Standards
Science
5 A. 8: Earth’s materials are limited natural resources affected by human activity
a. Relate the comparative amounts of fresh water and salt water on the Earth to the availability of water as a resource for living organisms and human activity
b. Describe the effect of human activities (e.g., landfills, use of fertilizers and herbicides, farming, septic systems) on the quality of water
c. Analyze the ways humans affect the erosion and deposition of soil and rock materials (e.g., clearing of land, planting vegetation, paving land, construction of new buildings, building or removal of dams)
Common Core Grade 8 Writing Standards
1. Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
a. Introduce claim(s), acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
b. Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.
Common Core Mathematics
Standards for mathematical practice
1. Model with Mathematics.
2. Use appropriate tools strategically
Social Studies
Economic Concepts and Principles
4 B.8: Describe how decisions and actions of governments, businesses, groups and individuals affect one another in a market economy.
Elements of Geographical Study and Analysis
5 E. 8: Explain how changes in transportation, communication and other technologies affect the movement of people, products, and ideas.
Tools of Social Science Inquiry
7G. 8: Identify, research and defend a point of view/position.
Curriculum-framing Questions
Essential Question
What is the cost of doing business?
Unit Questions
How might changes in climate affect the economy?
How are factors analyzed and weighed when making a decision?
How might a problem be solved with an innovative idea?
How might I use a mathematical model to inform decision-making?
Content Questions
What are possible causes of a Midwest drought?
What are the various demands people place on water supplies?
How are goods transported in the United States?
In what ways has human activity affected the geography and ecology of the Mississippi River?
Science
5 A. 8: Earth’s materials are limited natural resources affected by human activity
a. Relate the comparative amounts of fresh water and salt water on the Earth to the availability of water as a resource for living organisms and human activity
b. Describe the effect of human activities (e.g., landfills, use of fertilizers and herbicides, farming, septic systems) on the quality of water
c. Analyze the ways humans affect the erosion and deposition of soil and rock materials (e.g., clearing of land, planting vegetation, paving land, construction of new buildings, building or removal of dams)
Common Core Grade 8 Writing Standards
1. Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
a. Introduce claim(s), acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
b. Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.
Common Core Mathematics
Standards for mathematical practice
1. Model with Mathematics.
2. Use appropriate tools strategically
Social Studies
Economic Concepts and Principles
4 B.8: Describe how decisions and actions of governments, businesses, groups and individuals affect one another in a market economy.
Elements of Geographical Study and Analysis
5 E. 8: Explain how changes in transportation, communication and other technologies affect the movement of people, products, and ideas.
Tools of Social Science Inquiry
7G. 8: Identify, research and defend a point of view/position.
Curriculum-framing Questions
Essential Question
What is the cost of doing business?
Unit Questions
How might changes in climate affect the economy?
How are factors analyzed and weighed when making a decision?
How might a problem be solved with an innovative idea?
How might I use a mathematical model to inform decision-making?
Content Questions
What are possible causes of a Midwest drought?
What are the various demands people place on water supplies?
How are goods transported in the United States?
In what ways has human activity affected the geography and ecology of the Mississippi River?