Sixth graders started their Earth Science unit this year with many “real world” examples.  As they were studying how the Earth’s surface is continually shaped and reshaped by moving water and tectonic processes, they were able to witness the evidence of these processes through Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.  Students observed the effect of natural disasters on the human populations during the Mexico City earthquake and the dilemma for citizens in Bali, Indonesia as they evacuate and await the predicted eruption of the volcano, Mount Agung.

Students have constructed models and used simulations to help develop explanations for the natural disasters that are occurring around the Pacific Rim – Ring of Fire.   They conducted investigations in the outdoor classroom to see the effect of erosion and the benefit of plants in the biosphere to reduce these effects.

In an effort to practice our healthy habit #6, Synergize.  Keila Sherman, from the Natural Resource and Conservation Service   brought an enormous Earth balloon to Marshall.  Students were able to sit inside the model while she discussed the features of the Earth and the processes that caused them to form.

Studying these features and changes are evidence of processes that have shaped Earth’s history and will determine its future.