EarthComm and Investigating Earth Systems

Topics: Geosciences, Passive Solar, Active Solar, Photovotaics, Wind, Biomass/Biofuels, Global Warming, Geothermal, Transportation, Hydropower/Tidal/Wave/Ocean Thermal

Source: American Geological Institute (AGI)

Web Address: http://www.agiweb.org/earthcomm

Grade Levels: Secondary

Learning Strategies: Comprehension, interpretation, application, analysis, synthesis, evaluation of data and written text; representation of knowledge and inquiry-based learning

Frameworks Connections:

Science and Technology/Engineering

• Earth and Space Science Grades 9,10

1. Matter and Energy in Earth System
2. The Earth’s Sources of Energy

• Biology Grades 9,10

Evolution and Biodiversity

• Chemistry Grades 9,10

Properties of Matter

• Physics Grades 9,10

Motion and Forces

• Technology/Engineering Grades 9,10

Construction Technology

• Life Sciences Grades 6-8

Living Things and their Environment
Changes in Ecosystems over Time

• Physical Sciences, grades 6-8

Heat Energy

• Technology/Engineering Grades 6-8

2. Engineering Design

Mathematics

• Number Sense and Operations, Grades 5 -10

• Patterns, Relations, and Algebra, Grades 5 - 10

• Measurement, Grades 5- 8

Cost: Free

Description: AGI disseminates information on earth science education through several mechanisms, including publications such as high-school curricula (EarthCommTM) and middle-school curricula (Investigating Earth SystemsTM); and workshops and presentations for teachers and educators. Content and activities for these curricula are available on-line; click Geoscience education – Curriculum Materials. Activities are many and varied, follow National Science Standards for inquiry-based learning.

AGI also sponsors Earth Science Week to raise awareness about how the earth sciences affect our lives and society (www.earthscienceworld.org/week). Earth Science Week Educator’s Kits and other AGI publications are available. From the homepage on the website choose Geoscience Education - Curriculum Materials. Teacher reviewers say, “Great links!” and “Great image bank.”