K-8 Grade Levels

Grade 08 (MS-Earth Space Sci)

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glossary icon8th Grade Earth Science
"I can ... statements"

Young children arrive in Earth Science with widely varying knowledge in the study of astronomy, geology, and meteorology. The topics include the solar system, stars, galaxies, interstellar bodies, regional landforms, glaciation, geological history, atmosphere, weather and climate, thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and forecasting.

SCI-MS.ESS1 DCI:

[ESS1] Earth's Place in the Universe

    • SCI-MS.ESS1.01  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.
    • SCI-MS.ESS1.02   Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
    • SCI-MS.ESS1.03   Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
    • SCI-MS.ESS1.04   Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence from rock strata for how the geologic time scale is used to organize Earth's 4.6-billion-year-old history.

SCI-MS.ESS2 DCI:

[ESS2] Earth's Systems

    • SCI-MS.ESS2.01  Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth's materials and the flow of energy that drives this process.
    • SCI-MS.ESS2.02  Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth's surface at varying times and spatial scales.
    • SCI-MS.ESS2.03  Analyze and interpret data on the distribution of fossils and rocks, continental shapes, and seafloor structures to provide evidence of past plate motions.
    • SCI-MS.ESS2.04  Develop a model to describe the cycling of water through Earth's systems driven by energy from the sun and the force of gravity.
    • SCI-MS.ESS2.05  Use data to provide evidence for how the motions and complex interactions of air masses results in changes in weather conditions.
    • SCI-MS.ESS2.06   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.

SCI-MS.ESS3 DCI:

[ESS3] Earth and Human Activity

    • SCI-MS.ESS3.01  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.
    • SCI-MS.ESS3.02   Analyze and interpret data on natural hazards to forecast future catastrophic events that necessitate the development of technologies to mitigate their effects.
    • SCI-MS.ESS3.03  Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.
    • SCI-MS.ESS3.04  Construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth's systems.
    • SCI-MS.ESS3.05  Investigate factors that have caused changes in global temperatures over time.

SCI-MS.ETS1

[ETS1] Middle School Engineering Design

    • SCI-MS.ETS1.01 Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.
    • SCI-MS.ETS1.02 Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
    • SCI-MS.ETS1.03 Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.
    • SCI-MS.ETS1.04 Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.