South Dakota Science 5-ESS2-1

Science5th GradeEarth and Space Science

The Standard

Develop a model to describe the interaction of geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. (SEP: 2; DCI: ESS2.A; CCC: Systems)

South Dakota Science Standards (2024) · Earth’s Systems

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students make a model that includes land, living things, water, and air. They use labeled arrows to show how these parts interact, such as rain soaking soil and plant roots taking up water.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student can label all four parts in a drawing of a rainy field. They can explain what each arrow shows and predict how less rain would affect the soil and plants.
Common Misconceptions: Students may treat soil and water as the same part of the model. They may draw arrows between parts without naming what moves, or think roots take up water directly from the air.
How to Assess It: Draw a tree beside a puddle after rain. Label the air, soil, water, and tree, then add and explain three arrows showing how water moves between them.

Lesson moves

Place a potted plant, water cup, and inflated bag on a tray; students sketch and label arrows linking the water, soil, plant, and air.
Ask, "After rain fills a puddle beside a tree, where could that water go next?" Have students explain their answer with a sketch.
Give pairs cards marked water, soil, roots, leaves, and air; have them arrange a water path and explain each link.
Show a photo of a muddy schoolyard; students annotate how puddle water enters soil, reaches grass, and returns to air.

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