Mississippi Science E.K.8A

E.K.8A is a cluster heading. These are the individual standards under it.

• E.K.8A.1

  Construct an explanation of the pattern of the Earth's seasonal changes in the environment using evidence from observations.

01

What Students Need to Do

Students notice how weather and plants change across the seasons. They use photos or their own observations to explain what changes and how the seasons repeat.

02

What Mastery Looks Like

A student puts photos of the same place in seasonal order and points to a visible change. They explain that the seasons repeat, even though the weather can vary from day to day.

03

Common Misconceptions

Students may think one warm day means the season has changed. They may also expect snow every winter or think all trees lose their leaves.

04

How to Assess It

Give students four photos of the same place, one from each season. Ask them to put the photos in order, name one change they see, and tell which season comes after winter.

1. 01

   Give pairs four photos of the same park across the seasons; have them arrange the photos in a circle and point out a change.

2. 02

   Show two dated schoolyard photos and ask, 'What changed between these photos, and what can you see that tells you?'

3. 03

   Play season picture bingo with local plant and weather photos; students name a visible clue before covering a square.

4. 04

   Sketch a tree outside the classroom, then compare the sketch with a dated photo of that tree from another season.

• E.4.9B

  Students will demonstrate an understanding of weather and climate patterns.

• E.7.9C

  Students will demonstrate an understanding that the seasons are the direct result of the Earth's tilt and the intensity of sunlight on the Earth's hemispheres.

• ESS.3

  Students will develop an understanding of Earth’s systems and cycles.

• E.7.9B

  Students will demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between natural phenomena, human activity, and global climate change.