Boise Schools Curriculum

Earth Science 8

District Course #1205

Course Description

Open to: Grades 8 One-Year Course
Prerequisite: None
Content: Students will study the interfaces among the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere of our planet, and Earth’s relationship to other bodies in space. Investigations will include studies of the earth’s structure and composition, formation, history, geo-physical structures and tectonic activity, the forces and results of weathering and erosion, weather and climate, along with a closer look at galaxies, stars, the solar system, and space exploration.

Adopted Materials

Title: Science Explorer - Earth Science
Authors: Padilla, Miaoulis, and Cyr
Publisher: Prentice Hall © 2001

Grades

The grade that a student receives in this course will be a reflection of how the student has performed in three main areas: the assimilation of content, the acquisition of performance skills, and the knowledge gained from homework. The course grade will be calculated from scores obtained on unit tests, projects and activities (labs, model building, reports, etc.), homework, and a semester final.

The semester finals are also the End of Course Exams (EOC), which will count as 10% of the student’s final grade and determine whether or not the student has met the State Standards in Science for this particular course. The science curriculum supervisor discourages the use of notes, note cards, or books when taking a unit test. Students will not be allowed to use these items on the Final Exam.

Copyright Resources

Course Scope and Sequence for Semester I

Unit 0	Unifying Concepts and Scientific Inquiry	Ongoing
Unit 1	Minerals, Rocks, and Earth's History	6 Weeks
Unit 2	Plate Tectonics	6 Weeks
Unit 3	Volcanoes and Earthquakes	4 Weeks

Course Scope and Sequence for Semester II

Unit 4	Weathering and Erosion	5 Weeks
Unit 5	Meteorology	5 Weeks
Unit 6	Space Science	6 Weeks

Assessment Correlation acronyms key

For specific Standard References please see: Idaho State Assessment Standards
Download this curriculum and standards documentation as a "Printer Friendly" pdf file

Unit 0

Unifying Concepts and Scientific Inquiry

Ongoing

Instructional Objective 1205.01 Understand the systems, order, and organization of the universe; the processes of evidence collection and model building used to explain the structure of the universe; the concepts of constancy and/or change in observed phenomena; the theory that evolution is a process that relates to gradual changes in the universe; and that equilibrium is a physical state of balance between offsetting and opposite forces.			Standard Reference 8-9 ES.1
No.	Performance Objective	Resource Reference		Assessment Correlation
01	Know that there is order and predictability in the universe and that patterns and similarities allow us to organize information about our universe.	ES-Prentice Hall		TMA
02	Use observations and data as evidence on which to base scientific explanations and predictions about earth processes.	ES-Prentice Hall		TMA
03	Develop scientific explanations based on scientific knowledge, logic, and analysis.	ES-Prentice Hall		TMA
04	Develop or use models and maps to explain earth science concepts.	Plate Tectonics Topographic		TMA
05	Identify and analyze systems in earth science that do, or do not, change with time.	Rock Cycle Water Cycle Solar system		EOC
06	Understand the relationships of past, present, and future.	ES-Prentice Hall		TMA
Instructional Objective 1205.02 Understand scientific inquiry and develop critical thinking skills.			Standard Reference 8-9 ES.1
No.	Performance Objective	Resource Reference		Assessment Correlation
01	Develop the ability to design experiments by: · Designing appropriate and testable experiments · Understanding the importance of controls in experiments · Identifying variables and recognizing the importance of changing only one variable at a time when conducting experiments · Predicting the outcome of an experiment and comparing the prediction to an actual outcome · Critiquing experimental designs	ES-Prentice Hall		TMA
02	Develop the ability to acquire data through experimentation and observation by: · Becoming familiar with, and practiced in selecting, the appropriate scientific apparatus, instrumentation, or available technology · Being able to work collaboratively in groups · Observing essential safety precautions associated with all laboratory procedures	ES-Prentice Hall		TMA
03	Develop the ability to record and manipulate data by: · Using SI units in all cases of measurement and observation · Designing and using data tables for the orderly recording of observations and measurements · Creating graphs of recorded data that include labels and numerical values or scales for all axes · Carrying out computations and/or numerical calculations for analyzing data	ES-Prentice Hall		TMA
04	Develop the ability to communicate and share results by: · writing lab reports and scientific papers · reading appropriate scientific articles and reports · presenting oral reports in both an individual and collaborative fashion · using discipline-appropriate language or vocabulary to communicate scientific ideas clearly · using mathematical models in the exploration of patterns and relationships	ES-Prentice Hall		TMA
Instructional Objective 1205.03 Understand the significance of major scientific milestones and the relationship between science and technology.			Standard Reference 8-9 ES.5
No.	Performance Objective	Resource Reference		Assessment Correlation
01	Identify scientists that have made significant contributions to advance our knowledge in the field of earth and space science.	ES-Prentice Hall		EOC
02	Know that science and technology are interrelated to each other, society, and to the workplace.	ES-Prentice Hall		TMA
Instructional Objective 1205.04 Understand common environmental quality issues, both natural and human induced and the importance of managing and conserving natural resources.			Standard Reference District
No.	Performance Objective	Resource Reference		Assessment Correlation
01	Explore the environmental issues that impact the geo and biosphere.	ES-Prentice Hall 326-345		TMA
02	Distinguish between renewable and non-renewable energy resources for Earth�s populations.	ES-Prentice Hall		TMA

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Unit 1	Minerals, Rocks, and Earth's History	6 weeks

Instructional Objective 1205.05 Know that the movement of matter through the solid earth, oceans, and atmosphere is driven by the earth�s internal and external sources of energy. These movements are often accompanied by a change in the physical and chemical properties of matter.			Standard Reference 8-9 ES.4
No.	Performance Objective	Resource Reference		Assessment Correlation
01	Diagram the basic structure of the atom and the relationship among the subatomic particles.	Instructors Notes		TMA
02	Describe the structure of mineral crystals.	ES-Prentice Hall 52		EOC
03	Describe how minerals are formed.	ES-Prentice Hall 57		EOC
04	Be able to use the Mohs hardness scale for minerals to identify representative "hard" and "soft" minerals.	ES-Prentice Hall 49-50		EOC
05	Be able to test the different properties of minerals for the purpose of identification	ES-Prentice Hall 48-54		EOC
06	Distinguish between an element, a compound, and a mineral.	ES-Prentice Hall 47		EOC
07	Explain the steps and processes involved in the rock cycle.	ES-Prentice Hall 95		EOC
08	Identify the three classifications of rock as sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic.	ES-Prentice Hall 79-92		EOC
Instructional Objective 1205.06 Know methods used to estimate geologic time (observing rock sequences and using fossils to correlate the sequences at various locations).			Standard Reference 8-9 ES.4
No.	Performance Objective	Resource Reference		Assessment Correlation
01	Measure time and processes using the Geologic Time Scale and know that common index fossils exist.	ES-Prentice Hall 286-326		EOC
02	Use correlation methods to estimate geologic time (using rock sequences and using fossils to correlate the sequences at various locations).	ES-Prentice Hall 287-290, 294		EOC
03	Explain the difference between absolute and relative dating.	ES-Prentice Hall 293		EOC
04	Explain the use of radiocarbon dating.	ES-Prentice Hall 301		EOC

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Unit 2	Plate Tectonics	6 weeks

Instructional Objective 1205.07 Know that the outward transfer of Earth�s internal heat drives convection circulation in the mantle that propels the plates comprising the earth�s surface across the face of the globe.			Standard Reference 8-9 ES.4
No.	Performance Objective	Resource Reference		Assessment Correlation
01	Distinguish between the different layers of the Earth�s interior by composition and temperature.	ES-Prentice Hall 112-113		EOC
02	Describe earth�s internal heat and list its two sources.	ES-Prentice Hall 113		EOC
03	Explain why the earth is magnetic.	ES-Prentice Hall 114		EOC
04	Describe Alfred Wegener�s theory of continental drift.	ES-Prentice Hall 119-122		EOC
05	List evidence to support the theory of plate tectonics.	ES-Prentice Hall 123-129		EOC
06	Explain how some tectonic activities are observable (earthquakes and volcanic eruptions) but many take place over millions of years (plate movements).	ES-Prentice Hall		EOC
07	Explain how earth�s internal heat forms convection currents causing the tectonic plates of the earth�s surface to move.	ES-Prentice Hall 125-129, 132-137		EOC
08	Match convergent, divergent, and transform plate boundaries with examples of the major surface features that the boundaries would be associated with.	ES-Prentice Hall		EOC

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Unit 3	Volcanoes and Earthquakes	4 weeks

Instructional Objective 1205.08 Know that there are interactions between the solid earth, oceans, atmosphere, and organisms, which result in a change of the earth�s system. Some activities are observable (earthquakes and volcanic eruptions) but many take place over millions of years.			Standard Reference 8-9 ES.4
01	Describe the difference between magma and lava.	ES-Prentice Hall 178		EOC
02	Describe how the cooling rate of magma affects the crystal size in minerals and rocks.	ES-Prentice Hall 186		EOC
03	Define a caldera and describe how they form.	ES-Prentice Hall 194		EOC
04	Identify the similarities and differences in the composition of different types of magma.	ES-Prentice Hall 186		EOC
05	Explain volcanic hotspots and give examples of where they are found.	ES-Prentice Hall 181		EOC
06	Describe the processes involved in volcanic formations and identify intrusive and extrusive landforms.	ES-Prentice Hall Ch. 6		EOC
07	Identify the three types of faults and their cause.	ES-Prentice Hall 146		EOC
08	Describe the difference between p-waves and s-waves.	ES-Prentice Hall 155		EOC
09	From a graph of P and S waves, determine the distance of a seismic station from an epicenter.	ES-Prentice Hall 161		EOC
10	Be able to locate the epicenter of an earthquake on a map, given of seismic data.	ES-Prentice Hall 158-159		EOC
11	Discuss the uses of the seismograph.	ES-Prentice Hall 156		EOC

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Unit 4	Weathering and Erosion	5 weeks

Instructional Objective 1205.09 Know that the movement of matter through the solid earth, oceans, and atmosphere is driven by the earth�s internal and external sources of energy. These movements are often accompanied by changes in the physical and chemical properties of matter.			Standard Reference 8-9 ES.4
No.	Performance Objective	Resource Reference		Assessment Correlation
01	Describe and differentiate the two major types of weathering, mechanical and chemical, giving examples of each.	ES-Prentice Hall 213-216		EOC
02	Explain how soils are formed, differentiate between soil horizons A,B,C + bedrock.	ES-Prentice Hall 222-223		EOC
03	Explain the relationship between soil composition and the movement of water and minerals through soil.	ES-Prentice Hall 222-223		EOC
04	Identify various landforms and describe the erosional and depositional processes that created them. Include the following agents of erosion: · wind · groundwater · glaciers · oceans and waves · mass movement	ES-Prentice Hall 210-283		EOC
05	Diagram and describe the water cycle.	ES-Prentice Hall 363		EOC
06	Describe the erosional and depositional processes (slope, volume, and velocity) associated with rivers and streams that help shape landforms.			EOC

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Unit 5	Meteorology	5 weeks

Instructional Objective 1205.10 Know that differential heating of earth�s surface by the sun drives convection within the atmosphere. This produces differences in air temperature, pressure, and humidity, determining global weather and climate.			Standard Reference 8-9 ES.4
No.	Performance Objective	Resource Reference		Assessment Correlation
01	Describe how differences in elevation affect air temperature and pressure and how these differences affect the weather.	ES-Prentice Hall 512-514		EOC
02	Describe the characteristics of the different layers in the atmosphere, including the ozone layer	ES-Prentice Hall 515-520		EOC
03	Identify cumulus, cirrus, stratus, and cumulonimbus clouds and describe their formation, and relationship to weather.	ES-Prentice Hall 548-549		EOC
04	Know how temperature and pressure affects the water vapor capacity of air.			EOC
05	Read and interpret standard symbols on a weather map including the following: · isotherms · isobars · pressure systems · fronts	ES-Prentice Hall 586-590		EOC
06	Identify and describe the uses of weather forecasting instruments and technology.	ES-Prentice Hall 508-514, 546		TMA
07	Diagram and/or describe how global climate is determined by the energy transfer from the sun at and near the earth�s surface.	ES-Prentice Hall 596-599		EOC
08	Describe how each of the following affects climate: · latitude · altitude · distance from large bodies of water · ocean currents · mountains	ES-Prentice Hall 596-599		EOC
09	List the characteristics of the four types of air masses	ES-Prentice Hall 560-562		EOC
010	Identify the main gases found in Earth�s atmosphere.	ES-Prentice Hall 499-501		EOC

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Unit 6	Space Science	6 weeks

Instructional Objective 1205.11 Understand scientific theories of origin and subsequent changes in the universe and earth systems.			Standard Reference 8-9 ES.1
No.	Performance Objective	Resource Reference		Assessment Correlation
01	Describe and/or demonstrate the motions that explain such occurrences as the day, the seasons, the year, phases of the moon, eclipses, and tides.	ES-Prentice Hall 636-654		EOC
02	Describe the current scientific theory suggests that the sun, the earth, and the rest of the solar system formed from a nebular cloud of dust and gas.	ES-Prentice Hall 741-744		EOC
03	Identify the sun as the major external source of energy for the Earth and describe its characteristics.	ES-Prentice Hall 333, 526		EOC
04	Compare earth with other planets with an emphasis on conditions necessary for life.	ES-Prentice Hall 705		EOC
05	Know the inner and outer planets and the characteristics that determine each group.	ES-Prentice Hall 682-697		EOC
06	Describe other objects in the solar system such as asteroids, comets, moons, planetary rings, and meteoroids.	ES-Prentice Hall CH		EOC
07	Describe how the development of life caused dramatic changes in the composition of Earth�s atmosphere.	ES-Prentice Hall 309, 499,		EOC
08	Explain the processes involved as stars go through their life cycle.	ES-Prentice Hall 732-737,		EOC
09	Be able to use the H-R diagram.	ES-Prentice Hall 741-744		EOC
10	Describe the formation of the universe (Big Bang theory) and possible scenarios for the future of the universe.	ES-Prentice Hall		EOC
11	Identify various types of telescopes, satellites, spacecraft, and technology man has developed to study space.	ES-Prentice Hall 656-658		TMA
Instructional Objective 1205.12 Teachers are encouraged to develop supplemental topics. The following is a list of suggested areas of study. These activities are entirely discretionary. They are intended as teacher designed and implemented enrichment activities. This flexibility provides the opportunity for teachers to spend more time in-depth on the required content materials throughout the course, or provide an enrichment culminating activity for students in a mini-unit format.			Standard Reference District
No.	Supplemental Topics	Resource Reference		Assessment Correlation
01	JASON PROJECT	www.jasonproject.org		TMA
02	OCEANOGRAPHY	www.marine-ed.org/bridge		TMA
03	IDAHO GEOLOGY	www.idahogeology.org		TMA
04	WATERSHED or SOIL STUDIES	www.earthforce.org		TMA
05	GLOBE PROJECT	www.globe.gov		TMA

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Boise School District
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