Populations & Earth's Systems Digital Inquiry Lab - NGSS MS ESS3-4

Want an INTERACTIVE and FLEXIBLE LAB DAY? Engage your students with digital interactive activities or let them conduct the hands-on printed experiment. Both versions include comprehension questions, Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (C.E.R.) prompts, and a reflection section.

Differentiation is built in with three full versions at different levels of difficulty.

In this lab, students will be able to determine the impact that humans have had on Earth through a cookie mining activity. They will use the Internet site included to answer questions on human’s impact on the environment.

Essential Question:

• How does the increase in human activities like mining affect Earth’s systems?

Standard:

• NGSS MS ESS3-4: Construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth’s systems.

What's Included?

Print Format:

This in-person laboratory experiment with hands-on procedures is meant to be printed out for student use. Each student should fill out their own sheet, even if they work in groups.

Materials Needed Per Group:

• 1 chocolate chip cookie
• 2 toothpicks
• paper towel
• Living in the Age of Humans video

Digital Format:

This completely virtual, interactive PowerPoint file is compatible with Google Slides and can be attached to assignments in MS Teams, Schoology, Canvas, etc.

Materials Needed:

None! Don’t have materials? Students absent? Interactive virtual activities right inside the file give the students a way to experience the science.

Three Differentiated Versions

Within each format (print and digital), the lab is further separated into three levels:

• Dependent – Suggested for on-level learners.
  This level is written with a combination of procedural instructions and inquiry questions. They are moderately student-centered with guided inquiry questions throughout the lab.
• Modified – Suggested for learners utilizing modifications.
  This level provides the most structured lab experience. The lessons may eliminate parts of the lab and change the questioning to include sentence stems or multiple-choice options.
• Independent – Suggested for advanced learners.
  This level is the most student-led experience. Suggestions are made for the students to get started, but most of the decisions will be student-centered. The students will be responsible for most aspects of the lab and will have the least guidance.

Why Kesler Science?

• editable PowerPoints so you can tailor the materials for your classroom
• files compatible with Google Slides
• multimodal learning to keep middle school students interested
• differentiated materials with three levels of difficulty
• maximum flexibility in versions - Printable? Digital? YES!
• teacher resource pages – standards and objectives, estimated prep time, teacher directions, materials, and additional resources
• answer keys
• CER statements and conclusion and reflection questions

Lab Contents – Files and Formats:

• Teacher Answer Key – PDF; editable PPTX; Google Slides compatible
• Digital Lab On-Level – editable PPTX; Google Slides compatible
• Digital Lab Modified Support – editable PPTX; Google Slides compatible
• Digital Lab Advanced Level – editable PPTX; Google Slides compatible
• Print Lab - contains all three levels – PDF; editable PPTX; Google Slides compatible

Save Time and Buy Now!

Save precious prep time and get back to teaching. All of the hard work has been done for you. Go have some science fun with those students!

This is a finished product; it will be updated with corrections as needed. Future editions will be sold as a separate product.