Download 2013-2014_PACING_GUIDE_EARTH_SCIENCE

NNPS Curriculum Pacing Guide – Earth Science
NNPS Curriculum Pacing Guide
Earth Science
Grades 9-12
The Earth Science standards connect the study of the Earth’s composition, structure, processes, and history; its atmosphere, fresh water,
and oceans; and its environment in space. The standards emphasize historical contributions in the development of scientific thought about
the Earth and space. The standards stress the interpretation of maps, charts, tables, and profiles; the use of technology to collect,
analyzes, and report data; and the utilization of science skills in systematic investigation. Problem solving and decision making are an
integral part of the standards, especially as they relate to the costs and benefits of utilizing the Earth’s resources. Major topics of study
include plate tectonics, the rock cycle, Earth history, the oceans, the atmosphere, weather and climate, and the solar system and universe.
The Earth Science standards continue to focus on student growth in understanding the nature of science. This scientific view defines the
idea that explanations of nature are developed and tested using observation, experimentation, models, evidence, and systematic
processes. The nature of science includes the concepts that scientific explanations are based on logical thinking; are subject to rules of
evidence; are consistent with observational, inferential, and experimental evidence; are open to rational critique; and are subject to
refinement and change with the addition of new scientific evidence. The nature of science includes the concept that science can provide
explanations about nature, can predict potential consequences of actions, but cannot be used to answer all questions.
Revised on: May 28th, 2013
NNPS Curriculum Pacing Guide – Earth Science
1st Marking Period
Estimated
Enduring Understandings
Time
Unit Title: Nature of Science
3 Blocks
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Scientific Inquiry focuses on and
aims to explain the natural world.
Experimentation involves testable
ideas and conclusions rely on
evidence.
Experimental conclusions most often
lead to ongoing research.
Scientific experimentation includes
sharing ideas and conclusions with
the scientific community.
Essential Questions
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Estimated
Enduring Understandings
Time
Unit Title: Astronomy
9 Blocks
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The universe is vast in size, very old,
and expanding.
Stars evolve over time.
Gravitational forces shape the
universe.
The planets rotate on an axis and
orbit the sun in the plane of the
ecliptic.
Our moon influences life on earth.
How do scientific investigations
help us understand the natural
world?
To what extent do questions and
dialogue help scientists?
How do analyzing and interpreting
evidence help scientists make
decisions?
How do scientists use reasoning
skills and creative thinking to solve
problems?
Topics
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Essential Questions
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What was the effect of the Big
Bang?
How do stars change over time?
What relationships, if any, exist
among the planets?
What are the effects of the sun and
moon on earth?
How has space exploration
contributed to our lives on earth?
Valid
Experimentation
Scientific
Measurement
Laboratory
Safety
Basic Concepts
of Science
Topics
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Big Bang
Doppler Effect
Galaxies
Stellar Evolution
Solar System
Sun-Earth-Moon
Relationships
Radiation
Space
Exploration
Standards
ES 1, 2
Standards
ES 3, 13
Revised on: May 28th, 2013
NNPS Curriculum Pacing Guide – Earth Science
Estimated
Enduring Understandings
Time
Unit Title: Meteor0logy
9 Blocks
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Earth's atmosphere has changed,
and will continue to do so, as a result
of both geological and biological
processes.
The rotation of the earth affects the
movement of fluids.
Energy transfer between the sun and
earth's surface creates climate and
weather patterns.
The climate and weather on earth is
affected by the composition of the
atmosphere.
Essential Questions
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How has earth’s atmosphere
changed over time?
How are climate feedback
mechanisms on earth related to
those on other planets in our solar
system?
How could biological activity,
including humans, influence
climate?
How can we measure and predict
local weather phenomena?
Topics
 Earth’s
Atmosphere
 Climates
 Weather
 Winds
 Convection,
Conduction,
Advection
 Satellite Imagery
 Latitude and
Longitude
Standards
ES 11, 12
2ndMarking Period
Estimated
Enduring Understandings
Time
Unit Title: Science Fair Preparations
1 Block
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Scientists share the results and
conclusions developed during
experimentation in a number of
ways.
Essential Questions
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In what ways can scientific
experimentation and research be
shared ?
Which components of an experiment
should be included in a research
paper and in what order?
What must be included in the
presentation of a science
experiment?
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Topics
Standards
Research Paper
Format
Backboard (ppt)
Format
Final Deadlines
ES 1, 2
Revised on: May 28th, 2013
NNPS Curriculum Pacing Guide – Earth Science
Estimated
Enduring Understandings
Time
Unit Title: Minerals and Rocks
5 Blocks
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Rocks are made of minerals.
Minerals are important to human
health and welfare.
Rocks can change due to geologic
processes.
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Essential Questions
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Topics
What difference between rocks and
minerals?
What techniques are used in the
identification of minerals and rocks?
How can rocks change over time?
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What are the consequences of plate
tectonics?
How do earth’s landforms change
over time?
What landscapes are a result of
tectonic processes?
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Rock Cycle
Properties of
Minerals and
Rocks
Minerals and
Rocks as
Resources
Standards
ES 4, 5
Unit Title: Geologic Processes
9 Blocks
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Most landforms and seafloor
features are formed by the
movement of crustal plates along
boundaries.
The interior of the earth is composed
of layers of different densities,
temperatures, and compositions.
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Layers of the Earth
Plate Tectonics
Seismic Activity
Volcanic Activity
and Volcanoes
Mountain-Building
ES 7
Unit Title: Mapping
3 Blocks
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Scientists use maps, globes,
models, charts, technology and
imagery to interpret and measure
the world.
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How can a 3-dimensional feature be
represented on a 2-dimensional
map?
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2 Blocks
Coordinate
Mapping
Map Scale
Topographic
Mapping
GPS
ES 1, 3
Midterm Review
Revised on: May 28th, 2013
NNPS Curriculum Pacing Guide – Earth Science
3rd Marking Period
Estimated
Enduring Understandings
Time
Unit Title: Hydrology
7 Blocks
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Water moves through the earth's
systems constantly and
continuously.
Carbonate rocks result in karst
features.
Infiltration of water into porous and
permeable materials results in the
formation of aquifers.
Earth’s surface can be shaped by
weathering, erosion, and deposition.
Essential Questions
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How does water travel throughout
the spheres of earth?
How does karst topography affect
humans?
How do humans impact the
hydrosphere?
Topics
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Standards
Hydrologic Cycle
Weathering,
Erosion,
Deposition
Soil Formation
Freshwater
Sources
Groundwater
Zones
Karst
Topography
Human Usage
and Impact on
Water
ES 8
Earth’s Changing
Oceans
Seafloor
Features
Chemical
Composition
Waves, Tides,
Currents
Impact due to
Humans and
Natural Disasters
ES 10
Unit Title: Oceanography
7 Blocks
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Energy transfer occurs among the
earth's oceans, atmosphere, and
interior.
The sun and moon affect earth's
oceans.
The ocean is a dynamic system in
which many chemical, biological, and
physical changes are taking place.
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How do earth’s oceans distribute
heat?
How do earth’s oceans affect global
and local climate and weather?
What are the causes and effects of
ocean water movement?
In what ways have the earth’s
oceans changed over time?
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Revised on: May 28th, 2013
NNPS Curriculum Pacing Guide – Earth Science
Estimated
Enduring Understandings
Time
Unit Title: Historical Geology
6 Blocks
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The geological processes observed
today also occurred in the past.
Geological evidence from strata
depicts earth's history.
Radioactive isotopes decay at a
known rate aiding the dating of
objects.
Essential Questions
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What is the difference between
relative and absolute age and how
are they determined?
What do rocks and fossils reveal
about earth’s past?
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Topics
Standards
Absolute
Dating
Techniques
Relative
Dating
Techniques
Geologic
Timescale
Fossils
Evolution
Extinctions
ES 9
4th Marking Period
Unit Title: Virginia Geology and The Chesapeake
6 Blocks
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Virginia’s topography is the result of
geologic processes
Virginia fossils are mostly of marine
organisms
Virginia has many natural resources
Estuaries are essential to the
biological health of marine
organisms
Human impact the health of the
watersheds of Virginia
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What is the geologic history of
Virginia?
How many geologic processes
created the current topography of
Virginia?
What resources were available in
Virginia’s past and what are
available today?
How do humans affect estuaries and
oceans?
How can the health of an estuary be
replenished?
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Virginia Geology
Virginia’s
Resources
Chesapeake Bay
Estuary
Chesapeake Bay
Watershed
ES 6
Revised on: May 28th, 2013
NNPS Curriculum Pacing Guide – Earth Science
Unit Title: Natural Resources and Human Impact on the Environment
4 Blocks
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Resources are limited and are either
renewable or nonrenewable.
Extraction and use of any resource
carries an environmental cost and
economic benefit.
Many human activities cause long
lasting and often negative effects on
the atmosphere, the oceans, and
natural landscapes.
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What are the effects of extracting
resources?
What are the advantages and
disadvantages of using various
energy sources?
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Renewable and
Nonrenewable
Resources
Energy Sources
Human
Interactions w/
the Environment
ES 6
Unit Title: SOL Review
5 Blocks
Revised on: May 28th, 2013
NNPS Curriculum Pacing Guide – Earth Science
Unit Title: Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience/Coastal Geology
After the
SOL Test
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The health of the Chesapeake Bay
involves experimentation,
restoration, and protection of the
bay tributaries and watersheds.
Coastlines change over time due to
geologic processes and changes in
climate.
Humans can impact the shape and
environment of coastlines.
Many countries are dependent upon
coastlines for survival.
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How can watersheds be restored
and protected?
To what extent is the health of the
bay impacted by the tributaries of
the watershed?
Why is it important to know about
your watershed?
How do coastlines change over
time?
What factors shape the structure of
a beach?
How do man-made structures
impact coastlines?
How have coastlines impacted
human societies?
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Chesapeake Bay
Pollution
Chesapeake Bay
Restoration
Emergent and
Submergent
Coastlines
Transgression &
Regression
Breakwater
Structures
Human Impact
on Coastlines
ES
1,7,9,
11
Revised on: May 28th, 2013