FRHS Earth Systems Science Placement Test
**DISCLAIMERS**
1. Students should ONLY consider taking this test if they are SERIOUSLY considering taking MULTIPLE,
UPPER-LEVEL science electives AND their current knowledge of Earth System Science is strong.
2. It is the professional recommendation of the FRHS Science Department that ALL students take Earth
Systems. It is critical for scientific literacy and provides a strong foundation for more advanced science
classes.
The STUDENT taking the test WILL:
1. Provide a valid email address to receive notification of results
2. Bring 2-3 sharpened #2 pencils
3. Bring a WORKING scientific or graphing calculator
4. NOT bring a cell phone or any other electronic device
**If a student does not bring a working calculator they must take the test without it as none will be provided.
FRHS Proctoring staff will provide:
1. A copy of the test questions and an answer form
2. A reference sheet including a periodic table and all relevant formulas and constants
3. Scratch paper for showing work
When:
For current 9th graders
3:00 pm on January 22nd, 2015
For current 8th graders
3:00 pm on February 19th, 2015
**Due to deadlines of the registration process these are the ONLY scheduled times for the placement test.
Where:
In the Roundhouse (Room 410) at Fossil Ridge High School.
Other Important Information:
1. A satisfactory score on the test is a 75% or higher.
2. Students will be notified via email within 1 week of the test ONLY if they received a satisfactory score.
** If you do not hear from FRHS staff within 1 week, the student did not achieve a satisfactory score
3. Students will have 90 minutes to take the test.
4. Students are allowed ONE attempt at the placement test.
5. Objectives that the test covers can be found on the following pages.
**There will be NO tutoring by FRHS staff as this test is a measure of the student’s current knowledge of Earth
Systems Science
PSD Earth Systems Science Objectives
Exosphere
GUIDING QUESTION:
What can measurable properties tell us about the universe?
ESSENTIAL LEARNING 1:
The universe is composed of matter that has definite structure
Objectives
1. List and describe the phases of matter in the universe. (PS2)
2. Describe the structure of atoms and the particles that atoms are composed of. (PS2)
3. Atoms bond in different ways to form molecules and compounds that have definite properties. (PS4)
4. Relate the structure of atoms to the organization of the periodic table. (PS2)
5. Explain how nuclear reactions can change the identity of atoms (fission, fusion, radioactive decay) (PS3)
ESSENTIAL LEARNING 2:
Electromagnetic radiation provides information about the universe
Objectives
1. Apply the terms frequency, wavelengths and amplitude to both sound (longitudinal) and light (transverse)
waves. (PS5)
2. Explain how frequency and wavelength are inversely related. (PS5)
3. Describe that electrons are located in different energy levels in an atom and the movement of these electrons
create light. (PS6)
4. List and describe parts of the electromagnetic radiation and explain how electromagnetic radiation data is used
in astronomy and for analysis of matter. (ES4)
ESSENTIAL LEARNING 3:
Common Scientific Laws govern motion of objects in the universe.
Objectives
1. Apply Newton’s First Law (inertia), Second Law (F=ma), and Third Law (action and reaction) to explain
everyday situations through words and calculations. (PS1)
2. Explain the role of gravity within the Solar System and major celestial bodies in the universe.
(ES2)
3. Explain the relationships involving the conservation of energy and matter, including the concepts of potential
and kinetic energy and entropy. (PS3, PS5 and PS6)
Scientific Investigation: Record and report measurements accurately, understand methods and tools used in simple experiments, determine
the hypothesis for an experiment
Interpretation of Data: Find basic information in a body of text, select data from a simple data presentation (table, graph, or chart), create
tables, graphs, or charts from simple data, create data presentations with heading, units and labels
Evaluation of Models, Inferences, and Experimental Results: Select a simple hypothesis or prediction that is supported by data, determine
whether a given information supports or contradicts a simple hypothesis and why, identify key assumptions or issues in a model
Mathematical Skills: create metric conversion factors, manipulate 3 variable equations to solve for 1 variable
Hydrosphere and Cryosphere
GUIDING QUESTION:
What special properties of water make it a unique part of Earth’s systems?
ESSENTIAL LEARNING 1:
The structure of water makes it a unique molecule
Objectives:
1. Identify and describe that when two or more atoms chemically combine, they either share electrons
(covalent bond, which can be polar or non-polar) or transfer electrons (ionic bond). (PS3)
2. Describe the types of bonds present within a water molecule and between water molecules. (PS3)
3. Name simple binary covalent and simple ionic compounds. (PS3)
ESSENTIAL LEARNING 2:
The physical and chemical properties of water are a result of its molecular structure
Objectives:
1. Explain how the polarity of water determines the temperatures at which its phases change. (PS4)
2. Define specific heat and compare the specific heat of water to other materials (calories and Joules) (PS4 &
PS5)
3. Relate the polarity of water to its ability to dissolve other substances. (PS4)
ESSENTIAL LEARNING 3:
Water is involved in many types of chemical reactions
Objectives:
1. Identify the energy changes of a chemical reaction as endothermic or exothermic. (PS5)
2. Describe composition and characteristics of acids and bases and applications of acid/base reactions (acidic
gases plus water, acid plus carbonate, etc.) (environmental chemistry) (ES6)
3. Describe, identify, and balance combustion reactions (environmental chemistry) (CH4 + O2) (ES6 & PS3)
ESSENTIAL LEARNING 4:
Physical and chemical reactions involving water shape Earth’s surface
Objectives:
1. Explain how the water cycle transfers and distributes thermal energy around the earth. (PS5 & ES6)
2. Differentiate between physical and chemical weathering. (ES6)
3. Apply concepts of weathering to explaining the formation of different landforms. (ES6)
4. Evaluate negative and positive consequences of physical and chemical changes on the hydrosphere. (ES6)
5. Compare and contrast the costs and benefits of water as a resource for our community. (ES5)
Science Skills
Scientific Investigation: understand simple experimental design, identify independent, dependent and controlled variables, identify
similarities and differences between experiments
Interpretation of Data: select and use data from a data presentation (table, graph, or chart) with 3 or more variables, compare or combine
data from a simple data presentation, interpolate between data points in a table or graph
Evaluation of Models, Inferences, and Experimental Results: select a data presentation or model that supports or contradicts a hypothesis
or prediction, identify strengths, weaknesses, similarities, and differences between models
Mathematical Skills: solve 1 step unit conversions using dimensional analysis, use more complex equations to solve for 1 variable
The Atmosphere
GUIDING QUESTION:
What happens in Earth’s atmosphere to create climate and weather?
ESSENTIAL LEARNING 1:
The composition and structure of the atmosphere are dynamic and evolving.
Objectives
1. Explain the evolutionary history of the atmosphere and the structure of its layers. (ES1, ES4)
2. Apply knowledge of electromagnetic radiation to explain interactions with the Earth’s atmosphere and
surface. (ES2, ES4)
3. Identify both natural and human made molecules that affect how electromagnetic radiation is absorbed and
reflected. (ES4, ES6)
ESSENTIAL LEARNING 2:
Unequal solar heating of the Earth causes weather and climate.
Objectives
1. Describe the resulting effects of energy transfer within the atmosphere. (ES2, ES4, PS6)
2. Compare and contrast conduction, convection, and radiation as ways that thermal energy can be transferred.
(PS6)
3. Identify the effects of Earth's movement on wind and resulting weather and climate. (ES4)
4. Explain how weather and climate are caused by differential heating and changes in moisture. (ES2 & ES4)
ESSENTIAL LEARNING 3:
The Earth’s climate is changing as a result of both natural and man-made factors
Objectives
1.
2.
3.
4.
Define and explain the differences between weather and climate. (ES4)
Explain the impact of the use of renewable and non-renewable resources on Earth’s climate (ES5)
Explain how past geologic events have changed earth’s climate and predict the impact of future events (ES1)
Predict the effects of ocean current changes on weather and climate ( ie thermohaline circulation) (ES5)
ESSENTIAL LEARNING 4:
Natural hazards have local, national and global impacts
Objectives
1. Analyze and interpret data about natural hazards (drought, flood, hurricane, tornado) using direct and indirect
evidence. (ES7)
2. Explain conditions that lead to weather related natural hazards (ES7)
Science Skills
Scientific Investigation: Identify and control additional variables that effect results of an experiment, predict the results of an additional trial
or measurement in an experiment.
Interpretation of Data: Determine how the value of one variable changes in relation to another variable, compare or combine data from
more complex data presentations, analyze given information when presented with new information
Evaluation of Models, Inferences, and Experimental Results: Create hypothesis that can be tested by experimentation or supported by
data or models, create a conclusion that is supported by data from an experiment
Mathematical Skills: Solve multi-step unit conversions using dimensional analysis, manipulate complex equations to solve for 1 variable
Geosphere
GUIDING QUESTION:
What is the Earth made of and how is it changing?
ESSENTIAL LEARNING 1:
Seismic waves are used to provide information about the interior of the Earth
Objectives:
1. Physically and chemically describe and label the layers of the Earth. (ES3)
2. Compare and contrast the different types of seismic waves and describe how they provide evidence for the interior of
the Earth. (ES3)
ESSENTIAL LEARNING 2:
The theory of plate tectonics helps to explain Earths features
Objectives:
1. Explain the development of the theory of plate tectonics. (ES3)
2. List and describe the different types of plate boundaries and use evidence to identify them. (ES3)
3. Use the theory of plate tectonics to explain the formation of landforms and why/where natural disasters will occur
(Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Tsunami) (ES3, ES7)
ESSENTIAL LEARNING 3:
Rocks are composed of minerals that have a distinct chemical formula
Objectives:
1. Identify and describe that when two or more atoms chemically combine, they either share electrons (covalent bond) or
transfer electrons (ionic bond). (PS4)
2. Distinguish between ionic and covalent bonds based on position on the periodic table. (PS2)
3. Use the periodic table to write formulas for ionic compounds. (PS2)
ESSENTIAL LEARNING 4:
Earths history can be described based on evidence of past events
Objectives:
1. Use geologic principles to determine the relative ages of a sequence of rocks. (ES1)
2. Explain how radiometric dating can be used to determine absolute age. (PS5)
ESSENTIAL LEARNING 5:
There are costs, benefits, and consequences of exploration, development, and consumption of renewable
and non-renewable resources.
Objectives:
1. Identify natural resources that are used in various technologies. (ES5)
2. Evaluate positive and negative impacts of natural resource use on Earth’s spheres. (ES5)
3. Analyze data about the effect of resource consumption and development on resource reserves to draw conclusions about
sustainable use. (ES5)
Science Skills
Scientific Investigation: Understand methods and tools used in moderately complex experiments, predict how modifying the design or
methods of an experiment will affect results, identify an alternative method for testing a hypothesis
Interpretation of Data: Identify and/or use linear mathematical relationships between data, extrapolate from data points in a table or graph,
use appropriate tables or graphs in laboratory reports
Evaluation of Models, Inferences, and Experimental Results: Determine which models or hypothesis are supported or weakened by new
information, use new information to make a prediction based on a model and why
Mathematical Skills: Solve multi-step / multi unit conversions using dimensional analysis, combine/substitute complex equations