Paton: Earth Science 2006-2007

Earth Science 2006-2007

Earth Science is an integrated course, focusing on the complex interactions on and surrounding planet Earth. This course includes, but is not limited, to the topics of geology, hydrology, ecology, paleontology and oceanography. Students will design, create, and explore experiments and models to investigate large scale phenomena. They will study historical perspectives on earth systems, as well as critically analyzing modern theories of various phenomena. Students will work with both small and large-scale systems to study flows of nutrients, elements, energy and materials, and assess their own roles in these systems.

Mrs. Watson and Mrs. Paton

I. The Scientific Method and Critical Thinking
     a. Observation/Inference
     b. Data Interpretation
     c. Graphing and Statistical Analysis
     d. Experimental Design
     e. Lab Safety
II. Freshwater Ecosystems
     a. Biotic-Abiotic Factors
     b. Biogeochemical Cycles
     c. Stream Field Trips
     d. Macro-invertebrate Stream Testing

Mrs. Paton and Ms. Magin

III. Plant Diversity and Botany
     a. Kingdom Plantae
     b. Photosynthesis
     c. Plant Dissection
     d. Dendrochronology
IV. Animal Diversity
     a. Animal Adaptations
     b. Evolution

    c. Natural Selection
     d. Animal Behavior and Conditioning
V. Origins of the Earth and Geology
     a. Big Bang Theory
     b. Composition of Earth
     c. Rocks and Minerals
     d. Soil Composition
VI. Movements of the Earth
     a. Pangaea
     b. Plate Tectonics
     c. Paleomagnetism
     d. Forces Inside the Earth � Volcanoes, Earthquakes
VII. Life on Land
     a. Nutrient Cyles
     b. Hydrology
     c. Fossilization and Petrification
     d. Paleontology and Archaeology
VIII. Life �Under the Sea� - Oceanography
     a. Ocean Composition � Open Oceans, Coral Reefs, Seashore
     b. Ocean Movements and Convections
     c. Marine Biology
IX. Earth Systems Science Current Issues
     a. Global Warming
     b. Environmental Issue Mock Trial

Note: Order, timing and content subject to reasonable revisions. Field trips to be determined.

The following links include materials distributed in class or materials that might be useful for class assignments.

CBF OVERNIGHT TRIP INFORMATION
Turnip Lab
Science Fair

The following are some homework assignments and their due dates. If an assignment is not listed, then the assignment is either not in digital form or not yet assigned. Please contact me if you have any questions.

04.16 - 04.20 Study for Oceanography Test.

04.09 - 04.13 No homework - Overnight trip.

03.26 - 03.30 Follow Oceanography deadlines for homework due dates.

03.19 - 03.23 Please follow Oceanography Deadlines for the next few weeks.

Homework Wednesdays (3:00 - 3:30)
Every Wednesday afterschool, seventh grade students are invited to my room for an academic study session to complete homework assignments and study for upcoming quizzes and tests. This is a time to catch up, ask questions, and be productive, with a teacher present. Students who are not being productive will be asked to leave.

Thank you for making the overnight trip such a success! We had a wonderful time. If you would like more information about leadership opportunities sponsored by CBF this summer, please see me for more information.

Calendar of Events:

03.28 Field Trip to Baltimore National Aquarium
03.30 Last day of school before Spring Break
04.09 Seventh Grade Individual and Class Pictures (Rescheduled from 04.11)
04.10-12 Seventh Grade Overnight Camping Trip

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