Earth and Space Science (Grades 9–12) Subtest 1

Subarea II. Earth Systems

0004

Understand components that make up the Earth system.

analyzing the physical and chemical properties of Earth materials, such as water and oxygen, and the structure of atoms and compounds in relationship to the properties of Earth materials
identifying rocks and minerals based on their origin and physical and chemical properties (e.g., the Mohs hardness scale, specific gravity, crystal characteristics, chemical reactivity)
demonstrating knowledge of Bowen's reaction series and the factors that affect the composition and formation of magma and igneous rocks
demonstrating knowledge of Earth's interior, the methods used to study the layered structure of Earth, the chemical and physical segregation of Earth's layers, and the characteristics and components of the lithosphere, including large-scale geologic features of the continents and oceans
demonstrating knowledge of the physical and biological characteristics of sedimentary rocks and the physical and chemical characteristics of igneous and metamorphic rocks
analyzing characteristics and components of the hydrosphere, including surface water, groundwater, oceans, glaciers, and atmospheric moisture
analyzing characteristics and components of the atmosphere, including the properties and composition of its different layers and the nature of air masses, fronts, and global wind systems

0005

Understand energy in Earth systems.

demonstrating knowledge of internal sources of energy in Earth systems and how they drive Earth processes, such as plate movements and volcanism
demonstrating knowledge of external sources of energy in Earth systems and how they drive Earth processes, such as ocean circulation, global winds, and weather
analyzing how the unequal distribution of solar energy due to Earth's axial tilt produces seasons and affects regional differences in climate
applying thermodynamic principles to analyze energy flow between Earth systems, including the processes of convection, advection, conduction, and radiation
demonstrating knowledge of processes of the lithosphere (e.g., movement of tectonic plates, volcanism, earthquakes) and the transfer of energy between Earth's interior and surface
demonstrating knowledge of processes of the hydrosphere and sources of energy that drive those processes, including the energy changes that occur as water moves through the hydrologic cycle
demonstrating knowledge of atmospheric processes (e.g., global winds, heat transfers, precipitation, severe weather) and the roles that solar energy and phase changes of water play in atmospheric phenomena
analyzing long-term changes in Earth systems in terms of the flow and conservation of energy, positive and negative feedback mechanisms, and dynamic equilibrium

0006

Understand geochemical cycles and movement of Earth materials within Earth systems.

analyzing the geochemical processes involved in the rock cycle and hydrologic cycle, including the development of soils under different conditions and the role of water in chemically altering rocks and minerals
recognizing major reservoirs of elements and compounds in Earth systems and the physical and chemical processes involved in their depletion or concentration (e.g., depletion of tropical soils, hydrothermal concentration of minerals)
analyzing the processes of mechanical, chemical, and biological weathering and factors that affect the rate at which rocks weather
analyzing the processes and products of erosion and deposition by wind, water, and glaciers, including sedimentary bedding patterns produced under specific conditions
demonstrating knowledge of the effects of glaciation on the northern United States, including the origin of glacial features in Minnesota

0007

Understand the history and evolution of Earth.

recognizing major events in the geologic history of Earth (e.g., mass extinctions, mountain-building episodes, continental glaciations, formation of an oxygen-rich atmosphere) and their causes and the major divisions of the geologic time scale
demonstrating knowledge of the theory of plate tectonics; the evidence on which it is based; and how it relates to landscape evolution, volcanism, and geologic faulting
analyzing the characteristics, causes, and landforms produced by earthquakes, geologic faulting, and volcanism
analyzing the changes in Earth systems over geologic time that have produced a planetary environment suitable for life
recognizing the processes involved in fossil formation, the use of fossils in interpreting Earth's history, and the environments and characteristic fossils of various geologic periods
demonstrating knowledge of the principles, applications, and limitations of radiometric dating and relative dating
demonstrating knowledge of the principles and applications of stratigraphy, including the law of superposition and the principles of original horizontality, cross-cutting relationships, and uniformitarianism