Big idea: Earth chemistry

Substances can move within and between Earth’s atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere and biosphere as part of large-scale Earth systems.

"Earth chemistry" is one of 15 big ideas of science in the Best Evidence Science Teaching collection. Understanding of the big idea is built up by a series of key concepts at age 11-16, which have been organised into teaching topics.

The research-informed resources for each key concept make up a progression toolkit that provides:

• appropriately-sequenced steps for learning progression

• diagnostic questions to reveal preconceptions and common misunderstandings

• response activities to challenge misunderstandings and encourage conceptual development