Standard: Earth and Space Sciences

Students demonstrate an understanding about how Earth systems and processes interact in the geosphere resulting in the habitability of Earth. This includes demonstrating an understanding of the composition of the universe, the solar system and Earth. In addition, it includes understanding the properties and the interconnected nature of Earth's systems, processes that shape Earth and Earth's history. Students also demonstrate an understanding of how the concepts and principles of energy, matter, motion and forces explain Earth systems, the solar system and the universe. Finally, they grasp an understanding of the historical perspectives, scientific approaches and emerging scientific issues associated with Earth and space sciences.

• Benchmark A: [11-12]
  Explain how technology can be used to gather evidence and increase our understanding of the universe.
  

• Benchmark B: [11-12]
  Describe how Earth is made up of a series of interconnected systems and how a change in one sytem affects other systems.
  

• Benchmark C: [11-12]
  Explain that humans are an integral part of the Earth's system and the choices humans make today impact natural systems in the future.
  

• Benchmark D: [11-12]
  Summarize the historical development of scientific theories and ideas and describe emerging issues in the study of Earth and space sciences.