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This month in Science, we are starting Unit 2 and discussing tectonic plate motion as students work as geologists to uncover a fossil mystery. We previously examined minerals and how the rock cycle creates metamorphic, igneous and sedimentary types of rock. Now, we will uncover how Earth's tectonic plates of rock move. Using our new curriculum through Amplify, we will model geologic activity, such as volcanic eruptions and earthquake movement within the Earth's crust using computer simulations. We will discover how the movement of tectonic plates has separated the fossils of the Mesosaurus species long ago. The students will also illustrate, write and discuss how the distribution of fossils, continental shapes, rocks and the ever changing sea floor show evidence of past plate movement and reveal parts of Earth's history.
We began Unit 3 , Weather patterns this month with an investigation into the layers of the atmosphere. Now, we are exploring how air mass interactions cause changes in weather. Students are taking on the role of forensic meteorologists while investigating the mystery of why a fictional town, Gale Town, is experiencing severe rain storms. Using our computer simulations, students can see how changes in water vapor, temperature, wind and air pressure affect weather and precipitation. At the end of the unit, students will be able to answer the unit question- Why do some rainstorms have more rain than others?
Happy Holidays & Happy New Year! When we return from break, students will start Unit 4 - Ocean, Atmosphere & Climate. Students investigate how ocean currents behave and what effect they have on the climate of different locations around the world, specifically the air temperature of various locations. Energy flow from the sun is what drives this story. In the role of climatologists, students investigate changes in air temperature in Christchurch, New Zealand during El Niño years. This serves as the anchor phenomenon that students will investigate throughout the unit. This unit has been designed to help students develop a better understanding of the connection between energy and temperature. Students will have the opportunity to learn about energy, ocean currents, and regional climate in a meaningful and engaging way, while building their skills in scientific investigation and argumentation.
I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday break, see you in 2026! ☺️
Unit 5- Earth's Changing Climate : Students are introduced to their role as student climatologists and begin their investigation of what can cause global temperature to increase or decrease. They explore the Earth's Changing Climate Simulation, test effects of changes to the atmosphere, and examine data about the atmosphere. They conclude that increases in carbon dioxide and methane correlate with increases in energy absorbed by the surface and increases in temperature. In Chapter 2, students focus on the flows of energy, both entering and exiting the Earth system. They read about climate change in Earth's history, run tests in the Simulation, and use a simple physical model. They discover that if the amount of carbon dioxide or methane increases in the atmosphere, more energy enters the Earth system than exits, and this is why increased amounts of these gases cause warming. They discover that these gases redirect outgoing energy back toward Earth’s surface, thereby decreasing the amount of energy that leaves the system. In Chapter 3, students figure out that human activities such as combustion, keeping of livestock, and deforestation cause these gases to increase in the atmosphere. They also see evidence that increasing population increases human activities, and that has a direct effect on our planet.
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