| Earth
Systems |
E2.1A |
Explain why the
Earth is essentially a closed system in terms of matter. |
| Earth Systems |
E2.1B |
Analyze the interactions between the major
systems (geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere) that make up the
Earth. |
| Earth Systems |
E2.1C |
Explain,
using specific examples, how a change in one system affects other Earth
systems. |
| Earth Systems |
E2.2A |
Describe
the Earth’s principal sources of internal and external energy (e.g.,
radioactive decay, gravity, solar energy). |
| Earth Systems |
E2.2B |
Identify
differences in the origin and use of renewable (e.g., solar, wind, water,
biomass) and nonrenewable (e.g., fossil fuels, nuclear [U-235]) sources of
energy. |
| Earth Systems |
E2.2C |
Describe
natural processes in which heat transfer in the Earth occurs by conduction,
convection, and radiation. |
| Earth Systems |
E2.2D |
Identify
the main sources of energy to the climate system. |
| Earth Systems |
E2.2e |
Explain
how energy changes form through Earth systems. |
| Earth Systems |
E2.2f |
Explain
how elements exist in different compounds and states as they move from one
reservoir to another. |
| Earth Systems |
E2.3A |
Explain
how carbon exists in different forms such as limestone (rock), carbon dioxide
(gas), carbonic acid (water), and animals (life) within Earth systems and how
those forms can be beneficial or harmful to humans. |
| Earth Systems |
E2.3b |
Explain
why small amounts of some chemical forms may be beneficial for life but are
poisonous in large quantities (e.g., dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico, Lake
Nyos in Africa, fluoride in drinking water). |
| Earth Systems |
E2.3c |
Explain
how the nitrogen cycle is part of the Earth system. |
| Earth Systems |
E2.3d |
Explain
how carbon moves through the Earth system (including the geosphere) and how
it may benefit (e.g., improve soils for agriculture) or harm (e.g., act as a
pollutant) society. |
| Earth Systems |
E2.4A |
Describe
renewable and nonrenewable sources of energy for human consumption
(electricity, fuels), compare their effects on the environment, and include
overall costs and benefits. |
| Earth Systems |
E2.4B |
Explain
how the impact of human activities on the environment (e.g., deforestation,
air pollution, coral reef destruction) can be understood through the analysis
of interactions between the four Earth systems. |
| Earth Systems |
E2.4c |
Explain
ozone depletion in the stratosphere and methods to slow human activities to
reduce ozone depletion. |
| Earth Systems |
E2.4d |
Describe
the life cycle of a product, including the resources, production, packaging,
transportation, disposal, and pollution. |
