Download Unit: Earth`s History Time Frame: 12 days Name: Genia Cegla

Unit: Earth’s History
Time Frame: 12 days
Name: Genia Cegla
Summary: I am going to focus on Earth's History, for 8th grade Earth Science, as my unit plan. This would
include topics such as the formation of the Earth and solar system, plate tectonics, volcanoes and
earthquakes, rock types, and how fossils are created. I would focus on what each of these can tell us
about Earth's past and the changes that have occurred across time. Many of the classes would be
activity based with fill-in-the-blank and interactive notes to supplement their learning. Activities would
include a video, Pangea lab, solar system guided research activity, and a rocks lab. The unit will include
at least one mini-quiz so I can get an idea for where they are at with the information and will end with a
50 question test.
Standards: NGSS ND
MS-ESS1 Earth’s Place in the Universe
MS-ESS1-2 Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the
motions within galaxies and the solar system of lunar phases, eclipses of the sun
and moon, and seasons.
ESS1.A: The Universe and Its Stars
Earth and its solar system are part of the Milky Way galaxy, which is one
of many galaxies in the universe.
ESS1.B: Earth and the Solar System
The solar system consists of the sun and a collection of objects,
including planets, their moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit
around the sun by its gravitational pull on them.
The solar system appears to have formed from a disk of dust and gas,
drawn together by gravity.
MS-ESS1-4. Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence from rock
strata for how the geologic time scale is used to organize Earth's 4.6-billionyear-old history
ESS1.C: The History of Planet Earth
The geologic time scale interpreted from rock strata provides a way to
organize Earth’s history. Analyses of rock strata and the fossil record
provide only relative dates, not an absolute scale.
NSES
The Structure of Earth’s System: Plate Tectonics, Landforms
The solid earth is layered with a lithosphere; hot, convecting mantle; and dense,
metallic core
Lithospheric plates on the scales of continents and oceans constantly move at
rates of centimeters per year in response to movements in the mantle. Major
geological events, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain
building, result from these plate motions.
Land forms are the result of a combination of constructive and destructive
forces. Constructive forces include crustal deformation, volcanic eruption,
and deposition of sediment, while destructive forces include weathering and
erosion
Earth’s History: Fossils
Fossils provide important evidence of how life and environmental conditions
have changed.
Earth in the Solar System: Planets
The earth is the third planet from the sun in a system that includes the moon,
the sun, eight other planets and their moons, and smaller objects, such as
asteroids and comets. The sun, an average star, is the central and largest body
in the solar system.
Objectives: Students should…
Be able to explain how the earth and solar system formed
Know the 8 planets and their order
Know the different types of galaxies
Understand the theory of plate tectonics, and how they move
Be able to explain what happens at plate boundaries
Be able to explain the consequences of earthquakes and volcanoes
Know the different rock types
Know the types of fossilization and the necessary conditions
Activites: Pangea Activity/Lab (Combine activity ideas posted on amnh.org/explore/ology and
earthref.org)
How Earth was Formed Movie
Solar System Guided Research Activity
Rock Lab
Assessment: Movie Summary and Questions
Guided Research Worksheet
Lab (Pangea and Rock) Worksheets
Mini-Quiz
Unit Test
Daily Plan:
Day 1 –Formation of Earth and Solar System
Earth’s History Introduction
(Previous theories – geocentricity, inner vs
outer planets, core mantle and crust)
Fill-in-the-blank Notes
Interactive Earth’s Structure Notes
End of Day Review Questions
Day 2 – Solar System History: How Was the Earth Formed? Documentary
Discuss Day 1 Review Questions
Movie
Movie Summary and Questions
Day 3 – Planets and Galaxies
(Revolution, Orbit, Life cycle of a star)
What Do You Know, Planets Warmup
Start Interactive Planets (Asteroids, Meteors, and Comets) Notes
Interactive Galaxy Notes
End of Day Review Questions
Day 4 – Solar System Guided Research Activity (Computer Lab)
(explore planets and galaxies)
Discuss Day 3 Review Questions
Guided Research Activity Using Given Websites, Fill Out Interactive Planet Notes
Exit Slip
Day 5 – Solar System Research Activity Continued (Computer Lab)
Starting Slip
Finish Activity and Interactive Notes
Exit Slip
(Meteor activity, Lunar cycle)
(Seasons and universe quiz)
(pick a planet/galaxy,
Day 6 – Plate Tectonics and Boundary Types
Warmup Review Mini-quiz(No)
Plate Tectonics and Boundary Types Fill-in-the-Blank Notes
Short Videos Interspersed
End of Day Review Questions
Day 7 – Pangea Activity
Discuss Day 6 Review Questions
Pangea Activity with Partners
Exit Slip
Day 8 – Plate Tectonics Consequences: Volcanoes and Earthquakes (and Mountains)
Volcanoes Warmup
Volcanoes and Earthquakes Fill-in-the-Blank Notes
Earthquakes Sturdiest Building Competition (Marshmallows and Toothpicks)
End of Day Review Questions
Day 9 – Rock Types and Rock Lab
(plate tectonics quiz, Rocks and Minerals Day)
Discuss Day 8 Review Questions
Rock Types Fill-in-the-Blank Notes
Rocks Lab
End of Day Review Questions
(Rocks and Minerals Lab – 2 days
Rocksandminerals4you.com and wiley.com)
Day 10 – Fossils (next unit)
Discuss Day 9 Review Questions
Interactive Fossil Types and Deposition Notes
End of Day Review Questions
Day 11 - Review Day
Discuss Day 10 Review Questions
Jeopardy Review Game
Closing Questions/Discussion about Test
Day 12 – Test Day
Last Minute Questions/Review Time
50 Question Unit Test
Exit Slip