Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):
Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) & Performance Expectations:
MS-ESS2-1 — Earth’s Systems ESS2.A: Earth’s Materials and Systems The Earth’s systems interact in multiple ways to shape Earth’s surface. Relevance: Minerals like halite form through geologic processes such as evaporation and sedimentation. Performance Expectation: Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth’s materials and the flow of energy that drives this process.
MS-ESS2-2 — Earth’s Systems ESS2.A: Earth’s Materials and Systems The Earth’s systems interact in multiple ways to shape Earth’s surface. Relevance: The formation of massive salt deposits and underground mines like Goderich shows long-term geological change. Performance Expectation: Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth’s surface at varying time and spatial scales.
MS-ESS1-4 — Earth’s Place in the Universe ESS1.C: The History of Planet Earth Rock strata and mineral layers, like those in salt deposits, contain evidence of the past, such as ancient seas and climate conditions. Relevance: The formation of halite over 400 million years ago helps illustrate how geologic processes reveal Earth’s history. Performance Expectation: Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence from rock strata for how the geologic time scale is used to organize Earth's 4.6-billion-year-old history.
MS-PS1-1 — Matter and Its Interactions PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter Substances are made from different types of atoms, which combine in various ways to form molecules with characteristic physical and chemical properties. Relevance: Sodium chloride (NaCl) has distinct properties and forms crystalline structures (rock salt). Understanding halite includes chemical composition and physical properties. Performance Expectation: Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures.
MS-LS1-3 — From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes LS1.A: Structure and Function All living things are made of cells, which work together in systems to carry out basic life processes. Relevance: The importance of salt in biological systems (e.g., saline drips in medicine) reflects how chemical substances support bodily functions. Performance Expectation: Use argument supported by evidence for how the body is a system of interacting subsystems.
Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs):
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions: Explaining how halite forms and why it matters in various fields (medicine, geology, safety). Developing and Using Models: Modeling salt crystal formation and Earth’s evaporative environments. Analyzing and Interpreting Data: Inferring past climates and geologic events through halite deposits. Engaging in Argument from Evidence: Justifying the importance of salt through historical and scientific examples.
