Exploring Earth: Forces and Changes

A river flows through a valley and deposits sediment at its mouth, forming a delta. Using scientific evidence, which process is primarily responsible for the creation of the delta, and how can you support your claim?

• Erosion, because the river removes soil from the delta.

• Deposition, because the river drops sediment at the mouth, building up new land.

• Weathering, because rocks break down into smaller pieces.

• Volcanic activity, because lava creates new land.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

A student observes that sand dunes in a desert change shape over time. Construct an argument using evidence to explain whether this is a constructive or destructive process and why.

• Constructive, because wind removes sand from the dunes.

• Destructive, because wind breaks down the sand particles.

• Constructive, because wind moves and deposits sand, building up new dunes.

• Destructive, because animals dig holes in the dunes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Mountains can be formed by the collision of tectonic plates. Using reasoning and evidence, explain whether this is a constructive or destructive process and justify your answer.

• Destructive, because mountains are worn down by weathering.

• Constructive, because the collision builds up land to form mountains.

• Destructive, because earthquakes destroy land.

• Constructive, because rivers deposit sediment on mountains.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

A volcano erupts and creates a new island. Use scientific evidence to construct an argument about the type of process involved and its effect on Earth's surface.

• Destructive, because lava destroys everything in its path.

• Constructive, because lava cools and forms new land.

• Destructive, because ash covers the land.

• Destructive, because earthquakes occur during eruptions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

A student claims that weathering is a destructive process. Use evidence to support or refute this claim.

• Support, because weathering breaks down rocks into smaller pieces.

• Refute, because weathering builds up new landforms.

• Support, because weathering creates new soil.

• Refute, because weathering only affects living things.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

You are asked to develop a simple interactive model to show how water can change the shape of land. Which model would best illustrate the effects of erosion and deposition?

• Pouring water over a pile of sand and observing how the sand moves and settles.

• Placing rocks in a box and shaking it.

• Freezing water in a cup.

• Mixing oil and water in a bottle.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Design an experiment using a model to collect data on how wind shapes sand dunes. What would be the best approach?

• Blow air over a tray of sand and measure how the sand moves and forms new shapes.

• Pour water on rocks and observe changes.

• Mix soil and water in a jar.

• Place a plant in sand and watch it grow.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

You want to model how glaciers change the land. Which interactive model would best help you collect data about this process?

• Dragging a block of ice with sand over clay and observing the grooves left behind.

• Mixing salt and water in a cup.

• Heating a rock in the sun.

• Dropping marbles on sand.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

A class is modeling the effects of plant roots on soil erosion. Which setup would best help them collect data on how plants limit erosion?

• Compare water runoff from two trays, one with grass and one without, after pouring water over both.

• Mix sand and gravel in a jar.

• Freeze water in a tray.

• Place rocks in a stream of water.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ETS1-3

To model the impact of rainfall on soil, which experiment would best allow you to collect data on constructive and destructive processes?

• Sprinkle water over a sloped tray of soil and observe how the soil moves and where it collects.

• Place a rock in a cup of water.

• Mix oil and sand together.

• Freeze a cup of water.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2