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.

Weeks of March 13th - March 31st
During these few weeks, students will study the unit on Meteorology.  Students will learn about our weather, atmosphere, and severe weather and its causes.  This unit is covered in Chapters 17-20 of our textbook.  Students will be assessed as we go through each section of this unit.
 ES.11 The student will investigate and understand the origin and evolution of the atmosphere and the interrelationship of geologic processes, biologic processes, and human activities on its composition and dynamics. Key concepts include

1. scientific evidence for atmospheric composition changes over geologic time;

2. current theories related to the effects of early life on the chemical makeup of the atmosphere;

3. atmospheric regulation mechanisms including the effects of density differences and energy transfer; and

4. potential changes to the atmosphere and climate due to human, biologic, and geologic activities. ES.12 The student will investigate and understand that energy transfer between the sun and Earth and its atmosphere drives weather and climate on Earth. Key concepts include

1. observation and collection of weather data;

2. prediction of weather patterns;              

3. severe weather occurrences, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and major storms; and

4. weather phenomena and the factors that affect climate including radiation, conduction, and convection.

Weeks of February 13th - March 10th
During these few weeks, students will focus on the unit on Oceanography.  This unit is covered in Chapters 14-16 in the textbook. 

We will specifically cover ocean movement and the cause of tides. Students will also be part of a demonstration on how water temperature and salinity affects density.
ES.11 The student will investigate and understand that oceans are complex, interactive physical, chemical, and biological systems and are subject to long- and short-term variations. Key concepts include a) physical and chemical changes (tides, waves, currents, sea level and ice cap variations, upwelling, and salinity variations); b) importance of environmental and geologic implications; c) systems interactions (density differences, energy transfer, weather, and climate); d) features of the sea floor (continental margins, trenches, mid-ocean ridges, and abyssal plains) as reflections of tectonic processes; and e) economic and public policy issues concerning the oceans and the coastal zone including the Chesapeake Bay.

Weeks of January 31st - February 10th
During these few weeks, students taking Earth Science will continue on the unit of Earth's History, SOL ES.10.
ES.10 The student will investigate and understand that many aspects of the history and evolution of the Earth and life can be inferred by studying rocks and fossils. Key concepts include a) traces and remains of ancient, often extinct, life are preserved by various means in many sedimentary rocks; b) superposition, cross-cutting relationships, index fossils, and radioactive decay are methods of dating bodies of rock; c) absolute and relative dating have different applications but can be used together to determine the age of rocks and structures; and d) rocks and fossils from many different geologic periods and epochs are found in Virginia.

I CAN explain the different geological time periods.

We will be working in Chapters 12 and 13 of the textbook.  In addition to PowerPoint's and guided notes, students will fill in a chart on the geologic time scale and be asked to name different organisms that evolved during this time.

Week of January 9th-13th and January 16th-20th
During these 2 weeks, students will receive instruction on Virginia Provinces.  The class will use Google Earth to take a virtual tour of Virginia, while answering questions related to each of Virginia's 5 provinces.  We will then begin on the History of Earth, where students will learn about the eons, eras, periods, and epochs that make up our 4.6 billion year long history.  This unit starts in Chapter 12 of our textbook.

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).

ES.10 The student will investigate and understand that many aspects of the history and evolution of the Earth and life can be inferred by studying rocks and fossils. Key concepts include a) traces and remains of ancient, often extinct, life are preserved by various means in many sedimentary rocks; b) superposition, cross-cutting relationships, index fossils, and radioactive decay are methods of dating bodies of rock; c) absolute and relative dating have different applications but can be used together to determine the age of rocks and structures; and d) rocks and fossils from many different geologic periods and epochs are found in Virginia.

Week of November 14th and 22nd.  Please click on link to open Lesson Plans for week of November 14th, and know that the same lessons will extend into the 2 days we are in school the following week, November 21st and 22nd.
planbooknov14-22.pdf
Week of October 24 - 28
Please click on this link to see full lesson plans for the week.
​planbook oct2428.pdf

Week of October 10th and 17th

Students taking Earth Science will continue to learn about resources. We have started this unit with renewable and nonrenewable resources and will move on to renewable energy, water, air and land resources. We will finish by discussing the human impact on our resources and environment. We will move out of Chapter 4 and into Chapter 5 of the book. This unit is part of the SOL ES. 6. ES.6 The student will investigate and understand the differences between renewable and nonrenewable resources. Key concepts include a) fossil fuels, minerals, rocks, water, and vegetation; b) advantages and disadvantages of various energy sources; c) resources found in Virginia; d) making informed judgments related to resource use and its effects on Earth systems; and e) environmental costs and benefits.

We will then move into Weathering and Erosion, Chapter 5 of the book, SOL 7 - ES.7 The student will investigate and understand geologic processes including plate tectonics. Key concepts include
a) geologic processes and their resulting features; and
b) tectonic processes.

These units will have guided notes from the Chapters and PowerPoint Presentations to go along with the curriculum.