Middle School
People and the Planet
Natural hazards, resource use, environmental impacts, population growth, and solutions.
MS-ESS3-2, MS-ESS3-3, MS-ESS3-4, MS-ESS3-5
2 lessons
4 quiz questions
Lesson 1: Resources and Environmental Impact
Analyze how people use resources and affect Earth systems.
Learning goals
- Identify resource uses.
- Describe environmental impacts.
- Use data to support claims.
Resource use
Humans use water, soil, minerals, fuels, forests, and organisms. Resource extraction and use can affect land, water, air, and ecosystems.
Population and consumption
Population growth and consumption patterns influence the scale of human impacts on Earth systems.
Lesson 2: Hazards and Solutions
Evaluate designs that reduce impacts of natural hazards and environmental problems.
Learning goals
- Identify natural hazards.
- Compare mitigation strategies.
- Evaluate solutions using evidence.
Natural hazards
Earth processes such as earthquakes, floods, storms, droughts, volcanic eruptions, and landslides can affect people and ecosystems.
Reducing impacts
Communities can reduce impacts through warning systems, building design, land-use planning, conservation, restoration, and technology.