Earth Science
Mr. Jody Paramore
South Central High School
Winterville, NC
NAME: _______________________________________
Unit Topic: Nature of Science / Scientific Methods
Grading: Unit grades make-up 60 % of a student's overall grade
Time Span:
Due Date:
Objectives (what are we learning in this unit?):
1.01 Identify questions and problems in the earth and environmental sciences that can be answered through scientific investigations.
1.02 Design and conduct scientific investigations to answer questions related to earth and environmental science.
Create testable hypotheses
Identify variables.
Use a control or comparison group when appropriate.
Select and use appropriate measurement tools.
Collect and record data.
Organize data into charts and graphs.
Analyze and interpret data.
Communicate findings.
1.03 Evaluate the uses of satellite images and imaging techniques in the earth and environmental sciences.
1.04 Apply safety procedures in the laboratory and in field studies:
Recognize and avoid potential hazards.
Safely manipulate materials and equipment needed for scientific investigations.
1.05 Analyze reports of scientific investigations and environmental issues from an informed scientifically literate viewpoint including considerations of:
Appropriate sample.
Adequacy of experimental controls.
Replication of findings.
Alternative interpretations of the data.
A: 93-100 %
B: 85-92 %
C: 77-84 %
D: 70-76 %
F: 0-69 %
Directions
Choose any of the assignments listed that you would like to complete. You will not do all the assignments. You'll only do as many assignments as it takes for you to complete each layer successfully. Each assignment can only be attempted one time.
"C" Layer (Successful Completion Earns One a C Grade)-Section I / Basic Understanding-80 percentage (%) points must be earned from this section before moving into the B Layer. Choose any of the assignments listed, in this section, that you would like to complete. No more than 80 percentage (%) points can be applied to your unit grade from this section.
Notes (listen & take notes from the cassette player, study them, show them to Mr. Paramore for oral defense)
1. Scientific method notes (10 %)
2. Metric System notes (10 %)
Videos (watch all of the video assigned, complete written part, and be prepared for oral defense)
3. "What We Learn About Earth From Space"
Complete the following tasks on your own paper:
1. What is a satellite?
2. What are specific uses of satellites in meteorology? Geology? Hydrology? Oceanography?
3. What benefits do satellites give to developing countries?
4. How does a geostationary satellite work and why are they important?
5. List one fact about satellites that stands out as particularly interesting to you. (10 %)
4. "HRW Earth Science"
Watch segment 1 and write 5 facts from that segment. Watch segment 2 and list the main branches of earth science discussed and specific topics each branch studies. (10 %)
Vocabulary / Worksheets
5. Create flashcards with the word and definition for the following key terms: scientific method, hypothesis, variable, control, data, metric system, meter, liter, gram, density, volume, mass, and weight. (10 %)
6. Complete the review and reinforcement worksheet on the metric system-both sides (10 %)
Computer Activities (complete the activity, study your work, bring to Mr. P. for oral defense)
7. Click on the "Science Concepts" activity in the student common folder. If you cannot find it, type in www.can-do.com/uci/lessons99/concepts.html . On your own paper, complete part A (1-4), part C (1-2), and part H (1-3) & go to "Brainpop" in the common folder or type in www.brainpop.com/science/seeall.weml and click on the picture labeled scientific problem solving. Borrow headphones from Mr. Paramore to hear the movie. Do not click on any other movies or it may not allow you to view the movie. The site only allows 2 free movies per day. Take five notes from the video on the same paper as the first part of this assignment. After the movie, take the quiz. Write any five of the ten questions down along with its correct answer. (10 %)
8. Complete the Nature of Science / Scientific Methods Computer Activity-on table (10%)
Reading (complete the assignment, study, and bring to Mr. P. for oral defense)
9.Answer all multiple choice, T/F, and concept mastery questions for chp. 1 (pgs. 44-45). (10%)
10. Read all five articles in the article packet. Write a half-page summary for each article. (10%)
Writing
11. Write a letter to a scientist who is trying out a new drug on people without using a control. Explain to them why this is a mistake and what they could do to correct the situation. (10 %)
12. Explain questions and problems in the earth sciences that can be answered through scientific investigations and examples of those that cannot. (10 %)
Fine Arts
13. Write a song or a skit about the steps of the scientific method.
(10 %)
14. Design a poster that illustrates the importance of following a safety rule when performing science activities. You may choose one or more rules from the SCHS Student Safety Contract. (10 %)
Hands-On / Interactive
15. Survey member of your class about an item of your choice (ex. Favorite music category, favorite food, favorite subject, etc.) and put the data collected into a colored bar graph you draw. (10 %)
16. Collect an insect from outside (borrow a container from Mr.
Paramore), closely observe the
insect, and write 15 or more observations about the insect. Remember,
observations can include
more senses than just sight, but please don't taste the insect! Keep
the insect in the collecting
container at all times. (10 %)
"B" Layer-Section II / Application of Knowledge (Successful Completion Earns One a B Grade) (Choose one for 10 %, must complete before moving to Section III)
(An experiment MUST be carried out to help solve whatever problem you choose. A lab report should be completed with the experiment. The report should include the problem or question, a hypothesis, complete procedures explaining what you did, and an explanation and analysis of your conclusions.
1. Does the temperature of a tennis ball affect how high it bounces? Identify the variable in your experiment. (10 %)
2. Come up with your own problem or question and use the scientific
method to reach a
conclusion. Identify the variable in your experiment. Get approval from
Mr. Paramore before
beginning. (10 %)
"A" Layer-Section III / Critical Thinking & Analysis of Real World Issues (Successful Completion Earns One An A Grade) (Choose one for 10 %)
(Fill out the A Layer worksheet to complete this section. This worksheet can be obtained from Mr. Paramore)
1. Should the United States completely convert to the Metric System of measurement? (10 %)
2. What are the positive and negative impacts of satellite technology? Does the
positive outweigh the negatives? (10 %)
Parent / Guardian Signature w/ date:
_______________________________________________________________