EARTH AND SPACE
Standards Topic Big Idea Concepts Pennsylvania State Standards/Eligible Content
Category
3.3.10.A1
The Earth is Earth consists of an interacting set of Relate plate tectonics to both slow and rapid changes in the earth’s surface.
composed of a processes and structures. Describe the rock cycle and the processes that are responsible for the formation of igneous, sedimentary, and
number of metamorphic rocks.
dynamic Different forms of energy contribute to the Relate geochemical cycles to the conservation of matter.
interacting transport mechanisms of Earth’s dynamic Explain how the Earth is composed of a number of dynamic, interacting systems exchanging energy or matter.
systems which systems. 3.3.10.A3
exchange matter Explain how the evolution of Earth has been driven by interactions between the lithosphere, hydrosphere,
and/or energy. Energy is transferred through Earth’s systems atmosphere, and biosphere.
via radiation, conduction, and convection. 3.3.10.A4
Relate geochemical cycles to conservation of matter.
Energy is transferred through Earth’s systems Explain how the Earth’s systems and its various cycles are driven by energy.
Composition via radiation, conduction, and convection. 3.3.10.A7
and Structure Interpret and create models of the Earth’s physical features in various mapping representations.
of the Universe Relate constancy and change to the hydrologic and geochemical cycles.
Apply an appropriate scale to illustrate major events throughout geologic time.
Describe factors that contribute to global climate change.
Earth and Space 3.3.10.A8
Science Compare and contrast scientific theories.
Know that both direct and indirect observations are used by scientists to study the natural world and universe.
Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations.
Formulate and revise explanations and models using logic and evidence.
Recognize and analyze alternative explanations and models. Explain the importance of accuracy and precision
in making valid measurements.
3.3.12.A4
Classify Earth’s internal and external sources of energy such as radioactive decay, gravity, and solar energy.
Relate the transfer of energy through radiation, conduction, and convection to global atmospheric processes.
3.3.12.A6
Explain how the unequal heating of the Earth’s surface leads to atmospheric global circulation changes, climate,
local short term changes, and weather.
Relate the transfer of energy through radiation, conduction, and convection to global atmospheric processes.
3.3.12.A7
Interpret and analyze a combination of ground-based observations, satellite data, and computer models to
demonstrate Earth systems and their interconnections.
Infer how human activities may impact the natural course of Earth’s cycles.
Summarize the use of data in understanding seismic events, meteorology, and geologic time.
3.3.12.A8
Examine the status of existing theories.
Evaluate experimental information for relevance and adherence to science processes.
. Judge that conclusions are consistent and logical with experimental conditions.
Interpret results of experimental research to predict new information, propose additional investigable questions,
or advance a solution.
Communicate and defend a scientific argument.
3.3.10.A1
Earth and Space Earth The Earth’s Based on the measured scattering of seismic Relate plate tectonics to both slow and rapid changes in the earth’s surface. Describe the rock cycle and the
Science Structure, interior has waves, the Earth’s interior is subdivided into processes that are responsible for the formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
Processes, structure. layers based on physical properties. Relate geochemical cycles to the conservation of matter.
and Cycles Explain how the Earth is composed of a number of dynamic, interacting systems exchanging energy or matter.
3.10.A7
Interpret and create models of the Earth’s physical features in various mapping representations.
Relate constancy and change to the hydrologic and geochemical cycles. SCALE Apply an appropriate scale to
illustrate major events throughout geologic time.
Describe factors that contribute to global climate change.
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EARTH AND SPACE
The Earth’s 3.3.10.A8
interior has Evidence suggests that the interior layers Compare and contrast scientific theories.
Earth and Space Earth structure. arose long ago from heat, cooling and gravity. Know that both direct and indirect observations are used by scientists to study the natural world and universe.
Science Structure, Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations. Formulate and revise explanations and
Processes, models using logic and evidence.
and Cycles The Earth’s crust is made up of rocks, which Recognize and analyze alternative explanations and models. Explain the importance of accuracy and precision
undergo cyclic changes and can be classified in making valid measurements.
by their origins and formation. 3.3.12.A7
Interpret and analyze a combination of ground-based observations, satellite data, and computer models to
demonstrate Earth systems and their interconnections.
Infer how human activities may impact the natural course of Earth’s cycles.
Minerals, which make up rocks, have internal
Summarize the use of data in understanding seismic events, meteorology, and geologic time.
structures determined by a regular
3.3.12.A8:
arrangement of internal atoms or ions that
Examine the status of existing theories.
determine their physical properties.
Evaluate experimental information for relevance and adherence to science processes.
Judge that conclusions are consistent and logical with experimental conditions.
Interpret results of experimental research to predict new information, propose additional investigable questions,
or advance a solution.
Communicate and defend a scientific argument.
The surface features of the earth change as a 3.3.10.A1
Earth Features result of observable physical and chemical Relate plate tectonics to both slow and rapid changes in the earth’s surface.
and Processes processes. Describe the rock cycle and the processes that are responsible for the formation of igneous, sedimentary, and
that Change metamorphic rocks.
Earth and Its Movement of the Earth’s crust by Plate Relate geochemical cycles to the conservation of matter.
Resources tectonics contributes to changes in the surface Explain how the Earth is composed of a number of dynamic, interacting systems exchanging energy or matter.
of the earth.
Earth’s surface 3.3.10.A2:
Earth and Space features and The atmosphere is a uniform mixture of gases Analyze the effects on the environment and the carbon cycle of using both renewable and nonrenewable
Science atmosphere are that decrease in temperature and pressure sources of energy.
a dynamic with increasing altitude.
system operating 3.3.10.A6:
over different Based on systematic, measurable changes in Interpret meteorological data to describe and/or predict weather.
time periods. physical properties, the atmosphere is Explain the phenomena that cause global atmospheric processes such as storms, currents, and wind patterns.
Weather, subdivided into different layers.
Climate, and 3.3.12.A3:
Atmospheric Unequal heating of the surface of the earth Describe the absolute and relative dating methods used to measure geologic time, such as index fossils,
Processes contributes to global circulation patterns, radioactive dating, law of superposition, and crosscutting relationships.
climate, and weather.
Changes in atmospheric composition can lead
to changes in the intensity and composition of
sunlight reaching the Earth’s surface that can
be observed and measured.
Climate measurably changes over time due to
natural and human processes.
Weather is the result of complex interactions
between atmospheric pressure, land
conditions, and ocean temperatures that can
be measured.
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EARTH AND SPACE
Earth and Space Weather, The hydrosphere The hydrologic cycle describes the continuous
Science Climate, and contains all of movement of water on, above, and below the 3.3.10.A4
Atmospheric the water on surface of the earth. Relate geochemical cycles to conservation of matter. Explain how the Earth’s systems and its various cycles are
Processes Earth. driven by energy.
The Earth’s oceans are interconnected, 3.3.10.A5:
forming one ocean. Explain how there is only one ocean. Explain the processes of the hydrologic cycle.
Explain the dynamics of oceanic currents and their relationship to global circulation within the marine
Oceans are connected to major lakes, environment.
watersheds, and waterways. 3.3.10.A6
Interpret meteorological data to describe and/or predict weather.
Circulation patterns in the oceans are driven Explain the phenomena that cause global atmospheric processes such as storms, currents, and wind patterns.
by multiple forces. 3.3.12.A5
Explain how the ocean dominates the Earth’s carbon cycle.
Oceans dominate the earth’s carbon cycle
Earth and Space The Earth exists in a solar system including 3.3.12.A1
Science Composition the sun, the planets, their moons, and other Explain how parts are related to other parts in weather systems, solar systems, and earth systems, including
and Structure smaller objects. how the output from one part can become an input to another part.
of the Universe Analyze the processes that cause the movement of material in the Earth’s systems.
Objects in the solar system are illuminated by Classify Earth’s internal and external sources of energy such as radioactive decay, gravity, and solar energy
sunlight. Object brightness depends on a
number of factors. 3.3.10.B1
Explain how gravity is responsible for planetary orbits. Explain what caused the sun, Earth, and most of the
Orbits are the result of a perfect balance other planets to form between 4 and 5 billion years ago.
between the forward motion of a body in Provide evidence to suggest the Big Bang Theory.
space, such as a planet or moon, and the pull Describe the basic nuclear processes involved in energy production in a star.
of gravity on it from another body in space,
such as a large planet or star resulting in near
3.3.10.B2
The Earth is part circular or elliptical shapes. Explain how scientists obtain information about the universe by using technology to detect electromagnetic
of a solar radiation that is emitted, reflected, or absorbed by stars and other objects.
system. The orbits and rotations of the Earth-moon-sun Describe changes in the universe over billions of years.
system account for lunar and solar eclipses, Explain the scale used to measure the sizes of stars and galaxies and the distances between them
phases of the moon, and tides.
3.3.10.B3
The abundance of liquid water makes the Compare and contrast scientific theories. Know that both direct and indirect observations are used by scientists
Earth unique among the planets of this solar to study the natural world and universe. I
system. Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations.
Formulate and revise explanations and models using logic and evidence.
Direct and indirect measurements provide Recognize and analyze alternative explanations and models.
evidence that the sun, Earth and most of the Explain the importance of accuracy and precision in making valid measurements.
planets formed at the same time.
3.3.12.B1
Earth and Space Composition Remote sensing provides evidence that Describe the life cycle of stars based on their mass.
Science and Structure billions of star cluster into galaxies. Analyze the influence of gravity on the formation and life cycles of galaxies, including our own Milky Way galaxy;
of the Universe stars; planetary systems; and residual material left from the creation of the solar system.
. Relate the nuclear processes involved in energy production in stars and supernovas to their life cycles.
3.3.12.B2:
Stars have life The current theory as to the formation of the Apply mathematical models and computer simulations to study evidence collected relating to the extent and
cycles. universe is known as the big bang theory. composition of the universe.
Analyze the evidence supporting theories of the origin of the universe to predict its future.
3.3.12.B3:
Examine the status of existing theories.
Evaluate experimental information for relevance and adherence to science processes.
Judge that conclusions are consistent and logical with experimental conditions.
Interpret results of experimental research to predict new information, propose additional investigable questions,
or advance a solution.
Communicate and defend a scientific argument.
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EARTH AND SPACE
Environment and Air, soil, water, and indoor pollution affect 4.1.10.B
Ecology Ecological human health in a variety of ways. Explain the consequences of interrupting natural cycles
Behavior and 4.2.10.A
Systems Living things Wetlands play an important part in pollution Examine the interactions between abiotic and biotic factors within a watershed.
depend on their control, water quality and human health Describe how topography influences the flow of water in a watershed.
habitat to meet issues. Describe how vegetation affects water runoff.
their basic Investigate and analyze the effects of land use on the quality of water in a watershed.
needs. 4.2.10.B
The misuse of natural resources can Examine how human interactions impact wetlands and their surrounding environments.
negatively affect the sustainability of society. Describe how land use decisions affect wetlands
4.2.10.C
There are costs and benefits associated with Explain the relationship between water quality and the diversity of life in a freshwater ecosystem.
cleaning up contaminants. Explain how limiting factors affect the growth and reproduction of freshwater organisms.
4.3.10.A
Because natural resources like coal, water, oil Evaluate factors affecting the use of natural resources.
and timber have economic influences, their Evaluate the effect of consumer demands on the use of natural resources.
availability can determine the local Analyze how technologies such as modern mining, harvesting, and transportation equipment affect the use of
community’s prosperity. our natural resources.
Describe how local and state agencies manage natural resources.
A steady or increased demand for a particular 4.3.10.B
natural resource can affect the environment. Analyze how humans manage and distribute natural resources.
Describe the use of a natural resource with an emphasis on the environmental consequences of extracting,
New technologies used in industries can processing, transporting, using, and disposing of it.
increase the efficiency and prolong the supply Analyze the impact of technology on the management, distribution, and disposal of natural resources.
of some natural resources. 4.5.10.C
Analyze real-world data and explain how point and non-point source pollution can be detected and eliminated.
Compare and contrast the environmental effects of different industrial strategies.
4.1.12.B
Research solutions to problems caused by interrupting natural cycles.
4.1.12.C
Research how humans affect energy flow within an ecosystem.
Describe the impact of industrial, agricultural, and commercial enterprises on an ecosystem
4.1.12.E
Research solutions addressing human impacts on ecosystems over time.
4.2.12.A
Examine environmental laws related to land use management and its impact on the water quality and flow within
a watershed.
4.2.12.B
Analyze the effects of policies and regulations at various governmental levels on wetlands and their surrounding
environments.
Examine various public policies relating to wetlands.
Investigate the intended and unintended effects of public polices and regulations relating to wetlands.
4.2.12.C
Analyze the effects of policies and regulations at various governmental levels on water quality.
Assess the intended and unintended effects of public polices and regulations relating to water quality.
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EARTH AND SPACE
Scientists use a variety of physical, chemical 4.1.12.E
Aquatic, and biological parameters to determine water Research solutions addressing human impacts on ecosystems over time.
Environment and Ecological terrestrial and quality. 4.2.10.A
Ecology Behavior and human-made 1. Examine the interactions between abiotic and biotic factors within a watershed.
Systems ecosystems Land use within a particular watershed will 2. Describe how topography influences the flow of water in a watershed.
consist of diverse influence water quality. 3. Describe how vegetation affects water runoff.
living and non- 4. Investigate and analyze the effects of land use on the quality of water in a watershed.
living A wide variety of wetland types exist within 4.2.10.B
components that Pennsylvania. Examine how human interactions impact wetlands and their surrounding environments.
change over time Describe how land use decisions affect wetlands
and among Wetlands serve a number of beneficial
geographic functions for humans, plants, animals, and the 4.2.10.C
areas. environment as a whole. Explain the relationship between water quality and the diversity of life in a freshwater ecosystem.
Explain how limiting factors affect the growth and reproduction of freshwater organisms.
Watershed boundaries can include a variety of 4.2.12.A
habitats, ecosystems, and human influences.
Examine environmental laws related to land use management and its impact on the water quality and flow within
a watershed.
Biotic and abiotic components within a habitat
4.2.12.B
change, or differ, based on their location and
Analyze the effects of policies and regulations at various governmental levels on wetlands and their surrounding
topography.
environments.
Natural and human events can affect aquatic, Examine various public policies relating to wetlands. Investigate the intended and unintended effects of public
terrestrial, and wetland environments in a polices and regulations relating to wetlands.
variety of ways. 4.2.12.C:
Analyze the effects of policies and regulations at various governmental levels on water quality.
Abiotic components are critically important for Assess the intended and unintended effects of public polices and regulations relating to water quality.
maintaining an ecosystem’s homeostasis
Environment and The survival of Habitat destruction can lead to species loss or 4.1.10.B
Ecology Ecological living things is termination. Explain the consequences of interrupting natural cycles.
Behavior and dependent upon 4.1.12.A
Systems their adaptations The intervention of humans has influenced the Analyze the significance of biological diversity in an ecosystem.
and ability to survival of species through management Explain how species adapt to limiting factors in an ecosystem.
respond to practices. Analyze the differences between natural causes and human causes of extinction.
natural changes Research wildlife management laws and their effects on biodiversity.
in and human Human endeavors and changes in natural
influences on the cycles have caused species to become
environment. threatened, endangered, or extinct.
Environmental laws and regulations have been
implemented in an attempt to protect species
diversity.
Environment and Ecological Society’s needs and standard of living directly 4.3.10.B
Ecology Behavior and Humans depend impact the sustainability of natural resources Analyze how humans manage and distribute natural resources.
Systems upon the Describe the use of a natural resource with an emphasis on the environmental consequences of extracting,
management Natural resource use and availability affect the processing, transporting, using, and disposing of it.
and practices of sustainability of society. Analyze the impact of technology on the management, distribution, and disposal of natural resources.
agricultural 4.5.10.A
systems. Technological advancements have changed Explain how public policy encourages or discourages the sustainable use of natural resources.
society’s standard of living and affected the Research laws and polices that address the sustainable use of natural resources (e.g., solid and liquid waste
sustainability of natural resources. management, industry, agriculture and enterprise).
4.1.12.C
Human and societal supply and demand Research how humans affect energy flow within an ecosystem.
impact the environment in a variety of ways.
Describe the impact of industrial, agricultural, and commercial enterprises on an ecosystem
4.1.12.E:
Research solutions addressing human impacts on ecosystems over time.
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EARTH AND SPACE
4.5.12.A
Research how technology influences the sustainable use of natural resources.
Analyze how consumer demands drive the development of technology enabling the sustainable use of natural
resources.
4.5.12.E
Analyze how consumer demands promote the production of pollutants that affect human health.
Pennsylvanians can choose from a variety of 4.3.10.A
alternative energy sources. Evaluate factors affecting the use of natural resources.
Evaluate the effect of consumer demands on the use of natural resources. Analyze how technologies such as
Each energy source has positive and negative modern mining, harvesting, and transportation equipment affect the use of our natural resources.
environmental impacts. Describe how local and state agencies manage natural resources.
Ecological
Environment and Behavior and Agriculture and industry use a variety of fossil 4.3.10.B
Ecology Systems Sustainable use fuels. Analyze how humans manage and distribute natural resources.
of natural Describe the use of a natural resource with an emphasis on the environmental consequences of extracting,
resources is Natural occurrences in Pennsylvania’s past processing, transporting, using, and disposing of it.
essential to and future affect natural resources. Analyze the impact of technology on the management, distribution, and disposal of natural resources.
provide for the
needs and wants New technologies affect the use and 4.5.10.A
of all living things management of our natural resources.
Explain how public policy encourages or discourages the sustainable use of natural resources.
now and in the
future. Consumer needs and desires affect the use of Research laws and polices that address the sustainable use of natural resources (e.g., solid and liquid waste
our natural resources. management, industry, agriculture and enterprise).
Natural resource cycles include extraction, 4.3.12.A:
disposal, use and reuse. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using renewable and nonrenewable resources.
Explain how consumption rate affects the sustainability of resource use.
Different regions of the United States as well Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using renewable resources such as solar power, wind power,
as other countries use energy sources, fuels and biofuels.
and natural resources differently.
4.3.12.B
Solid waste disposal is an important part of Analyze factors that influence the local, regional, national, and global availability of natural resources.
resource management. Compare the use of natural resources in different countries.
Analyze the social, economic, and political factors that affect the distribution of natural resources (e.g., wars,
Natural resources can be managed through political systems, classism, racism).
reduction, recycling, reuse and use.
4.5.12.A
Technological advancements have both Research how technology influences the sustainable use of natural resources.
increased and decreased society’s ability to be Analyze how consumer demands drive the development of technology enabling the sustainable use of natural
sustainable. resources.
Humans can cause changes directly and
indirectly to ecosystems over time
Environment and Ecological The health of all Human health is affected by pollution. 4.2.10.B
Ecology Behavior and living things is Examine how human interactions impact wetlands and their surrounding environments.
Systems directly related to Pollution sources can be categorized as either Describe how land use decisions affect wetlands
the quality of the point or non-point. 4.5.10.E
environment. Describe the impact of occupational exposure to pollutants.
Remediation of pollutants can improve Analyze laws and regulations designed to protect human health.
environmental quality for organisms within an Analyze efforts to prevent, control, and/or reduce pollution through cost and benefit analysis and risk
ecosystem. management.
4.2.12.A
Environmental health and biological diversity Examine environmental laws related to land use management and its impact on the water quality and flow within
are affected by human practices. a watershed.
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EARTH AND SPACE
Environmental laws and regulations are 4.2.12.C
developed to aid the health of the environment Analyze the effects of policies and regulations at various governmental levels on water quality.
and all living things including humans. Assess the intended and unintended effects of public polices and regulations relating to water quality.
Advances in technologies have determined
our ability to extract and utilize natural 4.5.12.A
resources. Research how technology influences the sustainable use of natural resources.
Analyze how consumer demands drive the development of technology enabling the sustainable use of natural
Consumer desires influence resource resources.
availability.
A variety of methods exist to process natural
4.5.12.C
resources for human use.
Analyze the costs and benefits of means to control pollution.
Regional availability of natural resources Analyze the role of technology in the reduction of pollution.
Ecological affects its use and conservation. Research and analyze the local, state, and national laws that deal with point and non-point source pollution.
Behavior and Explain mitigation and its role in maintaining environmental health.
Systems Information systems impact management and
distribution of natural resources. 4.5.12.E
People acting Analyze how consumer demands promote the production of pollutants that affect human health.
Environment and individually Information systems impact management and
Ecology and/or as groups distribution of natural resources.
influence the
environment. Man-made systems have inherent costs and
benefits that influence how renewable and
nonrenewable resources are used.
Human practices can lead to water, air, soil,
and indoor pollution.
Development and enforcement of laws and
regulations targeting pollution have influenced
environmental health.
A variety of technologies have been developed
and implemented to detect point and non-point
source pollution.
Various technologies and methods exist to
manage solid waste (composting, incinerating,
land application, and recycling).
Different land use practices and nutrient
management systems affect environmental
quality.
Laws and regulations affect conservation and
management practices of food and fiber
production.
Human actions affect ecosystems.
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EARTH AND SPACE
Laws and regulations exist to protect humans 4.2.10.B
Environmental and the environment. Examine how human interactions impact wetlands and their surrounding environments.
Environment and Ecological laws and Describe how land use decisions affect wetlands
Ecology Behavior and regulations Environmental issues lead to environmental 4.3.10.A
Systems impact humans, laws and regulations. Evaluate factors affecting the use of natural resources.
the environment, Evaluate the effect of consumer demands on the use of natural resources.
and the economy Local, state, and federal governments play a Analyze how technologies such as modern mining, harvesting, and transportation equipment affect the use of
in both positive role in the development of environmental laws our natural resources.
and negative and regulations. Describe how local and state agencies manage natural resources.
ways. 4.5.10.A
Disobeying laws and regulations carries
Explain how public policy encourages or discourages the sustainable use of natural resources.
consequences for individuals and groups.
Research laws and polices that address the sustainable use of natural resources (e.g., solid and liquid waste
Conflicts may exist between property owners management, industry, agriculture and enterprise).
and environmental laws and regulations. 4.5.10.E
Describe the impact of occupational exposure to pollutants. Analyze laws and regulations designed to protect
Environmental laws and regulations influence human health.
the actions of people. Analyze efforts to prevent, control, and/or reduce pollution through cost and benefit analysis and risk
management.
Environmental laws and regulations can 4.2.12.A:
change over time. Examine environmental laws related to land use management and its impact on the water quality and flow within
a watershed.
4.2.12.B
Analyze the effects of policies and regulations at various governmental levels on wetlands and their surrounding
environments.
Examine various public policies relating to wetlands.
Investigate the intended and unintended effects of public polices and regulations relating to wetlands.
4.2.12.C
Analyze the effects of policies and regulations at various governmental levels on water quality.
Assess the intended and unintended effects of public polices and regulations relating to water quality.
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