Mission Library

Cliffhanger
Earth's Spheres
Grades 5-6

The Mission
24 min

Storyline

Using their knowledge of Earth's sphere interactions, students will help save a cliffside city from falling into the ocean.

This is not a drill. A cliffside town called Oceana was set up years ago on the coastline of Exanis. However, ocean waves and strong currents have been eroding this coastline for years and this is now leading to large chunks of the cliff falling into the sea. If this continues for much longer, the entire town will soon drop into the ocean. But it gets worse. This town is also the location of a critical UCE research facility for quantum energy technology. The loss of this research and technology could set back humanity for decades. Our crew has been recruited to build a protection wall to save Oceana and keep the research facility from crumbling. To solve the problem, students will need to understand the interaction between the spheres to come up with the best solution that is both durable and environmentally friendly.

3-Dimensional Science

Phenomenon

Earth's systems interact and shape the surface of the planet.

Science and Engineering Practices

Developing and using models

Students will choose the model that best shows the interaction between the geosphere and hydrosphere.

Analyzing and interpreting data

Students will collect and analyze data to determine the best solution for the wall.

Crosscutting Concepts

Systems and system models

Students will identify what makes up the different parts of the Earth's systems (spheres)

Stability and change

Students will study a coastline system (geosphere and hydrosphere relationship) and how it is changing due to a shift in the hydrosphere.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

ESS2.A: Earth Materials and Systems

Earth’s major systems are the geosphere (solid and molten rock, soil, and sediments), the hydrosphere (water and ice), the atmosphere (air), and the biosphere (living things, including humans). These systems interact in multiple ways to affect Earth’s surface materials and processes. The ocean supports a variety of ecosystems and organisms, shapes landforms, and influences climate. Winds and clouds in the atmosphere interact with the landforms to determine patterns of weather. (5-ESS2-1)

Students identify and analyze interactions between hydrosphere and geosphere

ETS1: Engineering Design

Students will consider interactions between Earth's systems including the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere to determine which wall material will be the best solution for erosion.

ESS2.C: The Roles of Water in Earth’s Surface Processes

Nearly all of Earth’s available water is in the ocean. Most fresh water is in glaciers or underground; only a tiny fraction is in streams, lakes, wetlands, and the atmosphere. (5-ESS2-2)

Resources
Targeted Standards
Timeline
Skills in Action