Mission Library

Natural Disasters
Fast and Slow Changes
Grades 1-3

The Mission
26 min

Storyline

Students will help the Sarucians determine what caused destruction on their planet.

The crew has been called in to help on a distant planet. Many landmarks here have been altered, and the Sarucians are not sure what has happened to them. Students will help the Sarucians determine what caused these natural disasters: a natural quick change, a natural slow change, or a Sarucian-caused change.

This Mission will be removed from the library in May 2026, but will be replaced by a brand new Mission!

3-Dimensional Science

Phenomenon

Changes to Earth's surface occur naturally and can happen quickly or slowly.

Science and Engineering Practices

Analyzing and Interpreting Data

  • Use observations (firsthand or from media) to describe patterns and/or relationships in the natural and designed world(s) in order to answer scientific questions and solve problems.

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

  • Make observations (firsthand or from media) to construct an evidence-based account for natural phenomena.

Crosscutting Concepts

Stability and Change

  • Students observe some things stay the same while other things change, and things may change slowly or rapidly.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

ESS1.C: The History of Planet Earth

  • Some events on Earth occur very quickly; others can occur very slowly.

Resources
Targeted Standards
Timeline
Skills in Action