Weather and Climate

Students make sense of how Earth’s geo-systems operate by modeling the flow of energy and cycling of matter with and among different systems. A systems approach is important here, examining the the feedbacks between systems as energy from the sun is transferred between systems and circulates through the ocean and atmosphere. The crosscutting concepts of cause and effect, systems and system models, and energy and matter are called out as frameworks for understanding the disciplinary core ideas. In this unit, students are expected to demonstrate proficiency in developing and using models and planning and carrying out investigations as they make sense of the disciplinary core ideas. Students are also expected to use the practices to demonstrate understanding of the core ideas. This unit is based on the grade-band performance expectations listed below.