Essential Skills and Information to Master
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;
d) maps and globes are read and interpreted, including location by latitude and longitude;
e) variables are manipulated with repeated trials; and
f) current applications are used to reinforce Earth science concepts.
- measure mass and volume of regular and irregular shaped objects and materials using common laboratory tools, including metric scales and graduated cylinders.
- apply the concept of mass per unit volume and calculate density without being given a formula.
- record data in systematic, properly-labeled, multi-cell tables, and using data, construct and interpret continuous line graphs, frequency distributions, bar graphs, and other explicating graphics that present a range of parameters, relationships, and pathways.
- interpret data from a graph or table that shows changes in temperature or pressure with depth or altitude
- The nature of science refers to the foundational concepts that govern the way scientists formulate explanations about the natural world. The nature of science includes the concepts
- a) the natural world is understandable;
- b) science is based on evidence - both observational and experimental;
- c) science is a blend of logic and innovation;
- d) scientific ideas are durable yet subject to change as new data are collected;
- e) science is a complex social endeavor; and
- f) scientists try to remain objective and engage in peer review to help avoid bias.
- Earth is a dynamic system, and all atmospheric, lithospheric, and hydrospheric processes interrelate and influence one another.
- A hypothesis is a tentative explanation that accounts for a set of facts and can be tested by further investigation. Only hypotheses that are testable are valid. A hypothesis can be supported, modified, or rejected based on collected data. Experiments are designed to test hypotheses.
- Scientific theories are systematic sets of concepts that offer explanations for observed patterns in nature. Theories provide frameworks for relating data and guiding future research. Theories may change as new data become available. Any valid scientific theory has passed tests designed to invalidate it.
- There can be more than one scientific explanation for phenomena. However, with competing explanations, generally one idea will
- analyze how natural processes explain multiple aspects of Earth systems and their interactions (e.g., storms, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, climate, mountain chains and landforms, geological formations and stratigraphy, fossils) can be used to make predictions of future interactions and allow scientific explanations for what has happened in the past.
- make predictions, using scientific data and data analysis.
- use data to support or reject a hypothesis.
- differentiate between systematically-obtained, verifiable data and unfounded claims.
- evaluate statements to determine if systematic science is used correctly, consistently, thoroughly, and in the proper context.
- distinguish between examples of observations and inferences.
- explain how scientific methodology is used to support, refute, or improve scientific theories.
- contrast the formal, scientific use of the term ―theory‖ with the everyday nontechnical usage of ―theory.‖
- compare and contrast hypotheses, theories, and scientific laws. For example, students should be able to compare/contrast the Law of Superposition and the Theory of Plate Tectonics.
- The student will plan and conduct investigations in which
- Density expresses the relationship between mass and volume.