Unit 1: Earth’s Surface- Important things to know and apply for the assessment!
Lesson 1: Earth’s Spheres
Essential Question for the Lesson: How do matter and energy move through Earth’s spheres?
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Key Topics/Learning Goals
o The Earth System and its Sphere.
 Explain the Earth System.
 Define geosphere and describe Earth’s compositional layers.
 Define hydrosphere and explain where it is found.
 Define cryosphere, naming the forms solid water takes.
 Explain atmosphere and its size and composition.
 Define and explain biosphere.
o Interactions Between Spheres
 Describe how Earth’s spheres interact.
 Give examples of interactions among Earth’s spheres.
o Earth’s Energy Budget
 Identify the main source of energy in the Earth system.
 Describe how Earth’s Energy budget explains the flow of energy in the Earth System.
 Explain how an unbalanced energy budget can affect Earth’s climate.
Lesson 2: Weathering
Essential Question for the Lesson: How does weathering change Earth’s surface?
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Key Topics/Learning Goals
o Weathering
 Define weathering.
 Recognize that there are two kinds of weathering.
o Physical Weathering
 Define physical weathering.
 Identify agents of physical weathering.
 List examples of physical weathering.
o Chemical Weathering
 Define Chemical weathering.
 Identify agents of chemical weathering
 List examples of the results of chemical weathering.
Lesson 3: Erosion and Deposition by Water
Essential Question for the Lesson: How does water change Earth’s surface
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Key Topics/Learning Goals
o Erosions and Deposition
 Define and describe the process of erosion and deposition
o Erosion and Deposition by Streams
 Relate gravity, gradient, discharge, and load to stream erosion and deposition.
 Describe what happens to sediment as a stream slows.
o Formation of Landforms by Streams
 Describe the role of stream erosion and deposition in building landforms.
o Erosion and Deposition by Groundwater, Waves, and Currents.
 Describe the effects of erosion by ground water.
 Describe how erosion and deposition by waves and currents shape shorelines.
Lesson 4: Erosion and Deposition by Wind, Ice, and Gravity
Essential Question for the Lesson: How do wind, ice, and gravity change Earth’s Surface?
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Key Topics/Learning Goals
o Erosion and Deposition by Wind
 Describe how wind speed affects sediment movement.
 Define and describe dunes.
 Define and describe loess.
 Explain what deserts pavement is and how it is formed.
o Erosion and Deposition by Ice
 Describe glacier formation.
 Describe how glaciers shape the land.
o Erosion and Deposition by Gravity (Mass Movement)
 Describe the processes of erosion and deposition by gravity (mass movement)
 Explain how mass movement can occur.
 Define and describe: rockfall, landslide, mudflow, and creep.
Lesson 5: Soil Formation
Essential Question for the Lesson: How does soil form?
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Key Topics/Learning Goals
o Soil Formation
 Define soil.
 Explain how soil forms.
 Identify the factors that affect soil development, including living things.
 Define humus.
o Soil Horizons
 Define soil horizon.
 Define soil profile.
 Describe a typical soil profile.
o Soil Characteristics
 Explain how soil characteristics are influenced by the process of soil formation and living things.