Earth and Space Science
MS-ESS2-2
Geoscience processes across scales
Performance expectation
Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth’s surface at varying time and spatial scales.
Clarification
Emphasis is on gradual and catastrophic processes across microscopic to continental scales, with local geographic features where appropriate.
Assessment boundary
No additional assessment boundary is stated.
SEP
Practice
- Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
DCI
Core idea
- ESS2.A
- ESS2.C
CCC
Reasoning lens
- Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
Evidence map
Rooms connected to MS-ESS2-2.
“Primary” means the chapter includes an observable performance and assessable artifact for this expectation; “supporting” builds context.
Investigating Rock Strata
Earth Processes Through Geologic Time
9Reconstructing Earth’s History
Earth Processes Through Geologic Time
11Scales of Change on Earth’s Surface
Earth’s Systems
16Earth’s Tectonic Plates
Processes that Shape Earth
17The Rock Cycle
Processes that Shape Earth
18The Water Cycle
Processes that Shape Earth
26Mass Wasting, Tsunamis, and Floods
Earth’s Natural Hazards
Connections recorded in the official model
ELA/literacy: RST.6–8.1, WHST.6–8.2, SL.8.5
Mathematics: MP.2, 6.EE.6, 7.EE.4
California Environmental Principles and Concepts: No direct mapping recorded.
Verified 2026-07-29. Open the official California source.