PLTW/ Science
Trimester 1:
Earth: Past, Present, and Future
In this module, students explore natural features on Earth. They will learn about different landforms and bodies of water. Students apply this knowledge as they identify natural features on a physical map as well as take a deeper look at the origins of landforms as they learn about tectonic plates and plate boundaries. They will be able to recognize patterns in the locations of mountain ranges, earthquake activity, and volcanic activity.
After students establish an understanding of landforms, they examine how landforms have changed over time due to weathering and erosion. Students investigate how mechanical and chemical weathering impacts the Earth, and they identify examples of weathering in their local area. Students use the design process to create a documentary that explains how one of Earth’s landforms has been shaped over time!
GATHERING INFORMATION
U.S Map
Tectonic Plates
Volcanic Activity
Earthquake Patterns
RESEARCHING FACTS AND EXPERIMENTING !
ENGAGING DISCUSSIONS !
Trimester 2: Waves and the Properties of Light
This trimester students will learn about waves. Students will observe the amplitude and wavelength of waves in a simulation, and describe their patterns. They will also learn that waves move energy from one place to another, which can cause objects to move.
Students will then take a look at light waves. They will learn that colors are determined by their wavelengths as they complete a color investigation using the primary colors of light! (How exciting!!)
Then, students will explore properties of light, including reflection, refraction, and how light interacts with different materials that are transparent, translucent, and opaque. They will use the design process to design a game that incorporates their knowledge and skills about light gained throughout this unit
IMG_9981.MOVClick on the video above to see how students are learning how sound travels!