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1st 9 weeks
Nature of Science and Meteorology
ES.1 The student will plan and conduct investigations in which
a) volume, area, mass, elapsed time, direction, temperature, pressure, distance, density, and
changes in elevation/depth are calculated utilizing the most appropriate tools;
b) technologies, including computers, probeware, and geospatial technologies, are used to
collect, analyze, and report data and to demonstrate concepts and simulate experimental
conditions;
c) scales, diagrams, charts, graphs, tables, imagery, models, and profiles are constructed and
interpreted;
e) variables are manipulated with repeated trials; and
f) current applications are used to reinforce Earth science concepts.
13 days
ES.2 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the nature of science and scientific
reasoning and logic. Key concepts include
a) science explains and predicts the interactions and dynamics of complex Earth systems;
b) evidence is required to evaluate hypotheses and explanations;
c) observation and logic are essential for reaching a conclusion; and
d) evidence is evaluated for scientific theories.
13 days
ES.11 The student will investigate and understand the origin and evolution of the atmosphere and
the interrelationship of geologic processes, biologic processes, and human activities on its
composition and dynamics. Key concepts include
a) scientific evidence for atmospheric composition changes over geologic time;
b) current theories related to the effects of early life on the chemical makeup of the
atmosphere;
c) atmospheric regulation mechanisms including the effects of density differences and energy
transfer; and
d) potential changes to the atmosphere and climate due to human, biologic, and geologic
activity.
ES.12 The student will investigate and understand that energy transfer between the sun and
Earth and its atmosphere drives weather and climate on Earth. Key concepts include
a) observation and collection of weather data;
b) prediction of weather patterns;
c) severe weather occurrences, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and major storms; and
d) weather phenomena and the factors that affect climate including radiation, conduction,
and convection.
2nd 9 weeks
Astronomy and Minerals
ES.3 The student will investigate and understand the characteristics of Earth and the
solar system. Key concepts include
a) position of Earth in the solar system;
b) sun-Earth-moon relationships; (seasons, tides, and eclipses)
c) characteristics of the sun, planets and their moons, comets, meteors, and asteroids
d) the history and contributions of space exploration
13 days
ES.13 - The student will investigate and understand scientific concepts related to the origin
and evolution of the universe.
Key concepts include
a) cosmology including the Big Bang theory; and
b) the origin and evolution of stars, star systems, and galaxies
13 days
ES.4 - The student will investigate and understand how to identify major rock-forming and
ore minerals based on physical and chemical properties. Key concepts include
a)hardness, color and streak, luster, cleavage, fracture, and unique properties; and
b) uses of minerals.
3rd 9 week
ES. 5 The student will investigate and understand the rock cycle as it relates to the origin
and transformation of rock types and how to identify common rock types based on
mineral composition and textures. Key concepts include
a) igneous rocks;
b) sedimentary rocks; and
c) metamorphic rocks.
5 Days
ES.6 The student will investigate and understand the differences between renewable and
nonrenewable resources. Key concepts include
a) fossil fuels, minerals, rocks, water, and vegetation;
b) advantages and disadvantages of various energy sources;
c) resources found in Virginia; and
d) environmental costs and benefits.
5 Days
ES. 7 The student will investigate and understand geologic processes including plate
tectonics. Key concepts include
a) geologic processes and their resulting features; and
b) tectonic processes.
10 Days
ES. 8 The student will investigate and understand how freshwater resources are influenced
by geologic processes and the activities of humans. Key concepts include
a) processes of soil development;
b) development of karst topography;
c) relationships between groundwater zones, including saturated an unsaturated zones, and
the water table;
d) identification of sources of fresh water including rivers, springs, and aquifers, with
reference to the hydrologic cycle;
e) dependence on freshwater resources and the effects of human usage on water quality;
and
f) identification of the major watershed systems in Virginia, including the Chesapeake Bay
and its tributaries.
20 Days
4th 9 week
ES.9 The student will investigate and understand that many aspects of the history and evolution of
Earth and life can be inferred by studying rocks and fossils. Key concepts include
a) traces and remains of ancient, often extinct, life are preserved by various means in many
sedimentary rocks;
b) superposition, cross-cutting relationships, index fossils, and radioactive decay are methods of
dating bodies of rock;
c) absolute and relative dating have different applications but can be used together to determine
the age of rocks and structures; and
d) rocks and fossils from many different geologic periods and epochs are found in Virginia.
15 days
ES.10 The student will investigate and understand that oceans are complex, interactive physical,
chemical, and biological systems and are subject to long- and short-term variations. Key
concepts include
a) physical and chemical changes related to tides, waves, currents, sea level and ice cap
variations, upwelling, and salinity variations;
b) importance of environmental and geologic implications;
c) systems interactions;
d) features of the sea floor as reflections of tectonic processes; and
e) economic and public policy issues concerning the oceans and the coastal zone including the
Chesapeake Bay
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