Earth and Space Sciences · Earth's Systems

HS-ESS2-3Earth's Interior and Convection

Performance expectation

Develop a model based on evidence of Earth’s interior to describe the cycling of matter by thermal convection.

What NYSED says about assessing it

Clarification statement

Emphasis is on both a one-dimensional model of Earth, with radial layers determined by density, and a three- dimensional model, which is controlled by mantle convection and the resulting plate tectonics. Rocks and minerals can be identified and classified using various tests and protocols that determine their physical and chemical properties. Examples of evidence include maps of Earth’s three-dimensional structure obtained from seismic waves, records of the rate of change of Earth’s magnetic field (as constraints on convection in the outer core), and identification of the composition of Earth’s layers from high-pressure laboratory experiments.

The three dimensions

Every item written to HS-ESS2-3 has to assess all three dimensions together, not the content alone. This is the structural change that made older practice material stop matching the exam.

Science & engineering practice

Developing and Using Models

Disciplinary core ideas
  • ESS2.A
  • ESS2.B
  • PS4.A
Crosscutting concepts
  • Energy and Matter

Related performance expectations

Generate a cluster for HS-ESS2-3

Phenomenon stimulus, connected items across the required types, answer key, rubric and figures drawn deterministically from a structured spec — in the format your students will sit.