P

Observations and investigations form the basis for young learners’ understanding of energy in Earth systems.

5.4.P.E.1

Explore the effects of sunlight on living and nonliving things.

2

Plants need sunlight to grow.

5.4.2.E.1

Describe the relationship between the Sun and plant growth.

4

Land, air, and water absorb the Sun’s energy at different rates.

5.4.4.E.1

Develop a general set of rules to predict temperature changes of Earth materials, such as water, soil, and sand, when placed in the Sun and in the shade.

6

The Sun is the major source of energy for circulating the atmosphere and oceans.

5.4.6.E.1

Generate a conclusion about energy transfer and circulation by observing a model of convection currents.

8

The Sun provides energy for plants to grow and drives convection within the atmosphere and oceans, producing winds, ocean currents, and the water cycle.

5.4.8.E.1

Explain how energy from the Sun is transformed or transferred in global wind circulation, ocean circulation, and the water cycle.

12

The Sun is the major external source of energy for Earth’s global energy budget.

5.4.12.E.1

Model and explain the physical science principles that account for the global energy budget.

12

Earth systems have internal and external sources of energy, both of which create heat.

5.4.12.E.2

Predict what the impact on biogeochemical systems would be if there were an increase or decrease in internal and external energy.