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In the New York State Learning Standards, statements are arranged within standard areas from the very broad standard statements to the less general key ideas down to more specific performance indicators.

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Performance Indicators

Major Understandings

Standard Area MST: Math, Science & Technology

		Standard MST4: Science

		Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical setting and living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.

Physical Setting

		Key Idea MST4.PS2:
		Many of the phenomena that we observe on Earth involve interactions among components of air, water, and land.

	Intermediate

			Performance Indicator MST4.I.PS2A:
			Students explain how the atmosphere (air), hydrosphere (water), and lithosphere (land) interact, evolve, and change.


			Major Understandings 2.1a
			Nearly all the atmosphere is confined to a thin shell surrounding Earth. The atmosphere is a mixture of gases, including nitrogen and oxygen with small amounts of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other trace gases. The atmosphere is stratified into layers, each having distinct properties. Nearly all weather occurs in the lowest layer of the atmosphere.


			Major Understandings 2.1b
			As altitude increases, air pressure decreases.


			Major Understandings 2.1c
			The rock at Earth's surface forms a nearly continuous shell around Earth called the lithosphere.


			Major Understandings 2.1d
			The majority of the lithosphere is covered by a relatively thin layer of water called the hydrosphere.


			Major Understandings 2.1e
			Rocks are composed of minerals. Only a few rock-forming minerals make up most of the rocks of Earth. Minerals are identified on the basis of physical properties such as streak, hardness, and reaction to acid.


			Major Understandings 2.1f
			Fossils are usually found in sedimentary rocks. Fossils can be used to study past climates and environments.


			Major Understandings 2.1g
			The dynamic processes that wear away Earth's surface include weathering and erosion.


			Major Understandings 2.1h
			The process of weathering breaks down rocks to form sediment. Soil consists of sediment, organic material, water, and air.


			Major Understandings 2.1i
			Erosion is the transport of sediment. Gravity is the driving force behind erosion. Gravity can act directly or through agents such as moving water, wind, and glaciers.


			Major Understandings 2.1j
			Water circulates through the atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere in what is known as the water cycle.