The Fundamentals of Earth and Space Science...Poster S8.A.1 S8.A.2 S8.A.3.3 S8.D.1.1 E - Define a rock. Rock Groups ... Volcano Project, Volcano ab E - Connect the types of eruption

Harbor Creek School District

Fundamentals of Earth and Space Science Page 1 4/28/2011

The Fundamentals of Earth and Space Science

Major Understanding

Concepts Timeframe Skills Assessment Standards

Science Skills

Science Skills

Science Skills Unit of

Study September (15 days)

E - Explain the nature of science. Summative Assessment, Written Lab

Report, Metric Problem

Assessment, Discussion and

Debate, Graph-Based Data Collections

S8.A.1 S8.A.2 S8.A.3

E - Identify the four spheres of the Earth.

E - Identify and utilize the steps of the scientific method.

E – Know and use metric measurements.

E - Distinguish between a scientific theory and an opinion.

E - Analyze and graph data.

E - Conduct an experiment from beginning to end.

Processes, Procedures and

Tools of Scientific

Investigations

E - Define and measure mass, volume, length, density, temperature.

Summative Assessments,

Measurement Lab

E - Accurately use triple beam balance, graduated cylinder, ruler & thermometer.

F - Measure the volume of an irregular object.

E – Distinguish between independent and dependent variables.

E – Distinguish between an observation and an inference.



Major Understanding


Minerals Properties and

Mineral Formation

Mineral Unit

of Study

September /

October

(10 days)

F - Periodic table of elements. Mineral Identification Lab, Mineral Properties Lab, Mineral vs.

Nonmineral Activity, Chemical

Composition Activity, Mineral

Use activity, Mineral Quick Write, Test,

Mineral Report

S8.A.1 S8.A.2

S8.A.3.3 S8.D.1.1 S8.D.1.2

E - Know each mineral has a definite chemical composition.

E - Identify the major crystal structure.

E - Use mineral tests to identify common minerals.

E - Discuss economically important minerals and their uses in society.

E - Identify where and how minerals form.

Rocks

Classifying Rocks

Rocks Unit

of Study

October

(10 days)

E - Explain how geologists classify rocks based on texture.

Texture Lab, Rock Poster

S8.A.1 S8.A.2

S8.A.3.3 S8.D.1.1

E - Define a rock.

Rock Groups

E - Describe how sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks form. Identification Lab,

Harbor Creek Rock Collection Lab.

E - Distinguish between the textures of the three rock groups.

F – Identify fossil fuels and their environmental impact.

Rock Cycle

E - Know the steps of the rocks cycle. Rock story, Rock Cycle Lab, Rock

Test E - Research the "life" of one particular rock.

E - Describe the processes of the rock cycle.



Major Understanding


Inside Earth Plate Tectonics

Earth's Interior

Plate Tectonics

Unit of Study

October / November (10 days)

E - Know the layers of the Earth.

Label a diagram, Scale Model of Earth’s Layers

S8.A.1 S8.A.2

S8.A.3.3 S8.D.1.1

E - List the characteristics of Earth's crust, mantle and core.

F - Describe how geologists study the inside of the Earth.

E – Identify geothermal applications.

Continental Drift

Hypothesis

E - Explain Alfred Wegener's idea continental drift hypothesis and the evidence he used to support it.

Continent Jigsaw Puzzle, Evidence

Quick Write.

Sea-Floor Spreading and the Theory of

Plate Tectonics

E - Describe the process of sea-floor spreading. Plate Boundary Activity, Mid

Ocean Lab, Plate Tectonics Test,

CD-ROM Questions and

Quiz

E - Describe the process of subduction.

E - Identify convection currents as the driving mechanism for plate movement.

E - Identify and describe the three types of plate boundaries.

E - Describe examples of how mountains and islands are produced by Plate Tectonics.



Major

Understanding Concepts Timeframe Skills Assessment Standards

Earthquakes

Earth's Crust in Motion

Earthquakes Unit of Study

November (10 days)

E - Describe what an earthquake is. Model Stress Lab,

Fault Activity, Plot the Path of a

Tsunami Lab. S8.A.1 S8.A.2

S8.A.3.2 S8.D.1.1

E - Identify the three types of stress and associated faults.

F - Discuss mountain building along faults.

F - Describe how tsunami's form.

Measuring Earthquakes

E - Identify the three types of seismic waves. Epicenter Lab, Time-Lag Activity,

Richter Scale Activity,

Magnitude Scale Lab, Extra Credit

Seismograph, Earthquake Test

E - Describe the damage caused by each wave.

E - Identify scales used to measure earthquakes.

E - Locate the epicenter of an earthquake.

F - Describe instruments used to monitor and measure fault activity.

E - Identify Pennsylvania's earthquake risk and safety.

Volcanoes

Volcanoes and Plate Tectonics

Volcanoes Unit of Study

December (10 days)

E - Identify where Earth's volcanoes are located. World Volcano Lab

S8.A.1 S8.A.2

S8.A.3.2 S8.D.1.1

E - Identify where quiet and violent eruptions occur.

Volcanic Activity

E - Identify materials that erupt from volcanoes. Volcanic Product Lab, Volcano

Project, Volcano Test, Magma Lab

E - Connect the types of eruption with its magmatic properties.

Volcanic Landforms

E - Identify intrusive and extrusive landforms volcanic materials create.

Topographic Profile Lab, Mt.

St. Helen's Profile Lab

E - Identify the internal structure of a volcano.

F - Describe the events of the Mt. St. Helen's eruption.

E - Explain how some volcanoes form from hot spots.



Major Understanding


Weathering and Soil Formation

Rocks and Weathering

Weather and Soil Unit of Study

December (10 days)

E - Identify the differences between mechanical and chemical weathering.

Mechanical vs. Chemical Lab,

Rate of Weathering Lab, Climate Activity, Weathering Quiz S8.A.1

S8.A.2 S8.A.3.3 S8.D.1.1 S8.D.1.2

E – Identify the causes and rate of weathering.

E – Describe how climate affects weathering.

Soil Formation & Composition

E – Define soil and describe it forms as a result of weathering.

Label Soil Horizon Diagram, Texture Analysis Lab, Soil Mini Lab

E – Determine soil texture and observe soil horizons.

Conserving Soil and Waste

Disposal

E – Describe how trash is recycled, reused or disposed of.

Create 3 R's Poster, Garbage Video Questions,

Soil and Weathering Test

F – Distinguish between renewable and nonrenewable energy.

E – Identify types of land pollution.



Major


Erosion and Deposition

Mass Movements

Erosion and Deposition

Unit of Study

January (10 days)

E - Describe the agents of mass movement.

Summative Assessments

S8.A.1 S8.A.2

S8.A.3.3 S8.D.1.1 S8.D.1.1

Waves

E - Describe wave action processes (littoral drift, longshore current).

E - Explain the formation of Presque Isle and the processes that are at work there

Rivers

E - Describe the steps in river formation.

E - Identify watersheds continentally and locally.

E - Describe the features of a river system.

Glaciers

E - Describe how a glacier forms.

E - Identify the features of a glacier.

E - Know the two types of glaciers.

E - Describe how glaciers affected our local landforms.



Major


Geologic Time

Fossils

Geologic Time Unit of

Study January

(10 days)

E - Define fossil.

Cast/Mold Lab, Fossil

Preservation Lab,

S8.A.1 S8.A.2

S8.A.3.3 S8.D.1.1 S8.D.1.1

E - Know fossils are rare.

E - Explain the various types of fossil preservation.

E - Explain how fossils provide evidence of plant and animal changes through Earth's History.

Relative and Absolute Age

E - Distinguish between relative and absolute age. Relative/Absolute Age Activity, Rock

Layer Diagram, Half-Life Lab

E - Determine the relative age of rock layers.

E - Describe how radioactive dating is used to determine the absolute age of rocks.

E - Know the law of superposition.

Geologic Time Scale

E - Know the major era's and periods of the geologic time scale.

Earth Time Demonstration, Geologic Period

Brochure E - Differentiate Earth time to human time.

Earth History E - Know the major events within Earth History such as extinctions, landmasses and humans.

Geologic Period Brochure, Earth

History Test E - Describe how life evolved using the fossil record.



Major


Water Systems

Salt vs. Fresh Water Systems

Water Unit of Study February (10 days)

E - Compare and contrast characteristics of each system based on their physical characteristics (density, composition, conductivity & natural resources). Summative

Assessments

S8.D.1.3 S8.D.1.3.2 S8.D.1.3.3 Different

Water Systems

E - Distinguish different water systems (wetlands, rivers, oceans, watersheds).

E - Describe their relationships to each other.



Major


Atmosphere

Layers of the Atmosphere

The Atmosphere

Unit of Study

February (10 days)

E - Define and describe the importance of the atmosphere.

Prediction Atmosphere

Poster, Atmosphere

Layer Lab, Atmosphere quiz

S8.A.1 S8.A.2

S8.A.3.3 S8.D.2.1

E - Describe the characteristics of each layer in the atmosphere.

E - Know the gas the composition of the atmosphere.

Air Pressure

E - Define and measure air pressure. Barometer

Reading Activity, Air Pressure Quiz

E - Know the average worldwide air pressure.

E - Describe the factors that affect air pressure.

E – Identify types of air pollution.



Major


Weather Factors

Heat Transfer in the

Atmosphere

Weather Factors Unit

of Study March

(10 days)

F - Identify the types of heat transfer. Heat Absorption

Lab, Temperature Lab

S8.A.1 S8.A.2

S8.A.3.2 S8.A.3.3 S8.D.2.1

E - Observe the rate of heat absorption for land and water.

E - Define and measure temperature.

Winds

E - Describe the properties of high and low pressure. Air Pressure Lab,

Label Global Wind Diagram,

Local Wind Diagram, Wind

Quiz

E - Explain what causes the wind.

E – Identify wind power as an alternative source of energy.

E - Describe local and global winds.

F - Describe how the Coriolis Effect drives global wind patterns.

Water in the Atmosphere

E - Define dew point.

Dew Point Lab, Water Cycle

Diagram, Cloud Lab

E – Describe the physical processes on which the water cycle depends (condensation, precipitation, evaporation, etc.)

E - Define and measure relative humidity.

E - Identify the major cloud types.

Precipitation

F - Identify the relationship between cloud type and weather.

Temperature Profile Lab,

Weather Factor Test

E - Identify the main types of precipitation.

F - Interpret temperature profile of precipitation.



Major


Weather Patterns

Air Masses and Fronts

Weather Patterns Unit of Study March

(10 days)

E - Discuss how major air masses form. Name Air Mass Activity, Air Front

Lab

S8.A.1 S8.A.2 S8.A.3

S8.D.2.1

E - Define and describe the three major fronts.

E - Describe weather patterns associated with fronts.

Storms

E - Describe the elements of violent storms. Static Electricity Lab, Tornado Web Quest,

Hurricane Path Activity, Lake

Effect Snow Lab

E - Describe safety procedures for violent storms.

Predicting Weather

E - Identify the pattern of west to east weather movement.

Weather Pattern Test, Weather

Forecast Project, Weather Map

Activity

F - Identify weather symbols.

E - Interpret weather maps.



Major


Earth and Moon Unit of Study

Earth and moon

movements Earth and

Moon Unit of Study

April (10 days)

E - Know the difference between rotation and revolution.

Earth/Moon Lab Packet, Moon

Phase Lab, Eclipse Lab,

Earth/Moon/Sun Quiz, Moon Phase Quiz

S8.A.1 S8.A.2

S8.A.3.1 S8.A.3.3 S8.D.3.1

E - Identify the effects of Earth's rotation and revolution.

E - Explain how the tilt causes Earth's seasons.

E - Observe the causes of the moons phases.

E - Explain a solar and lunar eclipse.

E - Describe the structure and formation of the moon.

Space Exploration

E - Describe how rockets travel in space. Historical Astronomer

Timeline, Student Rocket

Demonstrations

F - Know important missions to the moon and planets.

F - Know Newton's third law of motion.



Major


Solar System

Observing the Solar System

Solar System Unit

of Study April

(5 days)

E - Describe the factors that keep the planets in orbit. Gravity and Inertia Lab, Planet Venn

Diagram, Solar System Quiz

S8.A.1 S8.A.2

S8.A.3.2 S8.A.3.3 S8.D.3.1

F - Define inertia and know Newton's first law of motion.

E - Differentiate between geocentric and heliocentric.

E - Describe the main characteristics of inner and outer planets.

Comets, Asteroids, and

Meteors

E - Describe how comets move through our solar system. Create Flip Book, Comet

Meteoroid and Asteroid Quick Write, Meteor

Crater Lab

E - Differentiate between comets, meteoroids and asteroids.



Major


Galaxies and the Universe

Stars Galaxies and

Universe Unit of Study May

(10 days)

E - Describe the structure of a star.

Star Size Lab, Star Life Cycle Lab, H-R Diagram Lab,

Star Quiz

S8.A.1 S8.A.2

S8.A.3.2 S8.A.3.3 S8.D.3.1

E - Identify nuclear fusion as the power house of a star.

E - Describe how scientists classify stars.

F - Interpret H-R diagram.

E - Identify our sun as an average star.

E - Describe the life cycle of a star.

History of the

Universe

E - Identify galaxy types. Galaxy Evolution

Lab, Big Bang Video Quiz,

E - Describe the Milky Way as a spiral galaxy.

E - Describe evidence for the Big Bang.

F - Discuss possibilities for life in the universe.



Scientific Method

1. Make observations

2. Identify problem and ask question

(focus on trying to get them to ask a question that they are trying to disprove)

3. Research the topic

4. Form a hypothesis (using If…then… format)

5. Design Experiment

6. Conduct Experiment (collect data)

7. Analyze data

8. Draw Conclusions

- must state that their data supports their hypothesis or it proves it wrong

9. Revise and Repeat



Lab Report

Title (includes both variables)

- informal -> make observations

1. Question

2. Research/Background

3. Hypothesis (if…then…) (null in 8th grade)

4. Experimental Design

Variables (independent/dependent/control group)

Materials (vertical list in bullet format)

Procedure (a list of numbered steps)

5. Data

-all tables need to have a title

the variables need to be identified

- columns of data table should depict dependent variables

- rows of data table should depict independent variables

graph data

- independent variable on the X axis

- dependent variable on the Y axis

6. Analysis

-describe data

identify patterns using with numbers

7. Conclusions

8. Errors/Improvement

Time (Independent) Temperature

(Dependent)

1 30

2 40

3

4



Science Lab Skills

System of Measurement = Metric Only

-8th grade will discuss SI system of measurement

Conversions

-5th-6th – use metric conversion chart

-7th – basic

Measurement

Grade 5-6 Grade 7-8

Determine the scale used on measurement instruments

Read scale to the nearest increment

Tools:

-thermometer

-metric ruler

-graduated cylinder

-balance

Accuracy and precision in reading a scale

Tools:

-thermometer

-metric ruler

-graduated cylinder

-triple beam balance (7th)

-microscope (8th)

Documents

The Fundamentals of Earth and Space Science...Poster S8.A.1 S8.A.2 S8.A.3.3 S8.D.1.1 E - Define a rock. Rock Groups ... Volcano Project, Volcano ab E - Connect the types of eruption