SEEd - Earth and Space Science
Lesson Plans

Strand ESS.3: SYSTEM INTERACTIONS: ATMOSPHERE, HYDROSPHERE, AND GEOSPHERE

The abundance of liquid water on Earth's surface and its unique properties are central to the planet's dynamics and system interactions. The foundation for Earth's global weather and climate systems is electromagnetic radiation from the Sun. The ocean exerts a major influence on weather and climate by absorbing energy from the Sun, releasing it over time, and globally redistributing it through ocean currents. Changes in the atmosphere due to human activity increase carbon dioxide concentrations and thus affect climate. Current scientific models predict that future average global temperatures will continue to rise, although regional climate changes will be complex and varied.

Standard ESS.3.1

Plan and carry out an investigation of the properties of water and its effects on Earth materials and surface processes. Examples of properties could include water's capacity to expand upon freezing, dissolve and transport material, or absorb, store, and release energy. (ESS2.C)

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