yet predictable. Examples of data can include the locations, magnitudes, and frequencies of the natural hazards. Examples of technologies can be global (such as satellite systems to monitor hurricanes or forest fires) or local (such as building reinforcements in earthquake-prone regions or monitoring devices to warn of tsunamis).

MS-ESS3-3. Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment. Examples of the design process include examining human environmental impacts, assessing the kinds of solutions that are feasible, and designing and evaluating solutions that could reduce that impact. Examples of human impacts can include water usage (such as the withdrawal of water from streams and aquifers or the construction of dams and levees), land usage (such as urban development, agriculture, or the removal of wetlands), and pollution (such as of the air, water, or land).

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. 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).

MS-ESS3-5. Ask questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century. Examples of factors include human activities (such as fossil fuel combustion, cement production, and agricultural activity) and natural processes (such as changes in incoming solar radiation or volcanic activity). Examples of evidence can include tables, graphs, and maps of global and regional temperatures, atmospheric levels of gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, and the rates of human activities. Emphasis is on the major role that human activities play in causing the rise in global temperatures.

Curriculum Support / Alignment Docs

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