Unit Plan 35 (Grade 4 Science): Earth Systems Project

Focus: Create and explain models that show how weathering, erosion, deposition, landscapes, natural resources, and human actions interact in Earth systems.

Grade Level: 4

Subject Area: Science (Earth & Human Impact)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this culminating Earth systems unit, students design a visual or 3D project that brings together earlier learning about rock layers, fossils, weathering, erosion, deposition, landforms, natural resources, and human impacts. Working individually or in teams, they build a model (poster, diorama, map, or interactive display) that shows how Earth processes shape landscapes over time and how resource use and natural hazards affect people and the environment. The week ends with a gallery-style Earth Systems Expo where projects are presented and explained.

Essential Questions

• How do weathering, erosion, and deposition change Earth’s surface over time?
• What can rock layers and fossils tell us about how a landscape has changed?
• How do people use natural resources, and how does that use affect the environment?
• How can people prepare for or reduce the impacts of natural Earth processes like floods or earthquakes?
• How can a model help explain complex Earth systems to other people?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Use evidence from rock layers, landforms, and fossils in a model to explain how a landscape has changed over time.
2. Show, with labeled diagrams or 3D models, how weathering, erosion, and deposition shape landforms.
3. Describe how energy and fuels from natural resources are used and how this use impacts the environment.
4. Propose at least one solution or action that reduces the impact of natural hazards or resource use on people and ecosystems.
5. Present and explain their Earth Systems Project clearly, using key vocabulary and answering questions from peers.

Standards Alignment — 4th Grade (NGSS-Aligned)

• 4-ESS1-1 — Identify evidence from patterns in rock formations and fossils in rock layers to support an explanation for changes in landscapes over time.
  • Example: Use fossil type and rock position in a model cliff to argue that an area used to be underwater.
• 4-ESS2-1 — Make observations and/or measurements to provide evidence of the effects of weathering or water/ice/wind erosion.
  • Example: Show in a model how a river, rain, or wind wears down a hill and moves sediment.
• 4-ESS2-2 — Analyze and interpret data from maps to describe patterns of Earth features (mountains, volcanoes, faults, rivers).
  • Example: Include a simple map or cross-section that connects landforms in the project area.
• 4-ESS3-1 — Obtain and combine information to describe that energy and fuels are derived from natural resources and their uses affect the environment.
  • Example: Explain how burning coal, using oil, or cutting forests changes air, water, or land.
• 4-ESS3-2 — Generate and compare multiple solutions to reduce the impacts of natural Earth processes on humans.
  • Example: Add levees, sea walls, evacuation routes, or building codes to the model to reduce hazard impacts.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can use rock layers, fossils, or landforms in my model to explain how a place has changed over time.
• I can show and explain how weathering, erosion, and deposition shape Earth’s surface.
• I can describe how people get energy and fuels from natural resources and how this affects the environment.
• I can include and explain at least one hazard-reduction or resource-protection solution in my project.
• I can speak clearly about my Earth Systems Project, using correct science words and answering questions.