Description
Collect evidence on how feedback between the biosphere and other Earth systems causes a continuous co-evolution of Earth’s surface in your classroom. In this series of 5 investigations, students construct an explanation describing why banded iron formations developed. They digitally investigate precipitation reactions, use a hands-on investigation to understand the conditions necessary for rusting, collect data to determine how aquatic photosynthetic organisms impact dissolved oxygen concentrations, digitally investigate saturated solutions, and analyze patterns in the concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere over time.
Curriculum Connection
While designed for a stand-alone earth science course, this series of activities could be incorporated into a high school chemistry course during a study of solubility, precipitation reactions, or redox reactions or a high school biology course during a study of photosynthesis or matter cycles.
Time Requirement
Teacher prep, 90 minutes. Completing the activities, approximately 1 week (205 minutes).
Digital Resources
Includes 1-year access to digital resources that support 3-dimensional instruction for NGSS. Digital resources may include a teacher manual and student guide, pre-lab activities and setup videos, phenomenon videos, simulations, and post-lab analysis and assessments.
Performance Expectations
HS-ESS2-7. Construct an argument based on evidence about the simultaneous coevolution of Earth’s systems and life on Earth.
HS-ESS2-2. Analyze geoscience data to make the claim that one change to Earth’s surface can create feedbacks that cause changes to Earth systems.
Crosscutting Concepts
Stability and Change
Disciplinary Core Ideas
ESS2.D: Weather and Climate
ESS2.E: Biogeology
Science and Engineering Practices
Constructing Explanations
Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills
Students should be familiar with chemicals and elements, matter and its properties, and basic geologic processes such as sedimentation.