NC DPI Earth Science Stds

This wiki meets some of the standards for NC DPI's Earth Science curriculum for High School and for 8th grade science. Specifically, it can be integrated into lessons addressing the following standards:

Essential Standards--High School

EEn.2.3.2

•       Illustrate the water cycle to explain the connection between groundwater and surface water, detailing how groundwater moves through the lithosphere. (Emphasize the processes of evaporation and infiltration in the conceptual diagram of the hydrologic cycle.)

•       Explain river systems including NC river basins, aquifers, and watersheds.

•       Explain how flood events might be affected by groundwater levels.

•       Explain how pollutants might flow through a watershed and affect inhabitants that share the same watershed.

EEn.2.4.2

•       Evaluate issues of ground and surface water pollution, wetland and estuary degradation, and salt water intrusion.

•       Analyze how drinking water and wastewater treatment systems impact quantity and quality of potable water.

•       Evaluate water quality of NC streams (chemical, physical properties, biotic index).

•       Analyze non-point source pollution and effects on water quality (sedimentation, stormwater runoff, naturally and human induced occurrences of arsenic in groundwater).

•       Evaluate conservation measures to maximize quality and quantity of available freshwater resources.

Essential Standard--Middle School, 8th grade

Clarifying Objectives

8.E.1

Understand the hydrosphere and the impact of humans on local systems and the effects of the hydrosphere on humans.

8.E.1.1

Explain the structure of the hydrosphere including:

• Water distribution on earth

• Local river basins and water availability

8.E.1.2

Summarize evidence that Earth’s oceans are a reservoir of nutrients, minerals, dissolved gases, and life forms:

• Estuaries

• Marine ecosystems

• Upwelling

• Behavior of gases in the marine environment

• Value and sustainability of marine resources

• Deep ocean technology and understandings gained

8.E.1.3

Predict the safety and potability of water supplies in North Carolina based on physical and biological factors, including:

• Temperature

• Dissolved oxygen

• pH

• Nitrates and phosphates

• Turbidity

• Bio-indicators

8.E.1.4

Conclude that the good health of humans requires:

• Monitoring of the hydrosphere

• Water quality standards

• Methods of water treatment

• Maintaining safe water quality

• Stewardship