Processes that Shape Earth introduces Grade 4 students to real-world examples and fundamental concepts that will be explored in greater depth in later grades. Students will learn about how changes on Earth’s surface affect people and will research the causes of geologic events that occur in their area, often due to large-scale system interactions on our planet. Students will investigate Earth’s layers: the inner core, outer core, mantle, and crust. The ocean lies over much of the crust. Both land on the surface of Earth and the ocean’s solid seafloor have features such as mountains, volcanoes, and flat areas.

Processes that Shape Earth gives students the opportunity to know that by studying rocks, rock layers, and fossils, geologists have found evidence that the structure of Earth’s surface has changed over time. Many processes, including weathering and erosion, change Earth over time. Mountains may be formed when large parts of Earth’s crust push against each other.

Students gain experience in knowing that natural geological events that change Earth’s surface—such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and mudslides—can be hazardous to people. Understanding the large-scale processes behind these events can help people engineer safeguards, such as earthquake-resistant buildings, that consider potential damage and danger. Communities also develop preparedness plans to help minimize the effects of natural hazards and to protect people in cases of emergency.