Molecular Processes in Earth Systems​

Unit Overview

How can we find, make, and recycle the substances we need to live on and beyond Earth?

This unit is anchored by examining future plans to live and work for longer periods of time on the Moon (NASA Artemis mission). Students develop questions about how to find, recycle, and make the substances needed for living off Earth and on it. Students investigate planetary surface features (Earth’s and Mars’) to investigate water and its unique structure and function in erosion. They also develop understandings around physical science concepts of light and matter along with Earth and space science concepts of spectroscopy as a way to identify substances off of Earth. They then develop science ideas about the structure of atoms, the patterns in their bonds, the organization of the periodic table, electronegativity, bond character, and how these affect the polarity and properties of the molecule. Next, students develop and apply the idea of conservation of matter through chemical equations in the context of a variety of substances, including those that form ionic compounds and form polyatomic ions. Finally, students consider applications of ideas students figured out to issues related to recycling and sustainability, both off Earth and on it.

*This performance expectation is developed across multiple units.
†This performance expectation is developed across multiple courses.