Learn how rocks, minerals, soil, and landforms form and change by observing materials, measuring properties, and modeling surface processes over time.
What Students Do in Unit 5
In Unit 5, learners examine Earth materials and surface processes by observing physical properties, measuring change, and investigating how weathering, erosion, and deposition shape the land.
- Identify common Earth materials such as rocks, minerals, and soil
- Observe and record physical properties of Earth materials
- Measure changes caused by weathering and erosion
- Compare surface processes across different environments
- Model how materials move and change at Earth’s surface
- Use basic technology to organize data and examine surface process patterns
Technology in Unit 5
Technology in Unit 5 is used to support observation, comparison, and analysis of Earth materials and surface processes. Learners use simple digital tools to organize measurements, compare material properties, and examine how surface processes change landforms over time.
Technology compresses space and time — learners observe measurable outcomes within operating systems.
- Digital tables to record material properties and observations
- Simple graphs to compare rates of surface change
- Public datasets and images to examine surface processes across regions
What’s Included in Unit 5
- Guided readings focused on Earth materials and surface processes
- Field Bench™ activities examining rocks, soil, and landforms
- Surface process modeling and comparison tasks
- Practice quizzes with unlimited attempts
- One parent-scored module quiz
- Completion checkpoints to confirm mastery
Unit 5 is fully self-paced and parent-guided.
Who Unit 5 Is For
- Learners ready to examine Earth materials and surface change
- Students who benefit from clear, step-by-step instruction
- Learners who understand concepts best through guided observation and comparison
- Homeschool families using ESAs, vouchers, or direct pay
Standards Alignment and Credit
Unit 5 aligns with high school Earth & Space Science standards used across U.S. states and territories, including NGSS HS-ESS and state-developed frameworks. Emphasis on Earth materials, surface processes, and landform change supports continued progression toward full-course credit.