5th Grade/Science/Approximately 5 days 5th Grade Earth Science: Weather and Water
Stage 1 Desired Results
Established Goals (TEKS)
(8)Earth and space. The student knows that there are recognizable patterns in the natural world and among the Sun, Earth, and Moon system.
The student is expected to:
(A)differentiate between weather and climate.
(B)explain how the Sun and the ocean interact in the water cycle.
/ Transfer
Learners will be able to infer causes of changeto Earth’s surface that occur over time and predict future changes.
Meaning
UNDERSTANDINGS
Learnersunderstandthat …
  • There are recognizable patterns in the natural world and among objects in the sky.
  • Earth cycles and systems continually interact and have observable, measurable properties.
  • The relationship between the Earth and the Sun creates changes over time encompassing the water cycle and climate, weather, and seasonal patterns.
  • The Sun, Earth’s major source of energy, is the driving force of all weather and water circulation.
  • Water is necessary to sustain life on earth, and ties together the Earth’s lands, oceans, and atmosphere into an integrated system.
  • Models of objects and events are tools for understanding the natural world and can show how systems work.
  • Models have limitations and can change as new observations are made.
/ ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
Learnerskeep considering
  • How and why is Earth constantly changing?
  • How does the Sun affect Earth?
  • Why is understanding weather important to our lives?
  • How can I use a model to better understand a concept, answer a question, or solve a problem?

Acquisition
Learners will know …
  • Weather and climate involve the transfer of energy in and out of the atmosphere.
  • Energy from the Sun interacts with Earth’s oceans and other bodies of water to change the physical state of water.
  • Earth has a variety of climates.
  • A region’s climate can be affected by a region’s latitude, elevation, nearness to large bodies of water, and nearby ocean currents.
Critical Vocabulary
  • climate
/ Learners will be skilled at …
  • Using models to describe and illustrate the movement of water through Earth and its atmosphere.
  • Differentiating between weather and climate.
  • Collecting information by detailed observations and accurate measuring.
  • Constructing appropriate simple graphs, tables, and charts, to organize, examine, and evaluate information.
  • Making claims based on evidence.
  • Communicating scientific explanations and valid conclusions.