Key concepts are the big ideas and understandings that we hope will remain with our students long after they have left school.
The following are key concepts/big ideas in earth and space science:
These are the geosphere (rock of the crust, mantle, and core), the hydrosphere (solid, liquid, and gaseous water), the atmosphere (gases of the air) and the biosphere (living organisms).
The tectonic, rock and water cycles constantly reshape the surface of the Earth. Bio-geochemical cycles move the elements essential for life. These cycles also balance and regulate the Earth’s climate.
Earth systems interact with themselves, and with the Sun, Moon and the rest of the solar system and universe.
Critical thresholds can be reached through natural variations in cycles and by human activity.
The solar system comprises of objects that are gravitationally bound to the Sun. The solar system and all other planetary systems are formed during the life cycle of stars which have been born, lived and died in giant cycles since the Big Bang.
In all Earth and space system processes and cycles, time scales can range from micro-seconds to billions of years, and distance scales range from microns to thousands of light years.
Last updated December 3, 2010