Benchmarks: Earth’s Structures

BENCHMARK CODE

BENCHMARK

SC.7.E.6.1

Describe the layers of the solid Earth, including the lithosphere, the hot convecting mantle, and the dense metallic liquid and solid cores.

Cognitive Complexity/Depth of Knowledge Rating: Moderate

SC.7.E.6.2

Identify the patterns within the rock cycle and relate them to surface events (weathering and erosion) and sub-surface events (plate tectonics and mountain building).

Cognitive Complexity/Depth of Knowledge Rating: High

SC.7.E.6.3

Identify current methods for measuring the age of Earth and its parts, including the law of superposition and radioactive dating.

Cognitive Complexity/Depth of Knowledge Rating: Moderate

SC.7.E.6.4

Explain and give examples of how physical evidence supports scientific theories that Earth has evolved over geologic time due to natural processes.

Cognitive Complexity/Depth of Knowledge Rating: High

SC.7.E.6.5

Explore the scientific theory of plate tectonics by describing how the movement of Earth’s crustal plates causes both slow and rapid changes in Earth’s surface, including volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and mountain building.

Cognitive Complexity/Depth of Knowledge Rating: Moderate

SC.7.E.6.6

Identify the impact that humans have had on Earth, such as deforestation, urbanization, desertification, erosion, air and water quality, changing the flow of water.

Cognitive Complexity/Depth of Knowledge Rating: Moderate

SC.7.E.6.7

Recognize that heat flow and movement of material within Earth causes earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and creates mountains and ocean basins.

Cognitive Complexity/Depth of Knowledge Rating: Moderate