Experience the breathtaking geology of Iceland through this immersive storyline, inspired by a 10-day journey around the Golden Circle and Ring Road. Explore tectonic plate boundaries at Þingvellir, witness geothermal wonders at Geysir, marvel at basalt columns at Magnúsarfoss, and study the impact of glacial retreat at Jökulsárlón. Along the way, discover lava tubes, volcanic craters, and the sustainable use of geothermal energy. Designed to meet middle school Next Generation Science Standards, this digital resource includes both a Teacher Edition and Student Edition, making it an unforgettable classroom exploration of Earth’s dynamic processes.
Storyline: Iceland: The Land of Ice and Fire (Teacher & Student Edition)
ZIP file containing 3 PDF files
(1 Teacher Edition, 1 Student Edition, 1 Science Outside Terms and Conditions)
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):
Earth Systems
MS-ESS2-1: Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth’s materials and the flow of energy that drives this process.
MS-ESS2-2: Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth’s surface at varying time and spatial scales.
MS-ESS2-3: Analyze and interpret data on the distribution of fossils and rocks, continental shapes, and seafloor structures to provide evidence of past plate motions.
MS-ESS2-5: Collect data to provide evidence for how the motions and complex interactions of air masses result in changes in weather conditions.
HS-ESS2-1: Develop a model to illustrate how Earth's internal and surface processes operate at different spatial and temporal scales to form continental and ocean-floor features.
HS-ESS2-2: Analyze geoscience data to make the claim that one change to Earth's surface can create feedbacks that cause changes to other Earth systems.
HS-ESS2-3: Develop a model based on evidence of Earth’s interior to describe the cycling of matter by thermal convection.
HS-ESS2-5: Plan and conduct an investigation of the properties of water and its effects on Earth materials and surface processes.Earth and Human Activity
MS-ESS3-1: Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how the uneven distributions of Earth’s mineral, energy, and groundwater resources are the result of past and current geoscience processes.
MS-ESS3-2: Analyze and interpret data on natural hazards to forecast future catastrophic events and inform the development of technologies to mitigate their effects.
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.
HS-ESS3-1: Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the availability of natural resources, occurrence of natural hazards, and changes in climate have influenced human activity.
HS-ESS3-2: Evaluate competing design solutions for developing, managing, and utilizing energy and mineral resources based on cost-benefit ratios.
HS-ESS3-4: Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science
MS-ETS1-2: Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of a problem.Crosscutting Concepts
● Patterns: Observing the distribution of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
● Cause and Effect: Exploring the link between tectonic movements and geological formations like lava tubes and fissures.
● Energy and Matter: Understanding geothermal energy processes.
● Stability and Change: The constant shifts in Iceland's geological features due to tectonic and volcanic activity.Science and Engineering Practices
● Developing and Using Models: Students plot and interpret maps of Iceland’s geological activity.
● Analyzing and Interpreting Data: Comparing seismic and volcanic data to identify patterns.
● Engaging in Argument from Evidence: Discussing the benefits and risks of living near active volcanic zones.