There are two 4th grade level Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) aligned to this unit.
4-ESS3-1. Obtain and combine information to describe that energy and fuels are derived from natural resources and their uses affect the environment. Examples of renewable energy resources could include wind energy, water behind dams, and sunlight; nonrenewable energy resources are fossil fuels and fissile materials. Examples of environmental effects could include loss of habitat due to dams, loss of habitat due to surface mining, and air pollution from burning of fossil fuels.
The main idea of this unit is to introduce the element carbon and the effect it has on the Earth as carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. There had been a natural carbon balance on Earth that developed over millions of years, with the amount of carbon naturally released from reservoirs in equilibrium to the amount that is naturally absorbed by reservoirs. Many scientists believe that human activity over the past 300 years has upset that carbon balance and the projected consequence is a warmer planet with changing climate patterns and higher sea levels.
4-ESS3-2. Generate and compare multiple solutions to reduce the impacts of natural Earth processes on humans. Examples of solutions could include designing an earthquake resistant building and improving monitoring of volcanic activity. Assessment is limited to earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.
This unit encourages students to investigate ideas and actions that can reduce carbon on a global scale, therefore mitigating some of the effects of climate change.
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