Science
Grade: 3rd (from 4th)
SCI.V.1.5
Using Scientific Knowledge in Earth Science
- Geosphere
Strand:
Standard:
All students will analyze effects of technology on the earths surface and
resources.
Benchmark:
Describe uses of materials taken from the earth.
Constructing and Reflecting
SCI.I.1.1 - Generate reasonable questions about the world based on observation
SCI.II.1.2.- Show how science concepts can be illustrated through creative expression such as language arts and fine
arts.
SCI.II.1.4 - Develop an awareness of and sensitivity to the natural world.
Vocabulary / Key Concepts
Context
Transportation, building materials, energy, water.
Examples of uses of earth materials such as gravel
into concrete Gypsum, in to dry wall, sand into
glass, road salt, ores in to metal, oil into gasoline,
coal into electricity, water for hydroelectric power.
Samples of manufactured materials, such as
concrete, drywall, ash fault, iron, and steel.
Knowledge and Skills
Resources
Coloma Resources:
Materials taken from the earth are used in our daily lives.
Students will describe the uses of materials taken from
the earth:
• oil into gasoline
• sand into glass
• metallic ores into metal
• gravel into concrete and asphalt
• coal burned for electricity
• uranium for nuclear power
• water for drinking, cleaning and cooling
Discover the Wonder – Grade 3
Module C – Chapters 1, 2, pages 4-11
Other Resources:
General Pencil Company www.generalpencil.com
Seaboard Pencil Company www.pencils.co.uk
Instruction
Assessment
Benchmark Question:
Focus Question: How are earth materials used?
The teacher will pose the focus question and facilitates the
discussion.
Place students in a small groups. Give each group a
pencil. The teacher will ask the students what materials
were used to make this pencil. In small groups students
will discuss the parts of the pencil and what earth
materials were used to make the pencil. (trees-wood,
graphite-carbon, ores-metal bands, rubber-eraser, paintoil)
As a whole group discuss what earth materials were used
to make the pencil, and address any misconception.
Please note: Trees and rubber are a natural resource,
but are NOT part of the geosphere.
Earth materials listed V.1.E.5 Benchmark Clarification
(link)
Have students choose and research various objects Real
World Context to see what materials were used to make
them.
Students will present their findings to the class.
Students will select five objects found around their
school. Students will illustrate each object and list
the earth materials that were used to make each
object.
Teacher Notes:
Analyze the effects of technology on the Earth's surface and resources.
Entwined with this natural change is the effect of humans on the geosphere.
Human activities have caused overuse and pollution of the features of the earth's surface. Earth's resources
are either renewable or nonrenewable. People get their transportation, building materials, energy, and water
directly from the geosphere. The geosphere provides all life with their habitats. People must continually seek
to reduce the adverse effects of our activities on the geosphere. This may be done through the practice of
reduction of material use, the reuse of materials, the recycling of manufactured materials and the further
development of new technologies.