Science Benchmark Clarification, Instruction, and Assessment

Science Benchmark Clarification, Instruction, and Assessment
Strand: V. Use Scientific Knowledge from the Earth and Space Sciences in Real-World Contexts
Content Standard: 1. All students will describe the Earth’s surface; describe and explain how the
Earth’s features change over time; and analyze effects of technology on the Earth’s surface and
resources. (Geosphere)
Benchmark
Describe and identify surface features using maps (SCI.V.1.MS.1).
Benchmark Clarification
Maps are just one of the tools that scientists use to identify surface features of the Earth. Depending on
the type of map, information given in the map’s key can be used to describe the Earth’s surface
features.
Students will:
• Interpret different kinds of maps to identify local and regional landforms
• Interpret maps of the continents and maps of the ocean floor to identify global landforms, such
as plateaus, mountains, plains, etc.
Key Concepts (voc.)
Landforms:
• plains
• deserts
• plateaus
• basins
• Great Lakes
• rivers
• Continental Divide
• mountains
• mountain ranges
• valleys
Tools:
• raised relief maps:
• topographic maps
Real-World Context
Maps showing local and regional surface features:
• Great Lakes
• local topography
Maps showing global surface features:
• continents
• ocean floors
MSEarth-Final.doc
19/01Instructional Example SCI.V.1.MS.1
Benchmark Question: What is the Earth’s surface like?
Focus Question: How do different types of maps help us to identify surface features of the Earth ...