Prek-2 A1

Science Curriculum Preview Committee Clarification of Learning Results

Revised 04/29/04

3-4

F2. Demonstrate an understanding that many things about the earth (e.g., climate) occur in cycles that vary in length and frequency.

Curriculum Organizing Questions

What do we know that comes in cycles?

What cycles can you think of in nature?

Elaboration
At this stage, the discussion needs to begin by exploring what a cycle is, then relating this concept to changes in the earth. This discussion should be kept simple and observational and not delve too deeply into the reasons and mechanisms for these cycles.

Specific Ideas

Earth is constantly changing. Some changes happen quickly, some take a long time.NSES D3a.

Constructive and destructive forces shape and change landforms.NSES 5-8 D1c.

Earth's weather changes from day to day and over the seasons. Climate is farily constant but changes over long periods of time.NSES D3b.

Things change in steady, repetitive, or irregular ways -- or sometimes in more than one way at the same time.Benchmarks 11C2.

Developmental & Instructional Implications
Be sure to observe cycles that are obvious as this is a difficult concept. Have students draw cycles of familiar topics such as seasons, days of the week, etc.

Examples

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Curriculum Organizing Questions	What do we know that comes in cycles? What cycles can you think of in nature?
Elaboration	At this stage, the discussion needs to begin by exploring what a cycle is, then relating this concept to changes in the earth. This discussion should be kept simple and observational and not delve too deeply into the reasons and mechanisms for these cycles.
Specific Ideas	Earth is constantly changing. Some changes happen quickly, some take a long time.NSES D3a. Constructive and destructive forces shape and change landforms.NSES 5-8 D1c. Earth's weather changes from day to day and over the seasons. Climate is farily constant but changes over long periods of time.NSES D3b. Things change in steady, repetitive, or irregular ways -- or sometimes in more than one way at the same time.Benchmarks 11C2.
Developmental & Instructional Implications	Be sure to observe cycles that are obvious as this is a difficult concept. Have students draw cycles of familiar topics such as seasons, days of the week, etc.
Examples