NGSS Chemistry in the Earth System: Integrating Chemistry and Earth and Space Science
Kognity’s digital curriculum for high school Chemistry, integrated with Earth and Space Science, uses a phenomena-based approach to make science instruction more engaging and accessible, aligning with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and state-specific science standards.
NGSS-aligned Curriculum for High School Chemistry
This Chemistry in the Earth System course includes 6 units. Each unit begins with an anchoring phenomenon that is then investigated in a number of modules that provide opportunities for students to observe, collaborate and explore.
Units include: Combustion; Heat and energy in the Earth system; Atoms, elements, and molecules; Chemical reactions; Chemistry of climate change; The dynamics of chemical reactions and ocean acidification.
Get a glimpse inside a Kognity lesson
Explore Chemistry in the Earth System Module 3.1: Atoms and their properties
Anchoring phenomenon
In this module, students learn about how minerals compare and differ, the atomic structure and diversity in minerals. Students share what they observe and wonder about the similarities and differences in the fossils.
Engaging with the question
Introducing the module question: “What makes minerals different from one another?” students begin by sharing observations of what they see, without making connections to meaning. Next, students can build on their observations to make connections to meaning.
Creating and sharing initial ideas
Students will make and record a guess as to why minerals that all contain silicon can look so different from one another. Then have the student share their ideas within small groups. You may also wish to have a class discussion at the end of the sharing activity to further share and solidify ideas.
Returning to the Driving Question Board
This is where students are provided the time to reflect on what they have learned and to record new questions they can add to the Driving Question Board.
Students are prompted to generate at least one new question based on their observations of how closely the organisms are related to one another, using a think-pair-share or whole-class discussion.
Assessment
Students will submit a summative assessment in the form of a Performance Task, either by group, partner or solo submission. This will require them to use patterns, evidence, and pictures within data tables.
