Investigating Earth Systems was designed to lead middle-school students through a complete and thought-provoking exploration of Earth’s systems and how they are all connected. Understanding that the Earth is a dynamic system and that it affects living things engages students and make the content more relevant.

Investigating Earth Systems highlights science practices.
The curriculum teaches students how to use science practices–to develop and use models, plan and carry out investigations, analyze data, and construct explanations, as described in A Framework for K-12 Science Education.

Investigating Earth Systems was written by geoscience experts.
We all turn to experts when we want the right advice…and in Earth science, those experts are the 250,000 geoscientists at AGI. Investigating Earth Systems was developed by the Education Department of AGI, with support from the National Science Foundation and AGI Foundation.

Investigating Earth Systems was developed for ALL students.
Investigating Earth Systems can be tailored to meet the needs of all students. A pre-assessment for each unit targets the major concepts and understandings. Strengths and weaknesses in students’ understandings, their misconceptions, as well as their abilities to communicate that understanding to others can be evaluated and used to guide instruction.