Unit Plan 19 (Grade 5 Science): Earth’s Systems Overview

Focus: Develop and use models to show how the geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere interact as connected parts of Earth’s system.

Grade Level: 5

Subject Area: Science (Earth & Space Science — Earth’s Systems)

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

I. Introduction

In this unit, students build an overview of Earth’s systems by exploring the geosphere (rocks/land), hydrosphere (water), biosphere (living things), and atmosphere (air). They investigate real-world examples (mountains, oceans, forests, storms, cities) and create models that show how these spheres interact—for example, how rain shapes land, how plants depend on soil and air, or how people affect water and air. By the end of the week, students construct a “Four-Spheres Interaction Model” for a chosen place and explain how the spheres are connected and interdependent.

Essential Questions

• What are the geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere, and what are examples of each?
• How do Earth’s spheres interact with one another in real places on Earth?
• How can a model help us describe and explain Earth’s systems and their interactions?
• Why is it important to understand that no sphere works alone—that all four spheres are connected?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Identify and give examples of the geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere in familiar environments.
2. Develop and use models to show at least two interactions among Earth’s spheres (e.g., rain eroding soil, plants using water and air).
3. Use labeled diagrams and explanations to describe how a specific place (such as a mountain, river, forest, or city) involves multiple spheres interacting.
4. Explain, in their own words, how changes in one sphere can affect other spheres (e.g., drought affecting plants and animals).
5. Create a Four-Spheres Interaction Model & Explanation for a selected location that clearly shows sphere labels and interaction arrows, with a written or oral explanation.

Standards Alignment — 5th Grade (NGSS-Aligned)

• 5-ESS2-1 — Develop a model using an example to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can name and describe the geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere with clear examples.
• I can draw a model of a place on Earth and label where each sphere is present.
• I can show and explain at least two interactions among spheres (for example, rain on rocks, plants using water and air).
• I can explain how a change in one sphere might affect other spheres.
• I can create a clear model and explanation so someone else can understand how Earth’s systems work together.