MS-ESS2-1
The standard
Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth's materials and the flow of energy that drives this process.
Next Generation Science Standards
What this standard means
Students need to build and explain a model of the rock cycle that shows matter moving through Earth systems. They should connect processes such as melting, cooling and crystallization, weathering, erosion, sedimentation, compaction, heat, pressure, and deformation. They also need to show that energy from Earth’s interior and the Sun drives these changes.
Mastery looks like a labeled diagram, physical model, or flowchart that explains causes, not just rock names. Students often get stuck thinking the cycle runs in one fixed order. They may also mix up weathering, erosion, and sedimentation, or leave out energy sources.
Ways to teach it
- Have students use crayon shavings, foil, pressure, and warm water to model sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rock changes.
- Ask students to write: How could one rock become three different rock types over millions of years?
- Give a blank rock cycle diagram and ask students to add three processes, two energy sources, and arrows with explanations.
- Show photos of a volcano, canyon, beach, and folded rock layers, then have students match each to a rock cycle process.
Plan a lesson for MS-ESS2-1
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related standards
- HS-ESS2-4
Use a model to describe how variations in the flow of energy into and out of Earth systems result in changes in climate.
- MS-LS2-3
Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.
- MS-ESS2-4
Develop a model to describe the cycling of water through Earth's systems driven by energy from the sun and the force of gravity.
- HS-ESS2-6
Develop a quantitative model to describe the cycling of carbon among the hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere.