The 6th grade earth science unit is entitled "How Does Water Shape Our World?" In this project students compare case studies of the Arizona desert and the Hawaii rainforest in order to explore the role that the water cycle plays in shaping the land and climate of each of these two areas, and how the water cycle and rock cycle interact to shape the landforms that are unique to each of these areas.

The key concepts focused on in this project include the water cycle and the rock cycle. The water cycle is supported by ideas of the phases of water, evaporation, condensation, precipitation, reservoirs and residence times. The rock cycle is supported by the ideas of rock types, weathering, erosion, deposition, and rock reformation. Additionally, both key concepts are enhanced with a focus on the enduring theme of dynamic systems that is emphasized in the project - the fact that systems consist of many components (in this case, reservoirs) and that the flows between them are ongoing and simultaneous. The ideas of erosion and deposition serve to connect the main themes of water and rock cycles because they describe part of the interactions between these two important earth processes.

In this project students will explore the science concepts behind the water and rock cycles through a comparative analysis of two interesting environments, those of the Arizona desert and the Hawaii rainforest, as well as comparing these areas to their own local environment. In doing so students will gather data, make observations, conduct investigations, design experiments, and present their findings to their peers.