Gizmos for Virginia - Science: Earth Science I (Standards of Learning adopted 2018)

This correlation lists the recommended Gizmos for this state's curriculum standards. Click any Gizmo title below for more information.

ES.1: The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by

ES.1.a: asking questions and defining problems

ES.1.a.4: make hypotheses that specify what happens to a dependent variable when an independent variable is manipulated

ES.1.a.5: define design problems that involve the development of a process or system with multiple components and criteria

ES.1.b: planning and carrying out investigations

ES.1.b.1: individually and collaboratively plan and conduct observational and experimental investigations

ES.1.b.3: select and use appropriate tools and technology to collect, record, analyze, and evaluate data

ES.1.c: interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating data

ES.1.c.2: construct, analyze, and interpret graphical displays of data and consider limitations of data analysis

ES.1.c.3: apply mathematical concepts and processes to scientific questions

ES.1.c.4: use data in building and revising models, supporting explanations of phenomena, or testing solutions to problems

ES.1.c.5: analyze data using tools, technologies, and/or models in order to make valid and reliable scientific claims or determine an optimal design solution

ES.1.d: constructing and critiquing conclusions and explanations

ES.1.d.3: apply scientific ideas, principles, and/or evidence to provide an explanation of phenomena or design solutions

ES.1.e: developing and using models

ES.1.e.2: develop, revise, and/or use models based on evidence to illustrate or predict relationships

ES.1.e.3: construct and interpret scales, diagrams, classification charts, graphs, tables, imagery, models, including geologic cross sections and topographic profiles

ES.1.e.4: read and interpret topographic and basic geologic maps and globes, including location by latitude and longitude

ES.2: The student will demonstrate an understanding that there are scientific concepts related to the origin and evolution of the universe. Key ideas include

ES.2.a: the big bang theory explains the origin of universe;

ES.2.b: stars, star systems, and galaxies change over long periods of time;

ES.2.c: characteristics of the sun, planets and their moons, comets, meteors, asteroids, and dwarf planets are determined by materials found in each body; and

ES.3: The student will investigate and understand that Earth is unique in our solar system. Key ideas include

ES.3.b: the dynamics of the sun-Earth-moon system cause seasons, tides, and eclipses.

ES.4: The student will investigate and understand that there are major rock-forming and ore minerals. Key ideas include

ES.4.a: analysis of physical and chemical properties supports mineral identification;

ES.5: The student will investigate and understand that igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks can transform. Key ideas include

ES.5.b: the rock cycle models the transformation of rocks;

ES.5.d: plate tectonic and surface processes transform Earth materials.

ES.6: The student will investigate and understand that resource use is complex. Key ideas include

ES.6.a: global resource use has environmental liabilities and benefits;

ES.6.d: all energy sources have environmental and economic effects.

ES.7: The student will investigate and understand that plate tectonic theory explains Earth’s internal and external geologic processes. Key ideas include

ES.7.a: convection currents in Earth’s interior lead to the movement of plates and influence the distribution of materials in Earth’s layers, and may impact the magnetic field;

ES.7.b: features and processes occur within plates and at plate boundaries;

ES.7.c: interaction between tectonic plates causes the development of mountain ranges and ocean basins; and

ES.8: The student will investigate and understand that freshwater resources influence and are influenced by geologic processes and human activity. Key ideas include

ES.8.a: water influences geologic processes including soil development and karst topography;

ES.8.c: weather and human usage affect freshwater resources, including water locations, quality, and supply; and

ES.9: The student will investigate and understand that many aspects of the history and evolution of Earth and life can be inferred by studying rocks and fossils. Key ideas include

ES.9.b: superposition, cross-cutting relationships, index fossils, and radioactive decay are methods of dating rocks and Earth events and processes;

ES.9.c: absolute (radiometric) and relative dating have different applications but can be used together to determine the age of rocks and structures; and

ES.10: The student will investigate and understand that oceans are complex, dynamic systems and are subject to long- and short-term variations. Key ideas include

ES.10.a: chemical, biological, and physical changes affect the oceans;

ES.10.c: unevenly distributed heat in the oceans drives much of Earth’s weather;

ES.10.d: features of the sea floor reflect tectonic and other geological processes; and

ES.11: The student will investigate and understand that the atmosphere is a complex, dynamic system and is subject to long-and short-term variations. Key ideas include

ES.11.b: biologic and geologic interactions over long and short time spans change the atmospheric composition;

ES.12: The student will investigate and understand that Earth’s weather and climate are the result of the interaction of the sun’s energy with the atmosphere, oceans, and the land. Key ideas include

ES.12.a: weather involves the reflection, absorption, storage, and redistribution of energy over short to medium time spans;

ES.12.b: weather patterns can be predicted based on changes in current conditions;

ES.12.c: extreme imbalances in energy distribution in the oceans, atmosphere, and the land may lead to severe weather conditions;

ES.12.d: models based on current conditions are used to predict weather phenomena; and

ES.12.e: changes in the atmosphere and the oceans due to natural and human activity affect global climate.

Correlation last revised: 4/13/2026

Virginia - Science: Earth Science I

Standards of Learning | Adopted: 2018