Major Concepts/Skills:
Meteorology: Impact of weather and climate on the Earth
Oceanography
Earth Materials: Composition and structure of the Earth
Earth in Space
Interactions: Human impact on the Earth
Energy Sources |
Concepts/Skills to Maintain:
Characteristics of Science
Records investigations clearly and accurately
Uses scientific tools
Interprets graphs, tables, and charts
Writes clearly
Uses proper units
Organizes data into graphs, tables, and charts
Analyzes scientific data via calculations and inference
Recognizes the importance of explaining data with precision and accuracy
Uses models
Asks quality questions
Uses technology
Uses safety techniques |
S6E1. Students will explore current scientific views of the universe and how those views evolved.
a. Relate the Nature of Science to the progression of basic historical scientific models (geocentric, heliocentric) as they describe our solar system, and the Big Bang as it describes the formation of the universe.
b. Describe the position of the solar system in the Milky Way galaxy and the universe.
c. Compare and contrast the planets in terms of:
- Size relative to the earth
- Surface and atmospheric features
- Relative distance from the sun
- Ability to support life
d. Explain the motion of objects in the day/night sky in terms of relative position.
e. Explain that gravity is the force that governs the motion in the solar system.
f. Describe the characteristics of comets, asteroids, and meteors.
S6E2. Students will understand the effects of the relative positions of the earth, moon and sun.
a. Demonstrate the phases of the moon by showing the alignment of the earth, moon, and sun.
b. Explain the alignment of the earth, moon, and sun during solar and lunar eclipses.
c. Relate the tilt of the earth to the distribution of sunlight throughout the year and its effect on climate.
S6E3. Students will recognize the significant role of water in earth processes.
a. Explain that a large portion of the Earth’s surface is water, consisting of oceans, rivers, lakes, underground water, and ice.
b. Relate various atmospheric conditions to stages of the water cycle.
c. Describe the composition, location, and subsurface topography of the world’s oceans.
d. Explain the causes of waves, currents, and tides.
S6E4. Students will understand how the distribution of land and oceans affects climate and weather.
a. Demonstrate that land and water absorb and lose heat at different rates and explain the resulting effects on weather patterns.
b. Relate unequal heating of land and water surfaces to form large global wind systems and weather events such as tornados and thunderstorms.
c. Relate how moisture evaporating from the oceans affects the weather patterns and weather events such as hurricanes.