I have been having a blast planning for Middle School Science. I think this is because I am learning too!
This Huge unit addressed the tricky standard, NGSS MS ESS2-6 Develop and use a model to describe how unequal heating and rotation of the Earth cause patterns of atmospheric and oceanic circulation that determine regional climates.
This resource also meets the Utah SEEd Standard 6.3.3 Develop and use a model to show how unequal heating of the Earth’s systems causes patterns of atmospheric and oceanic circulation that determine regional climates. Emphasize how warm water and air move from the equator toward the poles.
First, we start by talking about the atmosphere.
Next, we start exploring the way the sunlight hits the curved Earth. We do a couple of activities with this and then we do a really cool activity. We compare the heating of Earth’s main materials: Land and Water. We want to discover if the heat at the same rate and if they cool at the same rate.
I won’t spoil the fun by telling you what we discover, but it was a great chance to use measurement and graphing to record out data.
Next, we do the coolest thing of all! We review heat transfer and then discuss how heat transfer works in our atmosphere and hydrosphere to distribute heat.
We do a great experiment on convection currents, which I have recorded for you here.
There is so much more to this unit. It is well over 100 pages/slides.
If you teach middle school, please take a look. Remember, there is a version for NGSS and another version for Utah SEEd.
This unit is available in my TPT store or here on teachingscience.us.
FREE Chemical Reaction Resource
