STEP Standard 3 - Assessment and Data Literacy

Pre-Assessment
Question 1 

Q. This part of the Earth System includes the crust, mantle, and core.
Geosphere
Atmosphere
Hydrosphere
Biosphere

 Question 2 

Q. This part of the Earth System includes the gases that surround the earth.

Geosphere

Atmosphere

Hydrosphere

Biosphere

 Question 3 

 30 seconds 

Q. This part of the Earth System includes all living things, including plants and animals.

Geosphere

Atmosphere

Hydrosphere

Biosphere

 Question 4 

Q. Mount Everest is:

Geosphere

Biosphere

Hydrosphere

© 2021. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved. Page 1 of 21

 Atmosphere

 Question 5 

Q. A monkey is:

Atmosphere

Biosphere

Geosphere

Hydrosphere

 Question 6 

Q.  This picture shows:

Biosphere

Atmosphere

Geosphere

Hydrosphere

 Question 7 

 300 seconds 

Q. This picture best describes which connection?

Atmosphere-Biosphere

Atmosphere-Biosphere

© 2021. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved. Page 2 of 21

 Hydrosphere-Geosphere

Geosphere-Biosphere

 Question 8 

Q. Which of the following does NOT belong in the biosphere?

Coral 

Grass

Starfish

Clouds

 Question 9 

Q. Which of the following does NOT belong in the hydrosphere?

Lakes 

Rivers

Fish 

Rain

 Question 10 

Q. Polar Bears hunt seals on ice:

Biosphere-Hydrosphere

Biosphere-Atmosphere

Hydrosphere-Atmosphere

Hydrosphere-Geosphere

 Question 11 

© 2021. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved. Page 3 of 21

 Q. Bats find shelter in caves:

Atmosphere-Biosphere

Biosphere-Geosphere

Geosphere-Hydrosphere

Atmosphere-Hydrosphere

 Question 12 

Q. 

What is NOT an example of something in the biosphere?

humans

insects

rocks

animals

 Question 13 

Q. The sphere that contains all the gases, include the air we breathe. 

answer choices 

hydrosphere

biosphere

atmosphere

geosphere

 Question 14 

Q. The spheres that interact when living organisms give off moisture through respiration and

perspiration. 

atmosphere & geosphere

geosphere & hydrosphere

biosphere &  geosphere

© 2021. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved. Page 4 of 21

 biosphere & hydosphere

 Question 15 

Q. An example of a connection between ATMOsphere and HYDROsphere is:

rain

rivers

lakes

rocks

 Question 16 

Q. This volcano is an example of something you would find in the:

Atmosphere

Biosphere

Hydrosphere

Geosphere

 Question 17 

Q. 

A scientist collects water samples from a river near a volcano. This scientist is collecting data

about the _______

hydrosphere

geosphere

atmosphere

biosphere

 Question 18 

Q. 

A scientist observes a satellite picture of a hurricane. This scientist is collecting data about the

______________

atmosphere

© 2021. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved. Page 5 of 21

 geosphere

cryosphere

biosphere

 Question 19 

Q. 

A river slowly wears away rock to form a canyon. This is an example of how the hydrosphere

can affect the __________

geosphere

atmosphere

biosphere

cryosphere

 Question 20 

Q. 

The Atlantic Ocean is a part of which system?

hydrosphere

geosphere

atmosphere

biosphere

- 20 multiple choice questions

- 1 point for each question
- In the form of an assigned Quizzes

Pre-Assessment Data: Whole Class -

For Mt. Healthy School District, Testing Number of Students

precent are flexed by 5% based off our grading

© 2021. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved. Page 6 of 21

 system and procedure for testing
Highly Proficient (85%-100%)
0

Proficient
0
(75%-84%)
Partially Proficient
8
(66%-74%)
Minimally Proficient
12
(45%-65%)
Below Proficient
2
Below 45%

Pre-Assessment Analysis: Whole Class

 22 students took the pre-assessment
 Students are at a very low level with understanding many of the pre- assessment
questions.

Post-Assessment –
Question 1

When plants use their roots to get water from the ground, which 2 spheres are interacting?
(choose 2) 
answer choices 
Geosphere
Hydrosphere
Atmosphere
Biosphere
Question 2 
 Edit 

© 2021. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved. Page 7 of 21

 When a river deposits sediment, which 2 spheres are interacting? (choose 2) 
answer choices 
Geosphere
Hydrosphere
Atmosphere
Biosphere
Question 3 
 Edit 

When ocean water evaporates into the air, which 2 spheres are interacting? (choose 2) 
answer choices 
Geosphere
Hydrosphere
Atmosphere
Biosphere
Question 4 
 Edit 

What is the biosphere?
answer choices 
all the air and gases on the planet
made up of living things
the non-living soil, rocks, and minerals of the Earth
the rivers, lakes, and oceans of the Earth
Question 5 
 Edit 

What is the geosphere?
all the air and gases on the planet
all the frozen water on the Earth
the non-living soil, rocks, and minerals of the Earth

© 2021. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved. Page 8 of 21

 the rivers, lakes, and oceans of the Earth
Question 6 
 Edit 

What is the hydrosphere?
all the air and gases on the planet
made up of living things
the non-living soil, rocks, and minerals of the Earth
the rivers, lakes, and oceans of the Earth
Question 7 
 Edit 

What is the atmosphere?
answer choices 
all the air and gases on the planet
made up of living things
the non-living soil, rocks, and minerals of the Earth
the rivers, lakes, and oceans of the Earth
Question 8 
 Edit 

Comes from the Greek word for "air"

answer choices 
bio-
hydro-
atmo-
geo-
Question 9 
 Edit 

© 2021. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved. Page 9 of 21

 Comes from the Greek word for "water"
answer choices 
bio-
hydro-
atmo-
geo-
Question 10 
 Edit 

Comes from the Greek word for "ground"

bio-
hydro-
atmo-
geo-
Question 11 
 Edit 

Comes from the Greek word for "life"

answer choices 
bio-
hydro-
atmo-
geo-
Question 12 
 Edit 

When lake water evaporates, the interaction is between the __________ and the _____________.
answer choices 
atmosphere and hydrosphere

© 2021. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved. Page 10 of 21

 biosphere and geosphere
hydrosphere and geosphere
atmosphere and biosphere
Question 13 
 Edit 

When a river current erodes the banks of the river, the interaction is between the __________ and
the _____________.
answer choices 
atmosphere and hydrosphere
biosphere and geosphere
hydrosphere and geosphere
atmosphere and biosphere
Question 14 
 Edit 

When an animal or human breathes air, the interaction is between the __________ and the
_____________.

atmosphere and hydrosphere

biosphere and geosphere
hydrosphere and biosphere
atmosphere and biosphere
Question 15 

Choose the picture that best represents the "geosphere".

answer choices 

© 2021. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved. Page 11 of 21

 Question 16 
 Edit 
Choose the picture that best represents the "biosphere".
answer choices 

© 2021. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved. Page 12 of 21

 Question 17 
 Edit 

what is a cryosphere
parts of earth with animals
hot parts of earth
a portion of earth with solid water

Question 18 
 

This is part of the....

answer choices 
Geosphere
Atmosphere
Cryosphere
Hydrosphere
Question 19 

This is part of the....

answer choices 
Geosphere
Hydrosphere
Biosphere
Cryosphere
Question 20 
 Edit 
Select the image that best shows the cryosphere and the biosphere interacting.
answer choices 

© 2021. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved. Page 13 of 21

© 2021. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved. Page 14 of 21
 STEP Standard 4 - Unit and Lesson Planning

Grade Level: 11th and 12th grade

Unit/Subject: Environmental Science

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5

National/State Learning
Standards
ENV. ES. 1 ENV. ES 1 ENV. ES 1 ENV. ES 2 ENV. ES 2

Specific Learning I can compare Earths 4 I can explain what the I can calculate the I can explain the I can explain how air
Target(s)/Objectives spheres range of tolerance is biodiversity of layers of the Earth’s pressure changes
different species using atmosphere and weather patterns
I can describe different I can create a the Simpson diversity provide 3 details about
levels of organization population growth index their composition
in the biosphere curve

I can explain the I can explain how

difference between natural selection works
abiotic and biotic
factors

© 2021. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved. Page 15 of 21

Academic Language Hydrosphere Population growth N (N-1) Air Air Mass –

Atmosphere Natural Selection Diversity Index States of Matter Hot and Dry

Biosphere Range of tolerance Calculations Gas Hot and Wet

Geosphere Species Sum of Solid Cold and Dry

Abiotic Predator Ecosystem Liquid Cold and Wet

Biotic Pray Interactions Air Pressure Air pressure

Stability Cold Front

Warm Front

Barometer

Wind

Water Vapor

Hydrometer

Humidity

Fog

Unit Resources, Printed pictures of Graphing handouts Electronic Copy of Air / Air pressure Air / Air pressure
Materials, Equipment, each layer Simpson of Diversity Powerpoint Powerpoint
and Technology Notes from yesterday Index worksheet

© 2021. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved. Page 16 of 21

 Google Classroom Google Classroom Google Classroom Smart board Smart board

Bell ringer question Chrombook Chrombook Pre Lab questions Crossword puzzle

Smart board Smart board Calculator Hot plate Writing utensil

Desktop Writing utensil Bell ringer Empty soda can

Clear tank 2 table spoons of

water
Dry ice
Glass bowl
Audio Video
Ice cold water
Spheres of the Earth
Review Questions Tongs

Fill in the blank notes Gloves

Soil Goggles

Water Writing utensil

Chromebooks
Balloon

Depth of Knowledge
Lesson Questions
What are the root word What is an example of What is diversity in an What is mass?
meaning of each Natural selection? ecosystem?
sphere? What causes
humidity?
What kind of mass is
What are the Can we tell if an air? What do you think air

© 2021. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved. Page 17 of 21

 What example belongs differences between a ecosystem is diverse What are somethings mass is?
to a specific sphere? predator and pray ? based off a number? that use air?
Does high pressure air
cause hot or cold heat

How do the spheres What is it called if one How is wind created?

interact with one species is out number
another the others?

Anticipatory Set -Understanding the - Students will be able -Students will be able - Students will better -Students can
root word of the to understand natural to identify if a given understand how high understand what
sphere can help better selection and range of population of an and low air pressures makes the air “sticky”
understand the tolerance in a given ecosystem is diverse create changes in the and different locations
definition of each ecosystem weather of the different air
sphere masses

Presentation of Content Presentati

Multiple Means of
Representation
Visual experiment Digital Copy available Presentation of Experiment Demonstration of
calculation on the humidity’s with
Fill in the blank notes white board everyday examples

Visual pictures Demonstrate a couple PowerPoint

of examples before presentation
Audio Video working independently

Access to provided
notes if student wasn’t Pre lab follow along
here yesterday questions

© 2021. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved. Page 18 of 21

Multiple Means of Visual assistance ,
Representation different locations in
Differentiation ELL- Students will be ELL- Translated hard One on one examples ELL- Translated copy the classroom
provided with copy of the chart incase entire class of the prelab questions
translated copies of examples did not
notes comprehend fully

Captions turned on in
Spanish
Formulas filled in, for
students to just solve

Visual assistance ,
different locations in
the classroom

Application of Content Applicatio

Multiple Means of They will take what Students will take the After a few examples Share different Students can work
Engagement they see from the information from the are given, students can hypothesis given prior together to figure out
experiment and given examples and do one by them self’s to the experiment the crossword
explain reasoning walk through and then trade papers among the table or as questions
completing another to grade another an entire class
chart based off the students
given data.
They will work
together to complete
the Spheres of the

© 2021. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved. Page 19 of 21

 Earth review questions Students will be able
to identify the range of
tolerance and different
zones once’s
information is
graphed.

Multiple Means of ESL teacher engaged

Engagement with ELL students to
Differentiation Assistance with the Students can work ensure understanding
translator to guide together in groups to
students through the compare answers
notes

Assessment of Content

Multiple Means of Matching pictures to Tennis – back and Diversity index chart Post Lab questions Quizzes
Expression the correct sphere forth with different to fill out based off
game categories questions and
information discussed
Kahoot ! Exit ticket in class

Extension Activity and/or Homework

At home lab to take Example video on how Bill Nye the science Crossword puzzle to identify vocab words
home demonstrating scientist use diverse guy Air Pressure
the similar index to determine demonstration video
diversity in an
ecosystem

© 2021. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved. Page 20 of 21

STEP Standard 5 - Implementation of Instructional Unit

Day #1 Activity
Video Recording Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwGVcljBud0

Summary of Unit Implementation:

During this video, a bell ringer started the class which allowed students to get familiar with the 4 spheres
of the earth. They looked at pictures and decided what sphere they thought the pictures were identified
in. They answered a GOOGLDOC and determined what they believed the definition of the root word for
each sphere is. Class continued with a PowerPoint presentation going in depth on the different spheres.
An experiment was demonstrating showing how the different spheres interact with one another. This
specific example was showing how the geosphere can have an impact on the atmosphere.

Summary of Student Learning:

During this lesson students were learning about the 4 different spheres of the earth and how they can
interact with one another. Students learned how to identify things into the different spheres based off
their components.

Reflection of Video Recording:

I believe I could’ve provided another example of an interaction in a form of an experiment. The students
were really engaged and excited. I also believe that adjusting my lesson plan and pacing myself needs to
be practiced in order fill the entire class time. Overall, I believe students have a better idea on this topic
and peruse learning about each sphere more in depth.

© 2021. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved. Page 21 of 21