8th Grade (SCI) Earth Space Science Standards [ESS2] Earth’s Systems
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.
Clarification Statement: 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.
Examples of geoscience processes include surface weathering and deposition by the movements of
water, ice, and wind. Emphasis is on geoscience processes that shape local geographic features,
where appropriate. Disciplinary Core Ideas ESS2.A: Earth’s Materials and Systems
The planet’s systems interact over scales that range
from microscopic to global in size, and they operate
over fractions of a second to billions of years. These
interactions have shaped Earth’s history and will
determine its future.
ESS2.C: The Roles of Water in Earth's Surface
Processes
Water’s movements cause weathering and erosion,
which change the land’s surface features and create
underground formations.
Student Learning Targets:
Knowledge Targets
I can contrast uniformitarianism and catastrophism.
Reasoning Targets
I can explain how uniformitarianism and catastrophism led to the theory of actualism.
Skills (Performance) Targets
I can
Product Targets
I can
Proficiency Scale
The Student can ...
1 Beginning
... with help, demonstrate a partial understanding of some of the simpler details and processes (Score 2.0 content) and some of the more complex ideas and processes (Score 3.0 content).
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2 Developing
... demonstrate no major errors or omissions regarding the simpler details and processes but exhibits major errors or omissions regarding the more complex ideas and processes (Score 3.0 content).
contrast uniformitarianism and catastrophism.
3 Proficient
“The Standard.” ... demonstrate no major errors or omissions regarding any of the information and processes that were end of instruction expectations.
explain how uniformitarianism and catastrophism led to the theory of actualism.
4 Advanced
... demonstrate in-depth inferences and applications regarding more complex material that go beyond end of instruction expectations.
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8th Grade (SCI) Earth Space Science Standards