Team da Vinci Earth Science
Ms. Cambray
Welcome to Eighth Grade Earth Science! In this course we will learn about a variety of topics pertaining to Earth. We will begin by covering lab safety and equipment. We will also learn about scientific inquiry, rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes, geologic history, weather and climate, and space! I am very excited about this course and to be able to share my love of science with you!
Labs and Safety:
The year will begin with a focus on lab safety and equipment. Labs are an extremely fun and exciting part of science, but it is important that you are able to participate in labs in a safe manner. There will be a lab safety exam that will require a 90% or above in order to participate in labs. Additionally, there is a lab safety contract that each student needs to read, sign, and return. This first unit is extra important as it sets us up for success with all future labs throughout the school year!
Earth Science Units:
Unit 1: Lab Safety and Equipment
In this first unit the students will learn about lab safety and equipment. This unit supports students with skills and knowledge that will be essential to the labs that we will do!
Unit 2: Scientific Inquiry
This unit focuses on the scientific method and connects the scientific method to Earth Science concepts.
Unit 3: Rocks and Minerals
In the rocks and minerals unit students will learn about types of rocks and properties of minerals. Students will learn about the importance of these various rock types and mineral properties and how they connect to Earth’s history.
Unit 4: Plate Tectonics
This unit focuses on plate tectonic boundaries and how tectonic plates have shaped the surface of the Earth. We will learn about the layers and composition of the Earth.
Unit 5: Volcanoes
In this unit you will learn about types of volcanoes and how they are formed. We will also learn about how we study volcanoes and focus in on some important volcanoes and volcanic eruptions in Earth’s history!
Unit 6: Earthquakes
Our earthquakes unit focuses on gaining knowledge about the causes of earthquakes and the impacts that they have. We will also put on our engineering hats and learn about how engineering techniques can be used to minimize the impacts of earthquakes.
Unit 7: Geologic History
We will learn about the history of the Earth, how fossils help us understand what Earth was like at different periods of time, and how Earth and the species that inhabit Earth have changed over time.
Unit 8: Weather and Climate
In this unit you will learn about weather on Earth as well as the difference between weather and climate. Additionally, you will learn about what impacts weather and climate as well as how weather is forecasted.
Unit 9: Space
The space unit focuses on formation of the solar system, stars, and planets. We will also learn about how Earth and the moon move in specific ways and the phases of the moon. Additionally, we will learn about space exploration.
Grading:
Points Based Grading System :
Students will be graded using a points based system. Smaller assignments will be worth less point while larger assignments will be more points
Late Work/Grading policies:
Each day an assignment is late without an excused absence, 10% will be deducted. If a student earns below a 70 on an assignment, they will have the opportunity to make up the assignment for up to a 70%.
Class Expectations:
Arrive on time
Arrive with the materials needed for class
Bring a positive attitude
Be respectful
Ask questions (odds are your question will help someone else!)
Do your best!
Cellphones:
Your cell phones need to be away during class. If they are ever needed, you will be notified prior to class. However, with the use of Chromebooks, that is unlikely.
Materials Needed:
Science binder, dividers (8), lined paper, pencil, and highlighter.
I am so excited to spend this year exploring Earth Science with you!
-Ms. Cambray
Eighth Grade Earth Science Resources:
Lab safety contract
Lab equipment
Lab equipment labeling sheet
Lab equipment BINGO
Lab safety test
Scientific Method Slides and Guided NotesFilm-- “NOVA: Life’s Rocky Start”
Rock Cycle Demonstration (Starburst Activity)
Rock Types Slides and Guided Notes
Density Slides and Guided Notes
Diagram of Earth’s interior
Plate boundaries foldable / study guide
Science literacy article on current event earthquake
Earthquake Tower Engineering Project
Fossil identification kit
Activity-- compressing Earth’s history into a calendar year
NOAA global climate animation
Guided Notes--history of astronomy and space exploration
Estes Rocket Kits