Earth Science
Using careful observations, scientists describe this as the solid outer layer of Earth that includes landforms we can see and study.
What is the geosphere?
This water cycle process is identified through careful observation when water on the ground disappears into the air, showing how scientists use observations to build explanations.
What is evaporation?
Using careful observations, scientists describe this property of matter as how it looks, feels, or smells, helping them classify materials.
What are physical properties?
Using daily observations, scientists describe this as the condition of the atmosphere at a specific time and place
What is weather?
Using observations, scientists describe this as the basic unit of structure and function in all living things
What is a cell?
By collecting data and making observations, scientists identify this Earth system as the layer made of air that surrounds our planet.
What is the atmosphere?
. Using evidence from repeated observations, scientists explain this process as water vapor cooling and forming clouds in the sky.
What is condensation?
By measuring and collecting data, scientists compare objects based on this property that tells how heavy something is
What is mass?
By collecting data over long periods of time, scientists explain this as the average pattern of weather in a region.
What is climate?
Scientists use observations and models to explain how these plant structures help plants make their own food
What are leaves?
Scientists use observations and models to explain how these features, such as mountains and valleys, form on Earth’s surface over time.
What are landforms?
. Based on models of the water cycle, this process describes water falling back to Earth, and scientists test these models by comparing them to real weather data.
What is precipitation?
Scientists use observations and measurements to explain how this type of change affects only the form of matter, not what it is made of.
What is a physical change?
Scientists rely on repeated measurements to explain this tool as one that measures temperature to help predict weather patterns
What is a thermometer?
By collecting data, scientists explain how this structure helps animals take in oxygen needed for survival.
What are Lungs?
Based on repeated investigations, scientists explain this process as the breaking down of rocks using evidence from changes they observe
What is weathering?
Using evidence from multiple investigations, scientists explain how groundwater is formed through this water cycle process
What is infiltration (or groundwater recharge)?
Using data from investigations, scientists explain this special type of mixture where one substance dissolves evenly in another.
What is a solution?
Scientists use cause-and-effect reasoning to explain how the Sun’s energy drives changes in weather conditions
What is solar energy?
By analyzing patterns in structure and function, scientists explain how adaptations help organisms survive in their environment. What are adaptations?
What are adaptations?
Using cause-and-effect reasoning and data, scientists explain how this process moves weathered materials from one place to another
What is erosion?
This water cycle component is best explained using systems thinking, showing how the atmosphere, land, and oceans interact based on scientific evidence.
What is the water cycle system?
After analyzing evidence and revising explanations, scientists explain how mass is conserved during physical and chemical changes in mixtures and solutions.
What is the law of conservation of mass?
After analyzing long-term data and revising explanations, scientists explain how climate patterns can change over time due to natural and human factors.
. What is climate change?
After analyzing evidence and revising explanations, scientists explain how structure and function relationships can be used to predict how organisms respond to changes in their environment
What is structure–function relationship?