JONES COUNTY SCHOOLS CURRICULUM GUIDE
SUBJECT: Earth/Environmental Science
GRADE:
THIS IS A WORKING DOCUMENT!
Quarter
1st 9 Weeks
Content Material Covered
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2nd
Weeks
3rd
Weeks
Explain in detail the Earth’s position in space (galaxies etc), in
relation to other planets and how they affect other planets and
moons etc.
Explain how the Earth is situated and relation to seasons, relate the
earth and the moon and how they affect each other and how the
Sun affects the earth. Explain the sun’s energy and how it relates
to earth functions (photosynthesis etc).
Lithosphere: Explain the rock cycle, plate tectonics, volcanoes and
earthquakes. Natural processes such as weathering, erosion, and
soil formation. Geohazards
How do humans impact the lithosphere: mining, deforestation,
agriculture, overgrazing, urbanization, land use, fossil fuels and
energy sources, urbanization, deforestation, agriculture,
shorelines, and harvesting natural resources)
In detail study the hydrosphere, from function, heat transfer,
location, climate effects, river system (NC river basins, etc and
floods). Look at how humans use and effect the hydrosphere
including wells, aquifer depletion, dams, agriculture, recreation,
subsidence and salt-water intrusion (coastal), potable water and
future effects.
Previous standard will carry over into the next 9 weeks
 Study what the atmosphere is and how it functions, including basic
weather patterns and catastrophic storms combined with the larger
picture of global climate and the affects on it.
 Combine all parts of earth into looking at the function of the
biosphere and how it all works to support life. There will be a study
of biomes and ecosystems and some basic ecological concepts
including biodiversity and unique biodiversity on the planet.
 Examine examples of biosmes and ecosystems here in NC
 Examine different examples of how humans affect the different
parts of the biosphere, include practices, population growth and
unexpected consequences. This will lead to examination of best
practices and RRR – reduce recycle and reuse.
Standards Addressed
EEn 1.1
EEn 2.1
2.2
2.3 and 2.4
2.5 and 2.6
2.7
2.8
Resources
Ck12, NC Wildlife in NC
magazine, online resources
Essential Vocabulary
JONES COUNTY SCHOOLS CURRICULUM GUIDE
4th
Weeks
SUBJECT: Earth/Environmental Science
GRADE: