MS-ESS2-5 | Weather and Air Masses
Collect data to provide evidence for how the motions and complex interactions of air masses results in changes in weather conditions.
Clarification statement: Emphasis is on how air flows from regions of high pressure to low pressure, the complex interactions at air mass boundaries, and the movements of air masses affect weather (defined by temperature, pressure, humidity, precipitation, and wind at a fixed location and time). Emphasis is on how weather can be predicted within probabilistic ranges. Data can be provided to students (such as weather maps, diagrams, and visualizations) or obtained through laboratory experiments (such as with condensation).
Assessment boundary: Assessment includes the application of weather data systems but does not include recalling the names of cloud types, weather symbols used on weather maps, the reported diagrams from weather stations, or the interrelationship of weather variables.
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.
Resources
Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of MS-ESS2-5.
This section could be expanded upon. You can help out by adding to this section.
Assessment
What assessment of MS-ESS2-5 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 MS-ESS2-5 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:
- Cause and Effect
- Cause and effect relationships may be used to predict phenomena in natural or designed systems.
- ESS2.C: The Roles of Water in Earth's Surface Processes
- The complex patterns of the changes and the movement of water in the atmosphere, determined by winds, landforms, and ocean temperatures and currents, are major determinants of local weather patterns.
- ESS2.D: Weather and Climate
- Because these patterns are so complex, weather can only be predicted probabilistically.
- Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
- Collect data to produce data to serve as the basis for evidence to answer scientific questions or test design solutions under a range of conditions.
Connections to Other Standards
MS-ESS2-5 connections to ELA, math, and other science standards as outlined by the NYS Education Department: