Download 8th Grade Earth Science Core Lab Summaries

MIDDLE SCHOOLS
8th Grade Earth Science
Core Lab Summaries
Revised Summer 2001
ACTIVITY 1
Determining Density
PURPOSE:
How can density of an object be determined?
EQUIPMENT
Balance
Metric ruler
100 ml graduated cylinders
2 rectangular solids, the same size but different materials
string
SAFETY:
Caution with glassware
ACTIVITY 2
Models of Eclipses
PURPOSE:
What happens during a solar and lunar eclipse? What are the parts of
the shadows they form?
EQUIPMENT
Metric ruler
Colored pencils
SAFETY:
No concerns
ACTIVITY 3
Model of Solar System
PURPOSE:
Investigate the relative sizes and distances of planets in relation to the
sun.
EQUIPMENT:
Scissors
Glue
Adding machine
Construction paper
Chart
Meter stick
SUMMARY:
Students construct a scale model of the distance between the sun and
planets in the solar system.
SAFETY:
Caution with scissors
Science Curriculum: November, 2001
Lab Summaries: Page 1 of 5
Eighth Grade Earth Science
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
8th Grade Earth Science
Core Lab Summaries
Revised Summer 2001
ACTIVITY 4
Star Colors vs Temperature
PURPOSE:
EQUIPMENT:
Students will determine the relationship of a star’s temperature, color,
and brightness.
Chart
map
Pencils
candle
Metric ruler
clear paper
OR
Graph paper
colored pencils
Ruler
SUMMARY:
Students study the colors in a candle flame and relate their findings to
star colors OR plot stars on an H-R diagram and use it to answer
questions.
SAFETY:
Caution with candle flame.
ACTIVITY 5
Locating the Epicenter
PURPOSE:
How can an earthquake’s epicenter be located?
EQUIPMENT:
Compass
Graph
Map of U.S.
SUMMARY:
From information recorded by a seismograph, scientists are able to
determine the exact arrival times of both P & S waves since P waves
travel faster than S waves.
SAFETY:
None
ACTIVITY 6
Faulting and Folding
PURPOSE:
How can models be used to demonstrate several types of folds and
faults?
EQUIPMENT:
scissors
colored pencils
glue
SAFETY:
Caution with scissors.
Science Curriculum: November, 2001
Lab Summaries: Page 2 of 5
Eighth Grade Earth Science
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
8th Grade Earth Science
Core Lab Summaries
Revised Summer 2001
ACTIVITY 7
Sea Floor Spreading
PURPOSE:
To determine the rate at which sections of the ocean floor are moving.
EQUIPMENT:
Metric ruler
Calculator
SAFETY:
no concerns
ACTIVITY 8
Identify Minerals
PURPOSE:
Investigate the characteristics of minerals.
EQUIPMENT:
streak plates
mild acid
set of minerals
tray
penny
nail
glass
magnet
chart with minerals
SUMMARY:
Students study color, streak, hardness, luster, and other mineral
characteristics.
SAFETY:
Caution with glass and acid.
ACTIVITY 9
Geologic Time Line
PURPOSE:
1. To investigate the geologic time scale.
2. To investigate the four main eras of the earth’s history.
EQUIPMENT
5 meters butcher paper
meter stick
colored markers
pencil
reference books/text
SAFETY:
None
Science Curriculum: November, 2001
Lab Summaries: Page 3 of 5
Eighth Grade Earth Science
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
8th Grade Earth Science
Core Lab Summaries
Revised Summer 2001
ACTIVITY 10
Using the Rock Record to Interpret Geologic History
PURPOSE:
What story does the rock record tell?
EQUIPMENT:
Diagrams in this investigation
SUMMARY:
Students will determine the age of rock layers and reconstruct the
geologic history of an area from observation of subsurface rock layers.
SAFETY:
None
ACTIVITY 11
Contour Map
PURPOSE:
Using contour map kits, students will measure and draw a contour map.
EQUIPMENT
Ruler
Vis-a-vis pens
Transparencies
Contour kit (kit can be homemade or purchased from Science Supply
Co.)
Water
SAFETY:
none
ACTIVITY 12
Using a Topographic Map
PURPOSE:
How can topographic maps be used?
EQUIPMENT:
Metric ruler
pencil
SUMMARY:
Students will use a simplified topographic map to locate a canister full
of treasure.
SAFETY:
none
Science Curriculum: November, 2001
Lab Summaries: Page 4 of 5
Eighth Grade Earth Science
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
8th Grade Earth Science
Core Lab Summaries
Revised Summer 2001
ACTIVITY 13
Greenhouse Effect
PURPOSE:
Investigate the greenhouse effect.
EQUIPMENT:
Jars
Student data sheet
Watch with second hand
Small thermometers
Map pencils
SUMMARY:
Students record and plot temperature for a thermometer inside a jar
versus that for one outside.
SAFETY:
Caution with glass
ACTIVITY 14
Hurricane Plotting Chart Data
PURPOSE:
Show the movement of hurricanes using graphs.
EQUIPMENT
Colored pencils
Instructions and a map included
SAFETY:
none
ACTIVITY 15
Maximum and Minimum Temperature Map
PURPOSE:
Understand temperature minimums and maximums and how isotherms
are plotted.
EQUIPMENT
2 maps included in lab
colored pencils
SAFETY:
None
ACTIVITY 16
Weather Map
PURPOSE:
The students (in groups) will familiarize themselves with weather
symbols and create a fairly accurate weather map and present it to the
class.
EQUIPMENT
Paper
Colored pencils and/or markers
Poster board
SAFETY:
None
Science Curriculum: November, 2001
Lab Summaries: Page 5 of 5
Eighth Grade Earth Science