Delicate Balance
Water Cycle
Grades 4-9

The Mission

24 min

Storyline

In order to avoid a potential war with the Sarucians, the crew will apply their knowledge of the water cycle to fix the problem that Calix California created.

When the crew arrives at the Sarucian and human community, they will analyze their surroundings to determine which part of the water cycle was disturbed, and then fix it.

3-Dimensional Science

Phenomenon

Water is cycles as part of Earth's systems. The process is driven by energy from the Sun.

Science and Engineering Practices

Planning and Carrying Out Investigations

The crew conducts scans and research on the Viper colony and potential new planets to determine the best destination for the colonists.

Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

The crew evaluates data and makes decisions based on the information collected during their investigation of the planets.

Analyzing and Interpreting Data

The crew interprets data about the planets' systems, including gas giants and rings, to make informed decisions about the colony's new location.

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

The crew collaborates to decide on the most suitable planet for the colonists based on their knowledge of the planets' characteristics and how they align with the needs of the colonists.

Crosscutting Concepts

Patterns

The crew analyzes patterns of volcanic eruptions and failing water cycles on the Viper colony to identify the underlying problems.

Cause and Effect

The crew investigates the cause of the colony's failure, which includes volcanic eruptions and a disrupted water cycle, leading to the decision to evacuate the colonists.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

ESS2: Earth’s Systems

The crew investigates planetary features, such as volcanic eruptions, atmosphere, and habitability, to understand the challenges faced by the Viper colony and find a suitable new home.

Resources

Targeted Standards

Timeline