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May, 2000
Dell Rapids Public School District 49-3
Plans of Study
Course: 8th Earth Science
Teacher: Dale Solberg
8th Grade Earth/Space Science:
I. Course Description:
In eighth grade, Earth Science students gain a better understanding of the geologic forces
which interact with one another by interpreting, analyzing, and constructing various
scientific models. From this understanding of the various geologic forces, students will
relate how these forces affect their lives. Students will combine content with skill
development by using Bloom's taxonomy of thinking skills (knowledge, comprehension,
application skills, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation skills).
II. Overall Course Goals:
a. communicate through the use of scientific models
b. unlock mysteries of the planet by understanding the forces that have shaped and
continue to shape the earth
c. conclude that the earth provides many valuable resources which enrich the
quality of people's lives
d. relate forces which influence the future of our natural environment
e. contrast the earth's past and present geologic history and predict the earth's
future
f. explore the atmospheric forces which influence our daily weather patterns
III. Specific Course Objectives:
a. students develop a knowledge of earth science by applying the scientific methods to
specific earth science challenges and by
1. describing the development of the meteorite impact hypothesis.
2. summarizing the big bang theory by exploring the evidence which supports it.
3. demonstrating how studies of seismic waves have provided information about
the earth's interior.
4. developing and using various models to understand how the movements of the
earth cause the seasons and time.
5. enhancing computer-generated satellite images of the earth (JEDI CD-ROM)
6. analyzing and creating maps of the earth which are used to provide information
on the earth's surface.
b. students conclude that the earth is a dynamic satellite in which various forces
continually shape our planet by
1. summarizing the cause and effects of the lithospheric plate movements using
the theory of plate tectonics.
ex: comparing the relationship between plate tectonics and mountain
building, earthquakes, and volcanoes.
c. students discover various resources which influence their lives by
1. developing an understanding of the earth's composition by studying the
physical
and chemical properties of matter.
2. relating how atoms combine to form valuable minerals and rocks.
3. exploring both mineral and energy resources which are needed to support
modern civilization.
d. students understand how the weathering and erosion forces influence our natural
environment by
1. pointing out how the forces of weathering and erosion affect their lives and
community
ex: test and analyze our community's groundwater, or recognize the
significance of glacial erosion on South Dakota
e. students relate the earth's geological past to that of the future by
1. using scientific methods to determine the relative and absolute ages of fossils.
2. producing a geologic time scale based on fossil evidence.
3. creating a future earth by using a model(s) and a narrative description of earth's
future.
f. students develop an understanding of factors which influence our global
and local weather by
1. interpreting, analyzing and creating local weather maps and reports.
2. using weather instruments to measure various factors which influence our
weather forecast.
IV. Materials Used:
I. Textbooks
A. Modern Earth Science (1993 )
II. 100 Modern Earth Science Transparencies
III. Video Cassettes
A. Discovering Our Planet Earth
1. Plate Tectonics
2. Latitude and Longitude
3. Rocks and Minerals
4. Earth History
B. Killer Quake
C. The Story of America's Great Volcanoes
D. Introduction to Rocks and Minerals
E. NOVA'S Building of the Planet Earth
F. Yakety Yak (Earthday presentation)
G. Ozone: The Hole Story
H. Other personal video cassettes
IV. 35 MM slides
A. Rocks
B. Minerals
C. Clouds
V. Rock Mineral Collection/Samples/Tests
VI. JEDI CD-Rom
A. Geophysics of North America
1. Topography
2. Earthquake
B. Voyager Program
C. Seismic (Loma Prieta Earthquake)
VII. NASA CD-Rom TOMS (Ozone)
VIII. Models (ex: posters, globes, maps, fossils)
IX. Various weather instruments
A. aneroid barometer, psychrometer, thermometer, weather dials, weather radio,
weather
programs, weather computer (Wehde's room)
XI. Radon Test Kits and Hach Water Test Kits
XII. High School Computer Network Programs
A. Microsoft Works and Word
B. Magazine Article Summary
C. Groliers Encyclopedia
D. Internet
X. Personal collection of study guides, labs, projects etc.
V. Methods of Evaluation/Standards
I. Grading Scale
A=
B=
C=
D=
F=
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
Below 60
II. Methods of Grading
Letter grades on all work are based on total points awarded, divided by total possible
points earned. Daily work, quizzes, tests, labs, exhibitions, and projects are all graded
on the total point system. It is my belief that daily work is just as important as tests in the
learning process. Tests, quizzes, labs, daily work, and projects alone cannot truly
measure what has been learned. Collectively, these tools of measurements are all equally
important checkpoints in determining the student's achievement(s).
Furthermore, the skills and knowledge of an individual are achieved in many different
ways. Therefore, one can not place a greater value on certain classroom methods of
measurements such as written tests.
VI. Link to Dell Rapids Public Strategic Plan
Course Goals: *Students conclude that the earth provides many valuable resources
which enrich the quality of people's lives.
*Relate forces which influence the future of our natural environment.
Exit Outcomes: An involved guardian who analyzes the consequences of actions on the
environment.
A responsible citizen who contributes to the betterment of the
community.
Course Goals:
*Students communicate through the use of scientific models.
*Students unlock mysteries of the planet by understanding the forces
that have shaped and continue to shape the earth.
*Students contrast the earth's past and present geologic history and
predict the earth's future.
*Students explore the atmospheric forces which influence our daily
weather patterns.
Exit Outcome: A quality producer who...
a. demonstrates appropriate technical skills.
b. demonstrates competency in the basic skills.
A self-motivated, lifelong learner who...
a. learns and works independently and cooperatively.
b. applies acquired skills and knowledge in preparing for the
future.
c. interprets information, evaluates problems and recommends
solutions.
d. learns from mistakes.
e. demonstrates creativity.