The Earth Science standards connect the study of the Earth’s composition, structure, processes, and history; its atmosphere, fresh water, and oceans; and its environment in space. The standards emphasize historical contributions in the development of scientific thought about the Earth and space. The standards stress the interpretation of maps, charts, tables, and profiles; the uses of technology to collect, analyze, and report data; and the utilization of science skills in systematic investigation. Problem solving and decision making are an integral part of the standards, especially as they relate to the costs and benefits of utilizing the Earth’s resources. Major topics of study include plate tectonics, the rock cycle, Earth history, the oceans, the atmosphere, weather and climate, and the solar system and universe. The Earth Science standards continue to focus on student growth in understanding the nature of science.

Here is a the pacing guide for the full 2017-2018 school year!!!  Earth Science year pacing guide.pdf

February  - Plate Tectonics and Geologic Processes

During the first few weeks of February, students will be learning about Continental Drift, the theory of plate tectonics, and the geological processes involved with plate movement. This unit will be covered in Chapters 9-12 in our textbook.  The SOL standard for this unit is as follows: 

ES.8 The student will investigate and understand geologic processes including plate tectonics. Key concepts include a) how geologic processes are evidenced in the physiographic provinces of Virginia including the Coastal Plain, Piedmont, Blue Ridge, Valley and Ridge, and Appalachian Plateau; b) processes (faulting, folding, volcanism, metamorphism, weathering, erosion, deposition, and sedimentation) and their resulting features; and c) tectonic processes (subduction, rifting and sea floor spreading, and continental collision).

Students will be required to verbalize the theory of plate tectonics and the evidence that supports the theory. 

Students will use guided notes from the chapters, diagrams, web quests, and videos to learn the standards that go with these units. PowerPoints that support learning are here:EarthCh9.ppt, EarthCh10.ppt, EarthCh11.ppt, EarthCh12.ppt


Lesson Plan for Plate Tectonics found here:  http://edu.environmentalatlas.ae/downloads/Lesson%20Plan_Plate%20Tectonics.pdf
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Month of January
During the month of January, students will learn about renewable and nonrenewable resources, weather, erosion, deposition, water cycle, and begin the unit on Plate Tectonics.  Students will work out of chapters 4,5,6, and 9 in the textbook.  Students will be required to verbalize the difference in a renewable vs. nonrenewable resource, the difference between weathering and erosion, and what the definition of deposition is.  Students will be required to diagram the water cycle, labeling and defining each individual aspect of the water cycle.  Students will be required to verbalize the theory of plate tectonics and the evidence that supports the theory. 

Students will use guided notes from the chapters, diagrams, web quests, and videos to learn the standards that go with these units. They are as follows:

ES.6  The student will investigate and understand the differences between renewable and nonrenewable resources. Key concepts include

1. fossil fuels, minerals, rocks, water, and vegetation;
2. advantages and disadvantages of various energy sources;
3. resources found in Virginia; and
4. environmental costs and benefits.

 

ES.7 The student will investigate and understand geologic processes including plate tectonics. Key concepts include

1. geologic processes and their resulting features; and
2. tectonic processes.

Weeks of November 8 - November 30
During these weeks, students will be introduced and learn about Rocks and Minerals.  This unit is the foundation for Geology.  Student will be taught the objectives associated with these SOL standards:

a) hardness, color and streak, luster, cleavage, fracture, and unique properties; and

b) uses of minerals.

ES.5 The student will investigate and understand the rock cycle as it relates to the origin and transformation of rock types and how to identify common rock types based on mineral composition and textures. Key concepts include

a) igneous (intrusive and extrusive) rocks;

b) sedimentary (clastic and chemical) rocks; and

Weeks of September 18 - November 3rd
During these weeks, students taking Earth Science will be working on the Astronomy unit.  This unit will last through most of the first quarter and is a major unit of Earth Science.  We will focus on the relationship between the Earth, moon, and sun, spend time on the inner and outer planets, and discuss the galaxies and origin of the universe.  Several PowerPoints are attached here.  Planets powerpoint.ppt, Astronomy.ppt.pptx.  The SOL stands that go with this unit are ES. 3 - The student will investigate and understand the characteristics of Earth and the solar system. Key concepts include

1. position of Earth in the solar system;
2. sun-Earth-moon relationships; (seasons, tides, and eclipses);
3. characteristics of the sun, planets and their moons, comets, meteors, and asteroids; and
4. the history and contributions of space exploration.

Also strand ES. 13 -

The student will investigate and understand scientific concepts related to the origin and evolution of the universe. Key concepts include

1. cosmology including the Big Bang theory; and

2. the origin and evolution of stars, star systems, and galaxies.

 

 
Welcome back to all students!! Ms.Kelly and I hope you had a great summer and you are ready for a new year in a new school. In high school, we are going to block scheduling, so Earth Science will be during block 3, for 90 minutes. We are fortunate to have great technology in the class room and will use it throughout our lessons in Earth Science. As of right now, there will be no homework in the first week. The first 3 weeks will go as follows and is part of the SOL ES.1 and ES.2

  - Introductions, course and textbook overview, class rules and expectations
​ - Introduction to Earth Science, 1.1 and 1.2 PowerPoint and worksheets
​ - Chapter 1 - The parts of the Earth, 1.3, PowerPoint and worksheets
-  Chapter 1 - Maps and Scientific Investigation
 ES.1           The student will plan and conduct investigations in which volume, area, mass, elapsed time, direction, temperature, pressure, distance, density, and changes in elevation/depth are calculated utilizing the most appropriate tools;technologies, including computers, probeware, and geospatial technologies, are used to collect, analyze, and report data and to demonstrate concepts and simulate experimental conditions; scales, diagrams, charts, graphs, tables, imagery, models, and profiles are constructed and interpreted; maps and globes are read and interpreted, including location by latitude and longitude; variables are manipulated with repeated trials; and   current applications are used to reinforce Earth science concepts.

 ES.2           The student will demonstrate an understanding of  the nature of science and scientific reasoning and logic. Key concepts include science explains and predicts the interactions and dynamics of complex Earth systems;evidence is required to evaluate hypotheses and explanations;observation and logic are essential for reaching a conclusion; and evidence is evaluated for scientific theories.