Download Science Contracts for Week 1

8 Science Contracts for Week One: Inside the Earth
(Unit A, Sections 1.1 & 1.2)
Choice 1: Diagram or model of a cross-section of the Earth.
Must show:
1. Depict all layers (inner and outer core, mantle, crust,
asthenosphere, and lithosphere)
2. Examine properties of each layer that cause layers to form:
temperature, thickness, composition and density.
3. Label layers where convection currents are found and describes
the cause of convection inside the Earth
Eighth Grade Science Contract Week One Choice One Rubric
1-Developing
2-Accomplished
3-Exemplary
Knowledge Target:
Describe the forces that
cause change in/on the
Earth.
Can describe
convection.
Can describe convection
current within the Earth
and how they occur.
Knowledge Target:
Describe the layers of
the Earth and their
composition.
Reasoning Target:
Analyze the natural
forces that shape the
Earth
Can describe fewer than
four layers within the
Earth
Can describe four layers
within the Earth and
their composition.
Cause for layering or
convection mentioned.
Examining properties
leads to causes and
effects of layering
within the Earth
Can describe convection
currents within the
Earth, how they occur,
and their effects on the
surface
Can describe more than
four layers within the
Earth and their
composition.
Examining properties
leads to causes and
effects of layering and
convection within the
Earth.
Choice 2: Develop a visual presentation of the future movement of the Earth’s plates.
Must show:
1. Predict what the continents might look like 100 million years
from now using our current understanding of plate movement.
2. Explain how and why this movement will occur?
3. Describe the layers within the Earth and how those layers cause
this movement.
Eighth Grade Science Contract Week One Choice One Rubric
Developing
Accomplished
Exemplary
Knowledge Target:
Describe the forces that
cause change in/on the
Earth.
Can describe
convection.
Can describe convection
current within the Earth
and how they occur.
Knowledge Target:
Describe the layers of
the Earth and their
composition.
Reasoning Target:
Analyze the natural
forces that shape the
Earth
Can describe fewer than
four layers within the
Earth
Can describe four layers
within the Earth and
their composition.
Incorrect cause for
movement of tectonic
plates mentioned.
Prediction is
hypothesized but not
backed up with
evidence.
Correct cause for
movement stated.
Movement is predicted
in the correct direction.
Can describe convection
currents within the
Earth, how they occur,
and their effects on the
surface
Can describe more than
four layers within the
Earth and their
composition.
Correct cause for
movement is explained
clearly.
Prediction takes into
account current yearly
speeds and directions of
plates.