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Working both independently and in small groups, students will use the skills of observation, comparison, organization, and application.  Students will learn the safety rules and procedures of working in a lab environment.  Our first unit will cover:

Strand 6: Earth and Space Science

Earth and Space Science provides the foundation for students to develop an understanding of the Earth, its history, composition, and formative processes, and an understanding of the solar system and the universe. Students study the regularities of the interrelated systems of the natural world. In doing so, they develop understandings of the basic laws, theories, and models that explain the world (NSES, 1995). By studying the Earth from both a historical and current time frame, students can make informed decisions about issues affecting the planet on which they live.

Concept 1: Structure of the Earth Describe the composition and interactions between the structure of the Earth and its atmosphere.

1.  Describe the properties and the composition of the layers of the atmosphere.

2.  Explain the composition, properties, and structure of the Earth≠s lakes and rivers.

3.  Explain the composition, properties, and structures of the oceans≠ zones and layers.

4.  Analyze the interactions between the Earth≠s atmosphere and the Earth≠s bodies of water (water cycle).

5.  Describe ways scientists explore the Earth≠s atmosphere and bodies of water. (See 2 Concept 1)

Concept 2: Earth≠s Processes and Systems Understand the processes acting on the Earth and their interaction with the Earth systems.

1.  Explain how water is cycled in nature.

2.  Identify the distribution of water within or among the following: ·         atmosphere ·         lithosphere ·         hydrosphere

3.  Analyze the effects that bodies of water have on the climate of a region.

4.  Analyze the following factors that affect climate: ·         ocean currents ·         elevation ·         location

5.  Analyze the impact of large-scale weather systems on the local weather.

6.  Create a weather system model that includes: ·         the Sun ·         the atmosphere ·         bodies of water