4-ESS1-1

Identify evidence from patterns in rock formations and fossils in rock layers to support an explanation for changes in a landscape over time.

Clarification statement: Examples of evidence from patterns could include rock layers with marine shell fossils above rock layers with plant fossils and no shells, indicating a change from land to water over time; tilted rock layers indicate past crustal movement; glacial scratches on rock formations indicating glacier movement; and, a canyon with different rock layers in the walls and a river in the bottom, indicating that over time a river cut through the rock.

Assessment boundary: Assessment does not include specific knowledge of the mechanism of rock formation or memorization of specific rock formations and layers. Assessment is limited to relative time.

Resources

Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of 4-ESS1-1.

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Assessment

What assessment of 4-ESS1-1 might look like on a NY state exam.

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NGSS Dimensions

Performance expectation 4-ESS1-1 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:

Science and engineering practices

Disciplinary core ideas

Crosscutting concepts

Connections to Other Standards

4-ESS1-1 connections to ELA, math, and other science standards as outlined by the NYS Education Department:

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P-8 | 4. Earth’s Systems: Processes that Shape the Earth