Topic: Earth’s Systems: Processes that Shape the Earth
Performance Expectation:
4-ESS1-1: Identify evidence from patterns in rock formations and fossils in rock layers to support an explanation for changes in a
landscape over time.
Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS1.C: The History of
Planet Earth
Science and Engineering
Practice:
Constructing Explanations and
Designing Solutions- Identify
Local, regional, and global
the evidence that supports
patterns of rock
particular points in an
formations reveal
explanation.
changes over time due to
earth forces, such an
earthquakes. The
presence and location of
certain fossil types
indicate the order in
which rock layers were
formed.
Cross Cutting Concept:
Literacy:
Patterns can be used as
evidence to support an
explanation.
W.4.7- Conduct short research projects
that build knowledge through
investigations of different aspects of a
topic.
Science assumes consistent
patterns in natural systems.
W.4.8- Recall relevant information
from experiences or gather relevant
information from print and digital
sources; take notes and categorize
information, and provide a list of
sources.
W.4.9- Draw evidence from literacy or
informational texts to support
analysis, reflection, and research.
HOT Questions
1. How can an old rock become a new rock?
2. What predictions could we make based on the patterns
we see?
3. How does this pattern compare to other patterns I’ve
learned about?
Learning Target: “I Can”
Knowledge
1. I can identify and compare plant fossils versus shell fossils.
2. I can recognize that placement of rock layers determines age of rocks and/or fossils.
3. I can identify the forces that cause the Earth to change.
Reasoning
1. I can use rock layer patterns as evidence to prove change over time.
2. I can explain how the patterns show change over time.
Math:
MP.2- Reason abstractly and
quantitatively.
MP.4- Model with mathematics.
4.MD.A.1- Know relative sizes of
measurement units within one system
of units including km, m, cm; kg, g; lb,
oz; l, ml; hr, min, sec. Within a single
system of measurement, express
measurements in a larger unit in terms
of a smaller unit. Record measurement
equivalents in a two-column table.
Key Vocabulary:
Sediment
Erosion
Rock
Deposit (deposition)
Sedimentary Rock
Weathering
Rock Formations
Earthquake
Igneous Rock
Patterns
Fossils (plant & shell)
Metamorphic Rock
Volcano
Formative Assessment Plan
Target
Target Type
Knowledge
Reasoning
I can identify and compare
plant fossils versus shell
fossils.
Skill
Product
Assessment Type
Selected Response
Constructed
Response
Personal
Communication
Performance
Assessment
Knowledge
I can recognize that
placement of rock layers
determines age of rocks
and/or fossils.
Reasoning
Skill
Product
Selected Response
Constructed
Response
Personal
Communication
Performance
Assessment
Formative Assessment Options
Knowledge
Reasoning
I can identify the forces that
cause the Earth to change.
Skill
Product
Selected Response
Constructed
Response
Personal
Communication
Performance
Assessment
Knowledge
Reasoning
I can use rock layer patterns
as evidence to prove change
over time.
Skill
Product
Selected Response
Constructed
Response
Personal
Communication
Performance
Assessment
Knowledge
Reasoning
I can explain how the
patterns show change over
time.
Skill
Product
Selected Response
Constructed
Response
Personal
Communication
Performance
Assessment
Activities:
Teacher resource for vocabulary of unit: http://web.compton.k12.ca.us/pages/departments/curriculum/pdf/4thsciunitc.pdf
Activities: http://www.simplyscience.com/fourthgrade.html