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.