Grade 3 Science TEKS 3.10C:Rapid Earth Surface Changes

Learning Target: I can model and describe how volcanic eruptions can cause rapid changes to the Earth’s surface.

Focuses On:

• Parts of a volcano and how an eruption occurs.
• Changes to the Earth's surface due to a volcanic eruption.

Builds On:

This is the first time that students are introduced to rapid changes to Earth's surface.

Next Level:

7.10B:

describe how plate tectonics causes ocean basin formation, earthquakes, mountain building, and volcanic eruptions, including super volcanoes and hot spots

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This lesson is designed to support students' understanding of volcanoes, including how they erupt and the changes they cause to the Earth's surface.

The lesson begins with an introduction to the terminology associated with the parts of a volcano and the process of an eruption. It then describes the various changes eruptions cause to the Earth's surface, such as forming new landforms and altering landscapes.

This is the only time students learn about volcanoes in this context, but learn more about plate tectonics in 7.10B.

Learning Target: I can model and describe how earthquakes can cause rapid changes to the Earth’s surface.

Focuses On:

• How earthquakes occur.
• Rapid changes to Earth's surface as a result of an earthquake.

Builds On:

This is the first time that students are introduced to rapid changes to Earth's surface.

Next Level:

7.10B:

describe how plate tectonics causes ocean basin formation, earthquakes, mountain building, and volcanic eruptions, including super volcanoes and hot spots

Read More:

This lesson is designed to support students' understanding of the rapid changes to Earth's surface caused by earthquakes.

The lesson begins by explaining how earthquakes occur from the movement of tectonic plates. It then explores the immediate changes these events cause to the landscape, such as the creation of faults, ground ruptures, and landslides.

This is the only time students learn about earthquakes in this context, but learn more about plate tectonics in 7.10B.

Learning Target: I can model and describe how landslides can cause rapid changes to the Earth’s surface.

Focuses On:

• What causes a landslide.
• The rapid changes to Earth's surface caused by landslides.

Builds On:

This is the first time that students are introduced to landslides.

Next Level:

This is the only time students will learn about this topic.

Read More:

This lesson is designed to support students' understanding of landslides as a rapid change to Earth's surface.

The lesson begins by exploring the causes of landslides and their associated vocabulary. It then details the rapid changes they cause to the landscape, such as the immediate destruction and displacement of rock, soil, and debris.

This is the only time students learn about landslides.