HS-ESS2-5

Planning and carrying out investigations: Planning and carrying out investigations to answer questions (science) or test solutions (engineering) to problems in 9-12 builds on K-8 experiences and progresses to include investigations that provide evidence for and test conceptual, mathematical, physical, and empirical models.

Emphasis is on mechanical and chemical investigations with water and a variety of solid materials to provide the evidence for connections between the hydrologic cycle and system interactions commonly known as the rock cycle. Examples of mechanical investigations include stream transportation and deposition using a stream table, erosion using variations in soil moisture content, or frost wedging by the expansion of water as it freezes. Examples of chemical investigations include chemical weathering and recrystallization (by testing the solubility of different materials) or melt generation (by examining how water lowers the melting temperature of most solids).

The Role of Water in Earth's Surface Processes: The abundance of liquid water on Earth’s surface and its unique combination of physical and chemical properties are central to the planet’s dynamics. These properties include water’s exceptional capacity to absorb, store, and release large amounts of energy, transmit sunlight, expand upon freezing, dissolve and transport materials, and lower the viscosities and melting points of rocks.

Plan and conduct an investigation of the properties of water and its effects on Earth materials and surface processes.

Plan and conduct an investigation of the properties of water and its effects on Earth materials and surface processes.

Plan and conduct an investigation of the properties of water and its effects on Earth materials and surface processes.

Plan and conduct an investigation of the properties of water and its effects on Earth materials and surface processes.

Plan and conduct an investigation of the properties of water and its effects on Earth materials and surface processes.