Year 10 Science
Extension
Term 3-4: GLOBAL SYSTEMS
Text: Pearson Science 10 SB 2e
Year 10 Earth and Space Sciences Content Descriptions
EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCES
Global systems, including the carbon cycle, rely on interactions involving the biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere (ACSSU189)
• investigating how human activity affects global systems
• investigating the effect of climate change on sea levels and biodiversity
• modelling a cycle, such as the water, carbon, nitrogen or phosphorus cycle within the biosphere
• explaining the causes and effects of the greenhouse effect
• considering the long-term effects of loss of biodiversity
• investigating currently occurring changes to permafrost and sea ice and the impacts of these changes
• examining the factors that drive the deep ocean currents, their role in regulating global climate, and their effects on marine life
Wk / Topic / Content / Activities / Resources and Experiments / Assessment & Homework /1 / Earth’s Spheres / The four spheres
· Explain that there are four spheres on the Earth:
· The biosphere (living things)
· The hydrosphere (water)
· The lithosphere (the crust and upper mantle)
· The atmosphere
These four spheres interact with each other.
· Changes on the Earth can be due to natural events. These events include cyclones, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Earthquakes can also cause tsunamis.
· Elements must be constantly recycled. Examine the following cycles in detail:
· Nitrogen
· Carbon
· Water / AB: 7.1 – Knowledge preview
SB: p278 science4fun – This is planet earth
AB: 7.2 – Natural recycling
AB: 7.3 – The carbon cycle / SB: p286 Prac 1 – Natural recycling
SB: p287 Prac 2 – Carbon cycle game / Review Questions 7.1 SB: p284
2 / Weather and Climate / · The difference between weather and climate.
· The sun is a major source of energy on the Earth but that a number of factors determine how much of the sun’s energy is absorbed by the Earth and how much is reflected back into space. These factors include:
· The surface of the Earth, especially its colour
· Gases in the atmosphere
· The orientation of the Earth in relation to the sun
· The ocean contains currents that move large masses of water around the Earth. These water masses carry heat and nutrients around the world. Some of the currents are at the surface and others are deep in the ocean.
· The thermohaline circulation (global conveyor belt) and the gulf stream along with their effects on climate and the marine ecosystems.
· The world’s temperature has risen and fallen over geological time and that this is a natural phenomenon. Explain that during cold periods sea levels fall as more water is locked in the ice caps and that this results in the joining of landmasses. Explain that the reasons for these climate changes is not well understood.
· There is considerable evidence that the Earth’s climate has gone through a series of changes in climate. Evidence includes:
· Evidence of past movement of glaciers
· Evidence from ice cores from places like Antarctica
· Pollen grains which show what plants were able to grow
· Sea level changes / AB: 7.4 – Southern oscillation
AB: 7.5 – Climate graph
AB: 7.9 Sea level changes / SB: p296 Prac 1 – Greenhouse effect
SB: p297 Prac 2 – Ocean currents / Review Questions 7.2 SB: p295
3 / Climate Change and Global Warming / · Although global warming and climate change are related that they are not the same thing. Explain the difference.
· There is considerable evidence that the Earth is going through a period of rapid warming.
· Discuss the initiatives that have been instituted to combat human influences on global warming.
· The greenhouse effect. Discuss how chemicals such as carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increase this effect. Explain that in Australia most energy used in homes comes from the burning of fossil fuels. This adds to the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.
· Methane and nitrous oxide are also greenhouse gases. Explain that these trap a lot more heat than carbon dioxide.
· Large areas of ice reflect the sun’s rays. The loss of ice will lead to high levels of heat absorption. There is some evidence to suggest that ice is being lost in parts on Antarctica.
· / SB: p298 science4fun – Melting icebergs
AB: 7.6 – Carbon dioxide emissions
SB: p303 SHE – Ozone
AB: 7.7 – Climate change / SB: p306 Prac 1 – Freezing and density
SB: p307 Prac 2 Student design – Carbon dioxide and air temperature
SB: p307 Prac 3 Student design – Water temperature and survival / Review Questions 7.3 SB: pp304-305
4 / Changing Ecosystems / Climate modelling attempts to predict long-term changes. Describe the predictions of current models. Explain how models are tested.
Examination of the fossil record and comparison with climate change data indicates as climate changes some organisms become extinct and others change where they live.
Biodiversity and why it is important. Explain how human activities have resulted in challenges to biodiversity. Discuss the effects of climate change on specific ecosystems:
· The Great Barrier Reef
· Kakadu national park
· South east Australia marine environment
· The Australian Alps
The factors that cause sea levels to rise. Describe the impacts of rising sea levels on humans and coastal ecosystems. / AB: 7.8 – Australian Alps and climate change
SB: p312 STEM4fun – Protecting topsoil
AB: 7.10 – Impact of rising sea level
SB: p314-315 SHE – Carbon capture and storage / SB: p317 Prac 1 – Where will the sea go? / Review Questions 7.4 SB: p316
5 / Earth Systems Topic Test
Assessment Outline
Assessment Type / Title / WeightingTest / Earth Systems Topic test. / 5%