HS-ESS2-8

Evaluate data and communicate information to explain how the movement and interactions of air masses result in changes in weather conditions.

Clarification statement: Examples of evidence sources could include station models, surface weather maps, satellite images, radar, and accepted forecast models. Emphasis should focus on communicating how the uneven heating of Earth’s surface and prevailing global winds drive the movement of air masses and their corresponding circulation patterns, the interaction of different air masses at frontal boundaries, and resulting weather phenomena.

Assessment boundary: Analysis is limited to surface weather maps and general weather patterns associated with high and low pressure systems.

Performance Level Descriptions

PLDs communicate the knowledge and skills expected of students to demonstrate proficiency in each Learning Standard. NYS assessments classify student performance into one of five levels.

Level 5Level 4Level 3Level 2Level 1

Collect and analyze global and regional weather data using tools, technologies, and/or models, to communicate in multiple formats how the movement and interactions of air masses result in changes in weather conditions.

Evaluate data and communicate information to explain how the movement and interactions of air masses result in changes in weather conditions.

Evaluate data and communicate information to identify the patterns of movement and/or interactions of air masses and/or the resulting changes in weather conditions.

Use data to identify the patterns of movement or the interactions of air masses and the resulting changes in weather conditions or to identify factors that drive the movement of air masses or from given weather conditions, identify evidence from maps that supports these conditions.

Use data and/or patterns of movement and interactions of air masses to identify the resulting changes in weather conditions or identify one factor that drives the movement of air masses or from those provided, use evidence from maps to account for weather conditions or given weather conditions, identify evidence found on maps that account for one of these conditions.

Resources

Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of HS-ESS2-8.

This section could be expanded upon. You can help out by adding to this section.

Assessment

What assessment of HS-ESS2-8 might look like on a NY state exam.

This section could be expanded upon. You can help out by adding to this section.

NGSS Dimensions

Performance expectation HS-ESS2-8 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:

Science and Engineering Practices

Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information: Communicate scientific ideas (e.g., about phenomena and/or the process of development and the design and performance of a proposed process or system) in multiple formats (including orally, graphically, textually, and mathematically).

Disciplinary Core Ideas

Weather and climate: Concepts of density and heat energy can be used to explain observations of weather patterns.

Crosscutting Concepts

Patterns: Different patterns may be observed at each of the scales at which a system is studied and can provide evidence for causality in explanations of phenomena.
Patterns: Empirical evidence is needed to identify patterns.

Page contributors: Caroline Leonard, Conrad Richman

Earth and Space Science | HS. Weather and Climate