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Course Title: Earth Science 8
Subject: Science
Grade Level: 8
Duration: 34 weeks
Prerequisite: Life Science 7
Elective or Required: Required
Science Mission Statement:
The Glen Ridge Public School’s science curriculum seeks to inspire scientific literate
citizens who will be able to complete in the technologically driven global community.
Our program fosters a spirit of intellectual curiosity and collaborative problem solving
that is innovative, hands-on, inquiry based and developmentally appropriate. This is
done through the study of Life, Physical, Earth & Space, and Engineering Sciences.
Our students will use scientific methodology to evaluate and critique global issues.
Students will be challenged and encouraged to take risks and develop critical
scientific thinking skills.
Course Description:
Earth Science includes an examination of interacting components that comprise our
planet and universe, focusing on the structure and properties of the Earth and how
they are transformed by various Earth systems. Students will make observations,
model Earth processes through experimentation, relate Earth’s properties to those of
other planets and study the role of the Sun in Earth processes and events.
Author: Sean McLearie & Kostas Barkouras
1
Date Submitted: Summer 2014
TOPIC
SCIENCE STANDARD
STANDARD NAME
Scientific Method & Metrics
5.1, 5.2
Science Practices
Physical Science
Structure, Properties of
Matter
5.2
Physical Science
Minerals & Rocks
5.1, 5.4
Science Practices
Earth Systems Science
Earth’s Structure, Tectonics
5.4
Earth Systems Science
Atmosphere, Meteorology,
Climate
5.4
Earth Systems Science
Sun-Earth-Moon System
5.4
Earth Systems Science
Astronomy
5.1, 5.2, 5.4
Science Practices
Physical Science
Earth Systems Science
2
Historical Geology
5.1, 5.4
Science Practices
Earth Systems Science
Earth Science
Topic/Unit 1: Scientific Method & Metrics
Approximate # of Weeks: 4
Essential Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
How is the scientific method used to acquire knowledge?
What are the steps of the scientific method?
How would I develop an experiment using the scientific method?
What is the standard system of measurement used in science?
How do we make conversions within the metric system?
How do we describe the relationship between mass, volume and density?
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to
1. Define the scientific method and identify and describe its steps. (NJCCC:5.1.8.A.1)
2. Collect and organize data to support an experiment. (NJCCC:5.1.8.A.1, 5.1.8.B.1)
3. Effectively utilize appropriate measuring instruments. (NJCCC:5.1.8.D.3)
4. Explain the difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law. (NJCCC:5.1.8.A.1)
5. Identify the basic units of measurement within the metric system. (NJCCC:5.1.8.A.1)
6. Utilize and make conversions within the metric system. (NJCCC:5.1.8.A.1, 5.1.8.D.1)
7. Define density and determine the densities of various objects. (NJCCC:5.1.8.B.2, 5.2.6.A.2)
8. Understand the relationship between mass, volume, and density. (NJCCC:5.2.6.A.2)
Common Core Standards
CCCS.ELA-Literacy.RST: 6-8.3, 6-8.4, 6-8.7, 6-8.10
CCCS.ELA-Literacy.WHST: 6-8.1d, 6-8.2d, 6-8.2e, 6-8.2f, 6-8.4, 6-8.5, 6-8.6
CCCS.MATH: 8.NS.1
Interdisciplinary Standards (njcccs.org)
Standard 6.3
Standard 8.1
Standard 8.2
Standard 9.1
Standard 9.3
Active Citizenship in the 21st Century
Computer and Information Literacy
Technology Education
Twenty First Century Life & Career Skills
Career Awareness, Exploration, and Preparation
3
Activities
Demonstration- The Scientific Method
Design an experiment utilizing the scientific method.
Lab: Measure linear distances, masses, and volumes and make conversions.
Lab: Measure areas, volumes, masses and density
Equal masses, equal volumes and different densities
Enrichment Activities
Create the equations of mass, volume and density
Methods of Assessments/Evaluation
Calculators
Think/Pair/Share
Manipulatives
Whiteboards
Exit slips
Notebook Opened Ended Questions
Metric Units Pop Quizzes
Section Quizzes
Chapter Tests
Lab Reports
Classwork/Homework
Review Game
Rubrics
Resources/Including Online Resources
Teacher webpage
Earth Science- Geology, the Environment, and the Universe Textbook
Earth Science- Geology, the Environment, and the Universe Online Textbook
Nationalgeographic.com
Pbs.org/wgbh/nova/education
Scilinks.org
Scaleofuniverse.com
Openculture.com
4
Earth Science
Topic/Unit 2: Structure, Properties of Matter
Approximate # of Weeks: 4
Essential Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What are elements, compounds, & mixtures & how do we distinguish between them?
What are the different states of matter and how do changes of state occur?
What is an atom?
What does the periodic table tell us about the atoms of individual elements?
How do we distinguish atoms of one element from those of another?
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Describe how elements join to form compounds & mixtures. (NJCCC:5.2.8.A.2,
NGSS:PS1.A )
2. Describe the states of matter on Earth and how they change. (NJCCC:5.2.8.A.3,
5.2.12.A.2, NGSS:PS1.A)
3. Describe the make-up of an atom. (NJCCC:5.2.8.A.1, NGSS:PS1.A, )
4. Describe the role of valence electrons in chemical changes and the formation of
compounds and molecules. (NJCCC:5.2.8.A.4, 5.2.12.A.1, NGSS:PS1.A,)
5. Describe the arrangement of the periodic table. (NJCCC:5.2.8.A.4, 5.2.12.A.3,
NGSS:PS1.A)
6. Identify elements from their atomic number. (NJCCC:5.2.8.A.1, NGSS:PS1.A )
7. Identify numbers of neutrons in an atom from its atomic mass. (NJCCC:5.2.8.A.4,
NGSS:PS1.A)
8. Draw a Bohr Model of the first twenty elements . (NJCCC:5.2.8.A.4,
NGSS:PS1.A)
Common Core Standards
CCCS.ELA-Literacy.RST: 6-8.2, 6-8.3, 6-8.4, 6-8.7, 6-8.8, 6-8.9, 6-8.10
CCCS.ELA-Literacy.WHST: 6-8.1c, 6-8.1d, 6-8.2d, 6-8.2e, 6-8.2f, 6-8.4, 6-8.5, 6-8.6, 6-8.8-10
CCCS.MATH: 8.NS.2, 8.NS.3, 8.EE.1, 8.EE.2, 8.EE.3
Interdisciplinary Standards (njcccs.org)
Standard 6.3 Active Citizenship in the 21st Century
5
Standard 8.1
Standard 8.2
Standard 9.1
Standard 9.3
Computer and Information Literacy
Technology Education
Twenty First Century Life & Career Skills
Career Awareness, Exploration, and Preparation
Activities
Demonstration: States of Matter
Demonstration: Phase Changes (dry ice)
Activity: Disappearing matter (water and ethanol)
Periodic Table and the Bohr Model
Lab activity: Paperclip Types of Matter Lab
Lab activity: Bohr Models
Enrichment Activities
Make a presentation on the arrangement of the periodic table of the elements.
Poster Project: An element and its properties
Methods of Assessments/Evaluation
Think/Pair/Share
Manipulatives
Whiteboards
Exit slips
Notebook Opened Ended Questions
Section Quizzes
Chapter Tests
Lab Reports
Classwork/Homework
Review Game
Rubrics
Project
Resources/Including Online Resources
Teacher webpage
Earth Science- Geology, the Environment, and the Universe Textbook
Earth Science- Geology, the Environment, and the Universe Online Textbook
Nationalgeographic.com
Pbs.org/wgbh/nova/education
Scilinks.org
Scaleofuniverse.com
Openculture.com
6
Earth Science
Topic/Unit 3: Minerals & Rocks
Approximate # of Weeks: 5
Essential Questions
1. What are minerals and how do they form?
2. How can minerals be identified?
3. What are some common mineral groups and how are they classified?
4. What is a rock and what are the basic rock types?
5. How does the rock cycle produce each rock type?
6. How do igneous rocks form and how are they classified?
7. How do sedimentary rocks form and how are they classified?
8. How do metamorphic rocks form and what are their characteristics?
9. How do weathering and erosion affect the rock cycle?
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to
1. Define a mineral and classify materials as minerals based on given criteria. (NJCCC:5.4.4.C.2,
NGSS:ESS2.A)
2. Describe how minerals from. (NJCCC:5.4.4.C.2, NGSS:ESS2.A)
3. Identify various tools/methods used to identify minerals. (NJCCC:5.4C, NGSS:ESS2.A)
4. Identify different mineral groups. (NJCCC:5.4.4.C.2, NGSS:ESS2.A )
5. Identify common minerals and classify them according to group. (NJCCC:5.4.4.C.2,
NGSS:ESS2.A)
6. Define a rock and identify the different rock types. (NJCCC:5.4.6.C.2, NGSS:ESS2.A, )
7. Distinguish between igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks and explain how
each type forms. (NJCCC:5.4.6.C.2, 5.1.8.B.1, 5.1.8.B.2, NGSS:ESS2.A)
8. Describe the composition of magma and distinguish between felsic and mafic magma.
(NJCCC:5.4.6.C.2, NGSS:ESS2.A)
9. Summarize the formation of igneous rocks. (NJCCC:5.4.6.C.2, NGSS:ESS2.A )
10. Explain how igneous rocks are classified. (NJCCC:5.4.6.C.2, NGSS:ESS2.A)
11. Identify common igneous rocks and distinguish them from other rock types.
(NJCCC:5.4.6.C.2, NGSS:ESS2.A)
12. Explain the importance of texture in identifying rocks. (NJCCC:5.4.6.C.2, NGSS:ESS2.A)
13. Relate cooling rate to grain size. (NJCCC:5.4.6.C.2, NGSS:ESS2.A)
14. Sequence the important events in the formation of sedimentary rocks. (NJCCC:5.4.6.C.2,
NGSS:ESS2.A)
15. Distinguish among the different types of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
7
(NJCCC:5.4.6.C.2, 5.1.8.B.1, 5.1.8.B.2, NGSS:ESS2.A )
16. Identify the different types of metamorphism and distinguish among metamorphic
features. (NJCCC:5.4.6.C.2, NGSS:ESS2.A)
17. Identify metamorphic rocks based upon visible features. (NJCCC:5.4.6.C.2,
NGSS:ESS2.A)
18. Describe the events in the rock cycle. (NJCCC:5.4.6.C.2, NGSS:ESS2.A)
19. Explain the importance of weathering and erosion in the rock cycle. (NJCCC:5.4.8.C.2,
NGSS:ESS2.A)
Common Core Standards
CCCS.ELA-Literacy.RST: 6-8.1, 6-8.2, 6-8.3, 6-8.5, 6-8.6, 6-8.7, 6-8.8, 6-8.9, 6-8.10
CCCS.ELA-Literacy.WHST: 6-8.1, 6-8.1a, 6-8.1b, 6-8.1c, 6-8.1e, 6-8.2b, 6-8.2c, 6-8.2d,
6-8.2e, 6-8.2f, 6-8.4, 6-8.5, 6-8.6
CCCS.MATH: 8.NS.2, 8.NS.3, 8.EE.1, 8.EE.2, 8.EE.3
Interdisciplinary Standards (njcccs.org)
Standard 6.3
Standard 8.1
Standard 8.2
Standard 9.1
Standard 9.3
Active Citizenship in the 21st Century
Computer and Information Literacy
Technology Education
Twenty First Century Life & Career Skills
Career Awareness, Exploration, and Preparation
Activities:
Demonstration: Particle Sorting.
Lab activities: Specific Gravity and Earth’s Density
Mineral Identification
Classifying Rocks
Observing the Effects of Rock Weathering on Soil Formation
Enrichment Activities:
Create a rock cycle poster that includes rock types intermediate in composition between felsic
and mafic and intermediate in grain size between coarse and fine.
Methods of Assessments/Evaluation
Think/Pair/Share
Manipulatives
Whiteboards
Exit slips
Notebook Opened Ended Questions
Section Quizzes
Chapter Tests
Lab Reports
Classwork/Homework
Review Game
Resources/Including Online Resources
Teacher webpage
8
Earth Science- Geology, the Environment, and the Universe Textbook
Earth Science- Geology, the Environment, and the Universe Online Textbook
Nationalgeographic.com
Pbs.org/wgbh/nova/education
Scilinks.org
Openculture.com
Earth Science
Topic/Unit 4: Earth’s Structure, Tectonics
Approximate # of Weeks: 4
Essential Questions
1. What are the layers of Earth and how do they differ from each other?
2. How have scientists learned about Earth’s interior?
3. What evidence have scientists found to support the theory of plate tectonics?
4. How do crustal plates move?
5. What is the driving force behind crustal plate motion?
6. What are the features of the different types of plate boundaries?
7. How do mountains and deep-sea trenches form?
8. How and where do earthquakes occur?
9. How are earthquake waves used to locate earthquake epicenters?
10. How and where do volcanoes form?
11. What determines the type and explosiveness of volcanoes?
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to
1. Identify the layers of the Earth and describe their physical properties. (NJCCC:5.4.8.D.1,
NGSS:ESS2.B)
2. Explain how seismic waves have been used to determine the structure and composition
of Earth’s interior. (NJCCC:5.4.8.D.1, NGSS:ESS2.B)
3. Identify early evidence for continental drift. (NJCCC:5.4.8.D.2, NGSS:ESS2.B)
4. Describe the features of the plate boundaries and explain how they form. (NJCCC:
5.4.8.D.2, NGSS:ESS2.B)
5. Identify the locations of major mountain ranges and describe their formation relative to
plate tectonics. (NJCCC:5.4.8.D.2, NGSS:ESS2.B)
6. Explain the process of seafloor spreading and its role in crustal plate motion. (NJCCC:
5.4.8.D.1, 5.4.8.D.2, 5.4.12.D.1, NGSS:ESS2.B)
7. Explain how convection currents drive crustal plate motion. (NJCCC:5.4.8.D.1, 5.4.8.D.2,
5.4.12.D.1,, NGSS:ESS2.B)
8. Explain what earthquakes are and how they occur. (NJCCC: 5.4.8.D.1, 5.4.8.D.2,
5.4.12.D.1, NGSS:ESS2.B)
9. Compare and contrast the three types of waves generated by earthquakes. (NJCCC:
5.4.8.D.2, 5.4.12.D.1,, NGSS:ESS2.B)
10. Identify locations of major earthquake zones. (NJCCC:5.4.8.D.2, NGSS:ESS2.B)
11. Explain how scientists locate and measure earthquakes. (NJCCC:5.4.8.D.2, NGSS:ESS2.B)
9
12. Describe the relationship between volcanism and plate tectonics. (NJCCC:5.4.8.D.1,
5.4.8.D.2, 5.4.12.D.1, NGSS:ESS2.B)
13. Identify locations of major zones of volcanism. NJCCC:5.4.8.D.1, 5.4.8.D.2,5.4.12.D.1,
NGSS:ESS2.B )
14. Identify the major types of volcanoes and relate them to magma type. (NJCCC:5.4.8.D.1,
5.4.8.D.2, 5.4.12.D.1, NGSS:ESS2.B )
15. Describe the type of eruptions produced by the felsic and mafic magma. (NJCCC:
5.4.8.D.1, 5.4.8.D.2, NGSS:ESS2.B )
Common Core Standards:
CCCS.ELA-Literacy.RST: 6-8.1, 6-8.2, 6-8.3, 6-8.5, 6-8.6, 6-8.7, 6-8.8, 6-8.9, 6-8.10
CCCS.ELA-Literacy.WHST: 6-8.1, 6-8.1a, 6-8.1b, 6-8.1c, 6-8.1d, 6-8.1e, 6-8.2, 6-8.2a
6-8.2b, 6-8.2c, 6-8.2d, 6-8.2e, 6-8.2f, 6-8.4-10
CCCS.MATH: 8.NS.1, 8.NS.2, 8. NS.3, 8.F.1
Interdisciplinary Standards (njcccs.org)
Standard 6.3
Standard 8.1
Standard 8.2
Standard 9.1
Standard 9.3
Active Citizenship in the 21st Century
Computer and Information Literacy
Technology Education
Twenty First Century Life & Career Skills
Career Awareness, Exploration, and Preparation
Activities:
Lab activities: Construct a Crustal Plate Model
Observe Convection Currents
Investigate the Speed of Earthquake Waves
Locate an Earthquake Epicenter
Observe the Action of Gases in Magma
Enrichment Activities:
Make a presentation describing the motion of the Pacific Plate and theorize why it is moving
faster than any other major crustal plate.
Methods of Assessments/Evaluation
Think/Pair/Share
Manipulatives
Whiteboards
Exit slips
Notebook Opened Ended Questions
Section Quizzes
Chapter Tests
Lab Reports
Classwork/Homework
Review Game
Project
Resources/Including Online Resources
10
Teacher webpage
Earth Science- Geology, the Environment, and the Universe Textbook
Earth Science- Geology, the Environment, and the Universe Online Textbook
Google Maps
Google Earth
Nationalgeographic.com
Pbs.org/wgbh/nova/education
Scilinks.org
Earth Science
Topic/Unit 5: Atmosphere, Meteorology, Climate
Approximate # of Weeks: 6
Essential Questions
1. What is the composition of the atmosphere?
2. What is relative humidity and how does it change?
3. How does heat move through and affect the atmosphere?
4. How do clouds and precipitation form?
5. What is the relationship between air temperature, density, pressure, and humidity?
6. What are air masses?
7. How and where do the different types of air masses originate?
8. How do fronts and pressure systems affect weather patterns?
9. What is climate and what factors affect it?
10. What are the characteristics of some of Earth’s climates?
11. What causes climate change and what role have humans played?
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to
1. Describe the composition of the atmosphere. (NJCCC:5.4.8.C.3, NGSS:ESS2.D )
2. Compare and contrast atmospheric layers. (NJCCC:5.4.8.C.3, NGSS:ESS2.D )
3. Identify and describe the different forms of heat transfer through the atmosphere.
(NJCCC:5.4.8.C.3, 5.4.8.E.1, NGSS:ESS2.C-D)
4. Describe the relationship between air temperature, density, pressure, and humidity.
(NJCCC: 5.4.8.C.3, 5.4.8.E.1, 5.4.8.F.1, 5.4.8.F.3, NGSS:ESS2.C-D)
5. Define relative humidity and describe how changes in air temperature affect it.
(NJCCC:5.4.8.F.1, 5.4.8.F.3, NGSS:ESS2.C-D)
6. Explain how changes in altitude affect atmospheric properties. (NJCCC:5.4.8.F.1, 5.4.12.C.2,
NGSS:ESS2.D)
7. Identify and describe the steps in the water cycle. (NJCCC:5.4.8.E.1, 5.4.8.F.3, 5.4.12.F.3,
NGSS:ESS2.C,E)
8. Distinguish among the different cloud types. (NJCCC: 5.4.8.E.1, 5.4.8.F.2, 5.4.8.F.3,
5.4.12.F.3,, NGSS:ESS2.D)
9. Describe how heat and humidity interact to produce weather. (NJCCC:5.4.6.F.1, 5.4.8.F.1,
5.4.8.F.3, NGSS:ESS2.C-D)
10. Identify the major types of air masses and describe how they form. (NJCCC:5.4.8.F.1,
5.4.8.F.2, 5.4.12.F.1, 5.4.12.F.2, NGSS:ESS2.D)
11. Provide examples of geographic locations where each type of air mass forms.
(NJCCC: 5.4.8.F.1, 5.4.8.F.2, 5.4.12.F.1, 5.4.12.F.2, NGSS:ESS2.D )
11
12. Identify the four types of weather fronts and describe how they form. (NJCCC: 5.4.6.F.1,
5.4.8.F.1, 5.4.8.F.3, 5.4.12.F.3, NGSS:ESS2.D)
13. Distinguish between high and low pressure systems and explain how air pressure can
be used to forecast weather. (NJCCC:5.4.6.F.1, NGSS:ESS2.D)
14. Distinguish between weather and climate and identify factors that cause variations in
climate. (NJCCC:5.4.6.F.1, 5.4.6.F.2, 5.4.8.F.3, NGSS:ESS2.D)
15. Describe the criteria used to classify climates and identify major climate types.
(NJCCC:5.4.6.F.2, 5.4.8.F.2, 5.4.12.F.1, 5.4.12.F.2, NGSS:ESS2.D )
16. Describe the characteristics of the different climate types & provide examples of each.
(NJCCC: 5.4.6.F.2, 5.4.8.F.2, 5.4.12.F.1, 5.4.12.F.2, NGSS:ESS2.D-E)
17. Identify and describe topographic effects on climate. (NJCCC:5.4.8.F.2, 5.4.12.F.2,
NGSS:ESS2.D)
18. Discuss various causes of climate change. (NJCCC:5.4.8.F.2, 5.4.12.F.2, NGSS:ESS3.AD)
19. Identify human activities that alter global climates. (NJCCC: 5.4.8.F.2, 5.4.12.F.2,
NGSS:ESS3.A-D )
Common Core Standards
CCCS.ELA-Literacy.RST: 6-8.1c, 6-8.1d, 6-8.2d, 6-8.2e, 6-8.2f, 6-8.4, 6-8.5, 6-8.6, 6-8.8-10
CCCS.ELA-Literacy.WHST: 6-8.2, 6-8.3, 6-8.4, 6-8.7, 6-8.8, 6-8.9, 6-8.10
CCCS.MATH: 8.NS.1, 8.NS.2,8. RP.2
Interdisciplinary Standards (njcccs.org)
Standard 6.3 Active Citizenship in the 21st Century
Standard 8.1 – Computer and Information Literacy
Standard 8.2 – Technology Education
Standard 9.1 21st-Century Life & Career Skills
Standard 9.3 - Career Awareness, Exploration, and Preparation
Activities
Guess the layer of the atmosphere by name
Demonstration: Relative Humidity
Cloud Formation
Lab activities: Graph a Temperature Inversion
Construct and Analyze a Weather Map
Classify Climates
Relate Specific Heat to Climate
Enrichment Activities
Create a model system for determining relative humidity using dry bulb and wet bulb
thermometers.
Methods of Assessments/Evaluation
Think/Pair/Share
Manipulatives
Whiteboards
Exit slips
12
Notebook Opened Ended Questions
Section Quizzes
Chapter Tests
Lab Reports
Classwork/Homework
Review Game
Resources/Including Online Resources
Teacher webpage
Earth Science- Geology, the Environment, and the Universe Textbook
Earth Science- Geology, the Environment, and the Universe Online Textbook
Google Maps
Google Earth
Nationalgeographic.com
Pbs.org/wgbh/nova/education
Scilinks.org
13
Earth Science
Topic/Unit 6: Sun-Earth-Moon System
Approximate # of Weeks: 3
Essential Questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
What is Earth’s axial tilt and how does it cause variations in seasons?
Why do eclipses occur and how do we distinguish between a solar and lunar eclipse?
What is the difference between a rotational and orbital period?
How do we determine the Sun’s altitude?
What is synchronous rotation and why do we observe lunar phases?
What are the Geo-centric and Helio-centric models of the universe?
What causes a lunar and solar eclipse.
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to
1. Describe the relative positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. (NJCCC:5.4.8.A.1,
NGSS:ESS1.B)
2. Describe the motion of the Earth around the Sun and explain why seasons occur.
(NJCCC:5.4.8.A.2, NGSS:ESS1.B)
3. Explain the relationship between seasonal variations in temperature and Earth’s axial
tilt. (NJCCC:5.4.8.A.2, NGSS:ESS1.B)
4. Identify Earth’s rotational and orbital period and distinguish between a sidereal and
solar day. (NJCCC:5.4.8.A.1, 5.4.8.A.2, NGSS:ESS1.B)
5. Distinguish between the solstices and equinoxes and relate them to the Sun’s altitude.
(NJCCC:5.4.8.A.2, NGSS:ESS1.B)
6. Identify the locations of the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn and relate them to
Earth’s axial tilt and the Sun’s altitude. (NJCCC:5.4.8.A.2, NGSS:ESS1.B )
7. Identify the relative positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon during solar and lunar
eclipses. (NJCCC:5.4.8.A.1, NGSS:ESS1.B)
8. Explain why lunar phases occur and the phenomenon of synchronous rotation.
(NJCCC:5.4.8.A.1, NGSS:ESS1.B)
9. Distinguish between the Geo-centric and Helio-centric models of the universe. (NJCCC:
5.4.12.A.1, NGSS:ESS1.B )
10. Identify important astronomers of the Renaissance period and explain their
contributions to modern Astronomy. (NJCCC:5.4A, NGSS:ESS1.B)
11. Describe Kepler’s laws of planetary motion. (NJCCC:5.4.8.A.4, 5.4.12.A.1,
NGSS:ESS1.B)
12. Explain how Galileo proved the Helio-centric model. (NJCCC:5.4.12.A.1, NGSS:ESS1.B)
13. Explain how Newton described the gravitational force. (NJCCC:5.4.8.A.3, NGSS:ESS1.B )
14
Common Core Standards:
CCCS.ELA-Literacy.RST: 6-8.2, 6-8.3, 6-8.7, 6-8.8, 6-8.9, 6-8.10
CCCS.ELA-Literacy.WHST: 6-8.1, 6-8.1a, 6-8.1b, 6-8.1c, 6-8.1d, 6-8.2d, 6-8.2e, 6-8.2f,
6-8.4, 6-8.5, 6-8.6
CCCS.MATH: 8.EE.1, 8.EE.2, 8.NS.1, 8.RP.2, 8.G.4, 8.G.6
Interdisciplinary Standards (njcccs.org):
Standard 6.3
Standard 8.1
Standard 8.2
Standard 9.1
Standard 9.3
Active Citizenship in the 21st Century
Computer and Information Literacy
Technology Education
Twenty First Century Life & Career Skills
Career Awareness, Exploration, and Preparation
Activities
Demonstration: Earth’s revolution/Seasons
Centripetal Force student demo
Lab activity: The Seasons
Lab activity: Circumference of the Earth
Relative distance of the Sun, Moon and Earth
Enrichment Activities:
Present an argument in support of the heliocentric model of the solar system that relies on
either Kepler’s laws of planetary motion or Galileo’s observational discoveries.
Create an eclipse cutting out different size circles and changing the distance between them
Methods of Assessments/Evaluation
Think/Pair/Share
Manipulatives
Whiteboards
Exit slips
Notebook Opened Ended Questions
Section Quizzes
Chapter Tests
Lab Reports
Classwork/Homework
Review Game
Rubrics
Projects
Resources/Including Online Resources
Teacher webpage
Earth Science- Geology, the Environment, and the Universe Textbook
Earth Science- Geology, the Environment, and the Universe Online Textbook
Google Maps
Google Earth
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Nationalgeographic.com
Pbs.org/wgbh/nova/education
Scilinks.org
Scaleofuniverse.com
Openculture.com
Earth Science
Topic/Unit 7: Astronomy
Approximate # of Weeks: 6
Essential Questions:
1. How and when did the solar system form?
2. What are important similarities and differences between the Terrestrial and Jovian
planets?
3. What are asteroids, comets and dwarf planets and how did they form?
4. What is the electromagnetic spectrum and what are some basic properties of light?
5. What is the composition of the Sun and how does it produce energy?
6. How has the study of light taught us about the properties of stars?
7. What are some important properties of stars?
8. What is red-shift and how is it used to study stars?
9. How do we determine the compositions of and measure distances to stars?
10. What are the stages in the life cycles of stars?
11. What are galaxies and how do we measure their distances?
12. How do we classify galaxies?
13. How old is the universe and how did it begin?
14. What are dark matter and dark energy and how do we know?
15. What is the future of the universe?
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Describe the formation of the solar system. (NJCCC:5.4.12.A.2, NGSS:ESS1.B)
2. Explain how scientists have been able to estimate the age of the solar system. (NJCCC:
5.4.12.A.2, NGSS:ESS1.B)
3. Distinguish between asteroids, comets and dwarf planets and describe how they
formed. (NJCCC:5.4.6.A.4, NGSS:ESS1.B)
4. Describe the physical characteristics of the Terrestrial planets. (NJCCC:5.4.6.A.4,
NGSS:ESS1.B)
6. Describe the physical characteristics of the Jovian planets. (NJCCC:5.4.6.A.4,
NGSS:ESS1.B)
7. Identify distinguishing features of each planet. (NJCCC:5.4.6.A.4, NGSS:ESS1.B)
8. Compare and contrast the Terrestrial and Jovian Planets. (NJCCC:5.4.6.A.4, NGSS:
ESS1.B)
9. Describe the basic properties of light and explain the relationship between wavelength
and frequency. (NJCCC:5.2.6.C.2, NGSS:ESS1.A)
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10. Identify the different types of electromagnetic radiation. (NJCCC: 5.2.6.C.2,
NGSS:ESS1.A)
11. Explain how nuclear fusion in stars produces energy. (NJCCC:5.2.12.D.3, NGSS:
ESS1.A)
12. Describe the Doppler effect of light waves and its importance in Astronomy.
(NJCCC:5.1.8.D.1, NGSS:ESS1.A)
13. Explain how parallax is used to measure stellar distances. (NJCCC:5.1.8.D.1,
NGSS:ESS1.A)
14. Explain how the study of stellar spectra allow us to determine the compositions and
ages of stars. (NJCCC:5.1.8.D.1, NGSS:ESS1.A)
15. Distinguish between apparent and absolute magnitude and explain how they are used
to measure stellar distances. (NJCCC:5.1.8.D.1, NGSS:ESS1.A)
16. Explain how a Hertzsprung-Russell diagram helps us to understand stellar evolution.
(NJCCC:5.4.12.A.3, NGSS:ESS1.A)
17. Discuss the concept of hydrostatic equilibrium in the life of a star. (NJCCC:5.1.8.D.1,
NGSS:ESS1.A )
18. Discuss the effects of mass on stellar evolution. (NJCCC:5.4.12.A.3, NGSS:ESS1.A )
19. Distinguish between white dwarf, neutron star, and black hole relative to stellar mass.
(NJCCC:5.4.12.A.3, NGSS:ESS1.A)
20. Explain how a supernova occurs. (NJCCC:5.4.12.A.3, NGSS:ESS1.A)
21. Define galaxy and explain how galaxies outside of our own were discovered.
(NJCCC:5.4.12.A.4, NGSS:ESS1.A)
22. Describe the arrangement of galaxies in the universe and explain how we estimate
their distances. (NJCCC:5.4.12.A.4, NGSS:ESS1.A)
23. Describe the Big Bang theory and how it created the universe. (NJCCC:5.4.12.A.5,
NGSS:ESS1.A)
24. Explain how we estimate the age of the universe. (NJCCC:5.4.12.A.5, NGSS:ESS1.A)
25. Define dark matter and dark energy and identify the evidence for each.
(NJCCC:5.4.12.A.6, NGSS:ESS1.A )
26. Discuss theories about the future of the universe. (NJCCC:5.4.12.A.6, NGSS:ESS1.A )
Common Core Standards:
CCCS.ELA-Literacy.RST: 6-8.1, 6-8.2, 6-8.3, 6-8.5, 6-8.6, 6-8.7, 6-8.8, 6-8.9, 6-8.10
CCCS.ELA-Literacy.WHST: 6-8.1, 6-8.1a, 6-8.1b, 6-8.1c, 6-8.1d, 6-8.1e, 6-8.2, 6-8.2a
6-8.2b, 6-8.2c, 6-8.2d, 6-8.2e, 6-8.2f, 6-8.4-10
CCCS.MATH: 8.NS.2, 8.RP.1, 8.RP.2, 8.F.1
Interdisciplinary Standards (njcccs.org):
Standard 6.3
Standard 8.1
Standard 8.2
Standard 9.1
Standard 9.3
Active Citizenship in the 21st Century
Computer and Information Literacy
Technology Education
Twenty First Century Life & Career Skills
Career Awareness, Exploration, and Preparation
Activities:
Parallax Pencil
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Lab activities: Characteristics of Elliptical Orbits
Construct a Scale of the Solar System
Classify Stars Using a Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
Model Galaxy Formation
Enrichment Activities:
Present an explanation of how apparent and absolute magnitudes can be used to estimate
distances to stars.
Methods of Assessments/Evaluation
Think/Pair/Share
Manipulatives
Whiteboards
Exit slips
Notebook Opened Ended Questions
Chapter Tests
Lab Reports
Classwork/Homework
Review Game
Rubrics
Projects
Resources/Including Online Resources
Teacher webpage
Earth Science- Geology, the Environment, and the Universe Textbook
Earth Science- Geology, the Environment, and the Universe Online Textbook
Google Maps
Google Earth
Nationalgeographic.com
Pbs.org/wgbh/nova/education
Scilinks.org
Scaleofuniverse.com
Openculture.com
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Earth Science
Topic/Unit 8: Historical Geology
Approximate # of Weeks: 2
Essential Questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
What is a fossil and what does it reveal about Earth’s past?
What is relative-age dating and how does it teach us about Earth’s past?
What is absolute-age dating and how does it teach us about Earth’s past?
How do scientists organize the major time periods of earth’s past?
What is Precambrian time and what distinguishes it from the modern Eon?
Why may we be currently undergoing a mass extinction?
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Discuss how fossils are used to interpret Earth’s past. (NJCCC:5.4.8.B.2, NGSS:ESS1.C)
2. Compare and contrast relative and absolute-age dating. (NJCCC: 5.4.12.B.2, 5.4.12.B.3,
NGSS:ESS1.C)
3. Explain how a geologic time scale organizes the major events of Earth’s history.
(NJCCC:5.1.8.D.1, NGSS:ESS1.C)
4. Distinguish between eons, eras, periods, and epochs. (NJCCC:5.1.8.D.1, NGSS:ESS1.C)
5. Describe the events of the Archean Eon and identify early sources of Earth’s heat.
(NJCCC:5.4.8.B.1, NGSS:ESS1.C)
6. Describe the events of the Proterozoic Eon and explain how the atmosphere and oceans
formed. (NJCCC:5.4.8.B.1, 5.4.12.B.1, NGSS:ESS1.C)
7. Explain the role of the earliest life-forms in the formation of atmospheric oxygen. (NJCCC:
5.4.8.B.1, 5.4.12.C.2, NGSS:ESS1.C)
8. Discuss the evolution of life during the Paleozoic Era. (NJCCC:5.4.8.B.2, 5.1.8.D.1,
NGSS:ESS1.C)
9. Explain how climate change has affected the evolution of life-forms during the Cenozoic
Era. (NJCCC:5.4.12.F.2, NGSS:ESS1.C)
Common Core Standards:
CCCS.ELA-Literacy.RST: 6-8.2, 6-8.3, 6-8.7, 6-8.8. 6-8.9, 6-8.10
CCCS.ELA-Literacy.WHST: 6-8.1d, 6-8.1c, 6-8.2a, 6-8.2b, 6-8.2c, 6-8.2d, 6-8.2e, 6-8.2f
6-8.4, 6-8.5, 6-8.6, 6-8.8, 6-8.9, 6-8.10
CCCS.MATH: 8.NS.2, 8.NS.3, 8.F.1
Interdisciplinary Standards (njcccs.org):
Standard 6.3 Active Citizenship in the 21st Century
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Standard 8.1
Standard 8.2
Standard 9.1
Standard 9.3
Computer and Information Literacy
Technology Education
Twenty First Century Life & Career Skills
Career Awareness, Exploration, and Preparation
Activities:
Lab activities: Using the Rock Record to Interpret Geologic History
Demonstrating Half-Life
Sequencing Geologic Time
Enrichment Activities:
Research periods in Earth history where average global temperatures were at their highest and
lowest and propose a theory that explains why.
Methods of Assessments/Evaluation
Think/Pair/Share
Manipulatives
Whiteboards
Exit slips
Metric Units Pop Quizzes
Chapter Tests
Lab Reports
Classwork/Homework
Review Game
Rubrics
Resources/Including Online Resources
Teacher webpage
Earth Science- Geology, the Environment, and the Universe Textbook
Earth Science- Geology, the Environment, and the Universe Online Textbook
Google Maps
Google Earth
Nationalgeographic.com
Pbs.org/wgbh/nova/education
Scilinks.org
Scaleofuniverse.com
Openculture.com
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