Earth Systems: Processes That Shape The Earth
The study of Earth systems encompasses knowledge about the processes that shape our planet. Students will investigate how Earth events can occur quickly or slowly, how wind and water change the shape of the land, and where water is found on Earth. Through observation and research, students will develop an understanding of the dynamic nature of our planet.
Grade Two Expectations for Earth Systems: Processes That Shape The Earth
Essential Learning Outcome 1: Use information from several sources to provide evidence that Earth events can occur quickly or slowly.
[Clarification Statement: Examples of events and timescales could include volcanic explosions and earthquakes, which happen quickly and erosion of rocks, which occurs slowly.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include quantitative measurements of timescales.]
- Gather information about Earth events from various sources
- Classify Earth events as occurring quickly or slowly
- Provide evidence to support classifications
- Compare and contrast fast and slow Earth events
- Communicate findings using scientific vocabulary
Specific Curriculum Outcomes
By the end of Grade Two, the learner will be expected to:
Inclusive Assessment Strategies
Assessment strategies that provide information about learning:
- Observations: Teacher observations during model creation, erosion experiments, and landform identification activities
- Conversations: Student explanations, questions, and discussions about Earth events and processes
- Products: Student drawings, models, charts, and written responses
Sample Assessment Tools:
- Observation checklists for model creation activities
- Rubrics for evaluating landform and water models
- Science journals with prompts for recording observations and reflections
- Performance tasks that require application of knowledge about Earth processes
- Self-assessment tools for group work and collaboration
Inclusive Learning Strategies
Additional Resources and Materials
For Teachers
- OECS Grade 2 Science Curriculum Guide
- Maps and globes showing landforms and bodies of water
- Videos and images of Earth events (volcanoes, earthquakes, erosion)
- Erosion prevention demonstration materials
- Water cycle demonstration materials
For Students
- Materials for creating landform and water models (clay, paper, etc.)
- Materials for erosion experiments (sand, soil, water, etc.)
- Science journals for recording observations and data
- Visual aids showing Earth events and processes
- Simple maps and globes for exploration
Teacher Content Knowledge
Earth events can occur at different timescales. Fast events, like volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, happen quickly and can cause dramatic changes to the landscape. Slow events, like erosion and weathering, happen over long periods of time but can also cause significant changes. Wind and water are powerful forces that can change the shape of the land through erosion. Humans can design solutions to prevent or slow erosion, such as planting vegetation, building barriers, and creating windbreaks. Earth's surface is made up of various landforms (mountains, hills, valleys, plains) and bodies of water (oceans, lakes, rivers). Water is found on Earth in both solid (ice, snow) and liquid forms, and it moves through the water cycle (evaporation, condensation, precipitation).