Home

                                   
Instructional Objectives


Reflection
Earth and Space Science:  Course Descriptions

http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/
Introduction to Earth and Space science is the required science course for entering freshman at Chambers Area Middle School. It is an inquiry course covering the major aspects of geology, astronomy, meteorology, and oceanography.  Students will learn about these topics through discussions, note taking, projects, tests and quizzes.

 
http://www.ljcds.org/middleschool/MSTeachers/sschissel/

Earth Science directly studies the history, processes, and forces that have shaped the earth and the celestial expanse which is the earth's environment. It includes inquiries into a wide range of topics from tiny molecules all the way up to galaxies containing billions of stars. Encompassed is a broad array of specific science disciplines including geology, astronomy, cartography, oceanography, meteorology, plate tectonics, and paleontology. Students will incorporate the laboratory approach of investigation and experimentation with their study of earth science to discover through their own efforts the principles, reasons, and processes that shape their environment.

http://www.k12.de.us/delmar/ms/Mills_science8.htm
This course primarily focuses on the study of the sciences pertaining to astronomy, meteorology, and rocks and minerals.  All units will include an inquiry-based approach as well as lessons involving how energy is transformed throughout the specific disciplines.  Topics relating to this standard primarily focus on the forces and laws of science that make up the three phases of matter (solid, liquid, gas).  We will also investigate physical properties pertaining to density as well as the composition of rocks and minerals. The primary issues that will be discussed this year will be lessons on the electromagnetic spectrum.  We will also focus on how and why our ultimate source of energy on Earth is derived from the sun to include how the sun’s energy drives Earth’s weather and climate.  A unit on Astronomy will be taught.  This unit will address famous astronomers, Earth, Moon and Sun relationships, space probes and satellites, the solar system, stars and other celestial bodies.  A unit on meteorology will be taught to address the atmosphere, air pollution, the weather, weather forecasting and weather maps, climate, seasons, and tidal changes.  The processes that take place on Earth will also be compared to processes that occur on other planets in our solar system. 

 
http://www.coloacad.org/acadwbpgs/MS%20Science/index_files/page0005.htm
In the first year in Middle School, students are introduced to Earth Science and focus primarily on the areas of geology, hydrology and oceanography.  While exploring major topics about the Earth and its dynamic systems, student’s gain a heightened sense of wonder and respect for the planet.  This course offers an introduction to laboratory techniques, using the inquiry model.  We work through basic process skills in lab work and progress to advanced process skills later in the year. 

 Much discussion takes place as student's think about and consider new concepts and viewpoints.  Students prepare radio informercials on water use topics and examine in a balanced way, issues such as the damming of the Columbia River and the restoration of the Everglades. Students evaluate types of bottled water and create aquifer models.   Cooperative learning is an integral part of the day to day work in class.   

http://teachers.northallegheny.org/jschaefers/HOMEWORK.WELCOME.htm
The middle school years are a time for your child to be involved in many exciting and rewarding experiences. During the school year we will explore different topics and aspects of science in the world and universe.  We will be exploring chemistry, the elements, geology, rocks and minerals, the national parks, cryogenics, technology and electronics, mapping, computer spreadsheets, graphing, contests, renewable and nonrenewable resources, astronomy, inventions, earthquake and volcanic topics, geologic history, water resources, oceans, and weather.

 

http://millennium.fortunecity.com/babar/269/205t01.html
This unit focuses on the Earth and its surroundings. The Earth is part of a changing system. In order to preserve life on Earth, there is a need to develop understanding of the Earth's characteristics and how people interact with their environment. The content of this unit involves the solar system, planets, moons, asteroids, meteors, meteorites, comets, day and night, lunar cycles and the seasons.

Students have three major tasks to complete:

an independently constructed written information report about one planet in the Solar System
an independently constructed oral information report about the influence of the Sun or the Moon on life on Earth
a jointly construct a model, diorama or chart of the Solar System to use when presenting the oral information report 

http://www.asij.ac.jp/middle/ac/sci/8mep/2004-5/earth_and_space_science.htm
The overall objective of ESS is to allow the student to gain a solid grounding in how the non-living components and systems of Earth and space operate, and the interactions of these systems with the living systems they may have learned about in 7th grade science. We will also seek to build the students toolbox of science skills, which will allow them to become an independent, motivated and savvy science student.

 The topics under study are:

  • Mapping and navigating the Earth
  • Motions of the Earth and Moon
  • The solar system
  • Stars and galaxies
  • Composition of the Earth (geology)
  • Movement of the Earth’s crust
  • The Earth through time
  • Meteorology

 We will investigate these topics and develop our science skills by way of in-class activities and laboratory exercises, local field trips, independent and team research and study, classroom discussions and notes, multimedia and technology resources. Wherever possible we will attempt to connect current events in Earth and space science with our curriculum.

http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/science/scos/2004/21grade8
Learners will study natural and technological systems. All goals should focus on the unifying concepts of science defined by the National Science Education Standards: Systems, Order, and Organization; Evidence, Models, and Explanation; Constancy, Change, and Measurement; Evolution and Equilibrium; and Form and Function. The skills of inquiry and technological design are targeted for mastery. The concepts for which in-depth studies should be designed at sixth grade level include: Scientific Inquiry, Technological Design, Lithosphere, Cycling of Matter, Solar System, Energy Transfer/Transformation, and Population Dynamics.