Unit 1 : Geology

Unit Overview:

This unit studies the surface of planet Earth, as well as the natural phenomena that causes the surface to change over time. Students will be able to make different types of models representing the lithosphere that will best help them describe changes in the surface of the planet. In addition, they will analyze data from earthquakes and volcanoes, and charts that represent the long history of Earth, drawing conclusions about how these forces of nature provoke short-term, long-term, and permanent changes to the surface of the planet.

Essential Questions:

How do different natural phenomena change the surface of the Earth over time?

To what extent do natural occurrences affect the Earth over time?

How do scientists use data and technology to make predictions about natural phenomena?

How have environmental conditions influenced the changes in the Earth’s surface?

Key Ideas:

PS. Key Idea 1: The Earth and celestial phenomena can be described by principles of relative motion and perspective.

PS. Key Idea 2: Many phenomena that we observe on Earth involve interactions among components of air, water, and land.

LE. Key Idea 3: Individual organisms and species change over time.

COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS

http://www.corestandards.org/wp-content/uploads/ELA_Standards.pdf http://www.corestandards.org/wp-content/uploads/Math_Standards.pdf

ELA/Literacy

RST.6–8.4: Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific odds and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant to Grades 6–8 texts and topics.

RST.6–8.7: Integrate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text with a version of that information expressed visually (e.g., in a flowchart, diagram, model, graph, or table).

RST.6–8.8: Distinguish among facts, reasoned judgment based on research findings, and speculation in a text.

WHST.6–8.4: Produce a clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

WHST.6–8.5: With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed.

WHST.6–8.8: Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.

Mathematics

7RP.2: Recognize and represent proportional relationships between two quantities. b) Identify the constant of proportionality (unit rate) in tables, graphs, equations, diagrams, and verbal descriptions of proportional relationships.

Source: http://schools.nyc.gov/NR/rdonlyres/49FC3DAF-2A6A-42B5-80DC-9587487B0243/0/sciencescopeandsequence612_web.pdf