8th Grade Science Standards

Earth and Space Science:

• • data from  refraction and reflection of seismic waves demonstrate the different layers of Earth’s interior:

    • inner and outer core, an upper and lower mantle, and a crust. (Layers not uniform)

    • Seismic data, graphics, charts, digital displays and cross sections

  • Earth/planets in the solar system formed as heavier elements coalesced in their centers, 4.6 billion years ago

    • by gravity, dense materials of a planet sink to the center,

    • earth’s core produces heat by gravitational energy and radioactive decay and drives mantle convection currents for plate tectonics

Plate Tectonics evidence by

• • fossil distribution, paleontological data, paleoclimate data, paleomagnetism, continental drift (Wegener), convection theory (Holmes) and sea floor spreading (Hess, Deitz).

  • seismic data, GPS/GIS data (documenting plate movement and rates of movement), robotic studies of the sea floor and further exploration of Earth’s interior.

  • Ring of Fire, San Andreas Fault, Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Mariana Trench, Hawaiian Islands, New Madrid Fault System

Plate boundaries: divergent, convergent and transform; each with unique activity/features

Volcanic activity, earthquakes, tsunamis, geysers, hot springs, faults, oceanic vents, island arcs, hot spots and rift valleys

Distinguish between major geologic processes (tectonic activity, erosion, deposition) and resulting feature on the surface of Earth.

Features associated with streams and floodplains (discharge rates, gradients, velocity, erosion, deposition), glaciers ( moraines, outwash, tills, erratic, kettles, eskers), tectonic activity, coastlines, flooding and deserts.

a graphic of geologic time

Superposition, crosscutting relationships and index fossils determine relative dating

Radiometric dating for absolute age

Uniformitarianism

Fossil evidence and rock formation indicate for past environment

ice core sampling and geologic record for climate issues.