CHAMBERSBURG AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
COURSE OF PLANNED INSTRUCTION
SCHOOL ______Faust Jr. High School DEPARTMENT______Science DATE _June 13, 2000
COURSE TITLE Earth Science GRADE 8 COURSE LENGTH 1 Year
LESSON FREQUENCY (PER WEEK) 5 TIME 43 Minutes COURSE REVISED June 13, 2000
COURSE CREDIT 1 Credit COURSE REQUIRED Yes ELECTED
I. MAJOR COURSE OJBECTIVES AND STUDENT PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
All Students Will:
1. Understand the four major branches of Earth Science and the scientific method.
Performance Indicators:
a. Describe and relate to everyday life experiences the four main branches of Earth Science
b. Utilize the scientific method in problem solving
Reading, Writing Standard:
1.1.8 A, B, C, D, F, H
1.2.8 A
1.3.8 B, C
1.5.8 A, B, C, E, F
1.6.8 A, C, D, E, F
1. 7. 8 A
1.8.8 A, B, C
Math Standard:
2.1.8 A, B, E, G
2.2.8 A
2.3.8 A, B, D, E, F, G
2.4.8 B, F
2.5.8 A, B
2. Understand the universe, galaxy, and solar system concepts in astronomy.
Performance Indicators:
a. Identify Earth’s relationship to the solar system, galaxy and universe
b. Outline methods used by astronomers to study all bodies in space
c. Compare and identify planets of our solar system
d. Diagram and explain moon phases, eclipses, and tides
e. Describe the development of the space program
Reading, Writing Standard:
1.1.8 A, B, C, D, F, H
1.2.8 A
1.3.8 B, C
1.5.8 A, B, C, E, F
1.6.8 A, C, D, E, F
1. 7. 8 A
1.8.8 A, B, C
Math Standard:
2.1.8 A, B, E, G
2.2.8 A
2.3.8 A, B, D, E, F, G
2.4.8 B, F
2.5.8 A, B
3. Understand the basic structure of the Earth’s oceans and the relationships that exist within them.
Performance Indicators:
a. Diagram and paraphrase the Earth’s hydrologic cycle
b. Identify and analyze sources of fresh water including stream and river formation
c. Identify sources and importance of groundwater and human impact on water quality
d. Differentiate and generalize the difference between fresh and salt water, hard and soft water, and surface and ground water
e. Identify and explain the physical properties of ocean water
f. Label the topography of the ocean floor
Reading, Writing Standard:
1.1.8 A, B, C, D, F, H
1.2.8 A
1.3.8 B, C
1.5.8 A, B, C, E, F
1.6.8 A, C, D, E, F
1. 7. 8 A
1.8.8 A, B, C
Math Standard:
2.1.8 A, B, E, G
2.2.8 A
2.3.8 A, B, D, E, F, G
2.4.8 B, F
2.5.8 A, B
4. Understand the basic structure of the Earth’s atmosphere and the cycles and relationships that exist which produce our weather
Performance Indicators:
a. Explain and diagram the composition and structure of the atmosphere
b. Demonstrate and describe the correct usage of meteorological instruments
c. Describe and demonstrate the process of thermodynamics and how it affects weather
d. Incorporate atmospheric structure, temperature, air pressure, wind patterns, humidity, and circulation patterns into analysis of weather forecasting procedures
e. Distinguish types of clouds, precipitation, storms, air masses, fronts and generalize their relationship to each other
f. Prepare a meteorological database from given instructions and use the database for answering questions and determining relationships
g. Analyze problems of the atmospheric environment (global warming, greenhouse effect, and pollution)
Reading, Writing Standard:
1.1.8 A, B, C, D, F, H
1.2.8 A
1.3.8 B, C
1.5.8 A, B, C, E, F
1.6.8 A, C, D, E, F
1. 7. 8 A
1.8.8 A, B, C
Math Standard:
2.1.8 A, B, E, G
2.2.8 A
2.3.8 A, B, D, E, F, G
2.4.8 B, F
2.5.8 A, B
5. Understand the basic structure of Earth and the dynamic changes occurring within and on the surface.
a. Utilize mineral properties to identify minerals and describe the use of selected minerals
b. Diagram and summarize the rock cycle, giving specific examples of each rock type
c. Apply principles of waves to the study of earthquakes
d. Summarize the plate tectonic theory and its relationships to mountain building processes, earthquakes, and volcanoes
e. Construct the geologic time scale matching life forms to their corresponding time periods
Reading, Writing Standard:
1.1.8 A, B, C, D, F, H
1.2.8 A
1.3.8 B, C
1.5.8 A, B, C, E, F
1.6.8 A, C, D, E, F
1. 7. 8 A
1.8.8 A, B, C
Math Standard:
2.1.8 A, B, E, G
2.2.8 A
2.3.8 A, B, D, E, F, G
2.4.8 B, F
2.5.8 A, B
6. Understand the human impact on the global environment
Performance Indicators:
a. Identify earth’s natural resources
b. Describe the human impact on natural resources
c. Suggest ways to protect and conserve our natural resources
d. Analyze and evaluate alternative sources of energy
Reading, Writing Standard:
1.1.8 A, B, C, D, F, H
1.2.8 A
1.3.8 B, C
1.5.8 A, B, C, E, F
1.6.8 A, C, D, E, F
1. 7. 8 A
1.8.8 A, B, C
Math Standard:
2.1.8 A, B, E, G
2.2.8 A
2.3.8 A, B, D, E, F, G
2.4.8 B, F
2.5.8 A, B
II. CONTENT OUTLINE AND TIME ALLOCATION
1. Introduction to Earth Science
1 week
2. Astronomy
9 weeks
3. Oceanography
5 weeks
4. Meteorology
10 weeks
5. Geology
10 weeks
6. Environmental Topics
1 week
III. TEXTS, MATERIALS, AND MAJOR RESOURCES
1. Text and Laboratory Manual: Earth Science, Glencoe 1999
2. Other Resources: Films, video cassettes, computer programs, “Current Science”, and Internet resources
IV. PROCEDURES FOR ASSESSMENT OF PA ACADEMIC STANDARDS
1. Teacher designed quizzes and tests
2. Standard text tests
3. Teacher designed Midterm and cumulative Final Exam
4. Regular homework checks
5. Laboratory work evaluations
6. Class participation
7. Laboratory tests
8. Notebooks
9. Special reports and research
V. SPECIAL CONDITIONS OR PREREQUISITES
Successful completion of 7th grade
VI. COURSE EVALUATION PROCEDURE
Teacher groups will review course goals, materials, text, and content
Daily Work
Program Completion
Test, Quizzes
Homework
Major Projects
Student Feedback
Standardized Test Scores
PSSA Test
Monitoring by instructor, department chair, and principal, and revised as needed or as part of the CASD curriculum revision cycle
VII. ACCOMMODATIONS (Describe methods of assistance to students needing additional learning opportunities and/or enrichment activities for students who are capable of advanced work)
CORRECTIVES ENRICHMENTS
Learning Support Independent Projects
Modified Tests Gifted Program Internships
Special Time Exemptions Term Papers
Modified Homework Internet Searches on related topics
Emotional Support
IDEA adjustments for the blind/hearing impaired
Progress Reports