Topic 1 Introduction to Earth's Changing Environment

I can:

• draw, interpret, read and analyze graphs, data tables, charts and other diagrams.

• explain the relationship between the density of objects and how temperature and pressure affect it (not size and shape).

Topic 2 Measuring Earth 

I can:

• state the altitude of Polaris based on the latitude of the observer.

• state the latitude and longitude of any point of the Earth’s surface (including directions).

• state the location on Earth based on the latitude and longitude given.

• calculate the time difference between two meridians using Earth’s rate of rotation.

• calculate the contour interval on an unmarked map.

• apprise the elevation of any point on a topographic map.

• accurately draw isolines on a map.

• describe the relationship between distance of isolines and steepness of slope either visually or with the gradient formula.

• explain how contour lines show direction of stream flow.

• draw a profile between two points on a topographic map.

Topic 3 Earth in the Universe

I can: 

• give supporting evidence of the big bang.

• explain the process of stellar evolution (a star’s life cycle).

• compare and contrast the speed of orbiting bodies based on size and position to another object due to gravitational pull.

• interpret and classify the planets as Jovian or terrestrial and how those classifications using specific criteria on pg. 15 ESRT.

Topic 4: Motions of Earth, Moon and Sun

I can:

• explain why we have seasons. 

• describe the apparent motion of objects, explain what causes the apparent motions and how we determine time based on these motions.

• explain the movement of the moon and predict the effect on tides, eclipses and its phases.

Topic 5 Energy in the Earth Processes

I can: 

• identify and describe the three methods of heat transfer. 

• explain the concept of specific heat and how it affects how objects heat up and radiate heat.

Topic 6 Insolation 

I can:

• explain how the angle of insolation affects the intensity of insolation and how that angle changes throughout the year.

• compare and contrast how greenhouse gasses influence climate (Greenhouse Effect--greenhouse) 

• draw conclusions how humans impact the Earth.

• explain how the the ozone layer protects us from the UV exposure. 

• provide examples of Global Climate Change, and the impact it has on a location.

Topic 7 Weather

I can: 

• measure weather variables and label/decode weather variables on station models.

• describe the process by which clouds form.

• state the characteristics of high and low pressure centers.

• identify different fronts on a weather map and describe the air masses and weather associated with them.

Topic 8 Water and Climate

I can:

• describe how each factor affects climate with regards to temperature and moisture.

• describe what the hydrologic (water) cycle is and correctly label a diagram of the hydrologic (water) cycle.

Topic 9, 10 Weathering , Erosion and Deposition

I can:

• explain the process of chemical and physical weathering and describe two differences between them.

• describe the unique ways each agent of erosion transports sediment.

• model the pattern of deposition for each of the following: streams, wind, glaciers, mass movement

Topic 11 Rocks and Minerals 

I can: 

• analyze a mineral's physical and chemical properties in order to identify the mineral.

• determine the differences between sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic rocks based on texture and environment which they formed in.

Topic 12 Earth's Dynamic Crust and Interior

I can: 

• explain how plate tectonics affects the development of geologic features, Earth’s processes, and natural disasters on Earth’s surface.

Topic 13 Interpreting Geologic History 

I can: 

• justify how geologic history can be reconstructed by observing sequences of rock types and fossils to correlate bedrock at various locations.

• calculate the age of a rock/fossil using radioactive decay patterns and knowledge of unstable isotope half-lives.