9th Grade Environmental Science Curriculum – Level 1 Introduction to Science and the Earth Big Ideas Science is the study of the natural world. It multiple branches. The Earth is a moving body divided into various layers and spheres. Concepts Standards 1) Science has multiple branches including earth science and ecology. These disciplines are interconnected. 3.1.10A, B, C, D, E 2) The Scientific method is a logical process of problem solving and is essential to sound experimental design. 3) Hypothesis, theories, and scientific laws are part of scientific discovery and scientific writing. 4) The Big Bang is a theory supported by the red shift and background radiation. 5) The interior of the earth has multiple layers. 6) Gravity and magnetism are two primary forces affecting the planet. 7) The earth moves as a planetary body. 8) Natural and artificial satellites orbit the earth. 9) Eratosthenes made the first measurements 3.2 .10A, B, C, D, Competencies 1) Define and relate the various branches of science and their associated terms. 2) List the steps of the scientific method in logical sequence using examples from class and of your own. 2) Recognize properly designed versus poorly designed experiments. Essential Questions How are earth science and ecology connected? How do math, physics, chemistry, biology, ecology and earth science link together? What is the difference between a control and a variable? 3) Explain the concepts of hypotheses, theories, and scientific laws with examples including the Gaia hypothesis and the Big Bang theory . What are the components of sound experimental design? 4) Explain the Big Bang theory and its relationship to red shift, background radiation, and the Doppler Effect. Why is The Big Bang a theory and by what evidence is it supported? 5) Label and define all the parts and layers of the earth and how scientists have gathered this information. 6) Explain what creates gravity and magnetism and how they affect the earth. 7) Describe the terms and processes associated with the earth’s movements. 8) Explain the difference What is the Gaia hypothesis? What is the difference between the lithosphere and the asthenosphere? How do the crust, mantle, inner core, and outer core differ from one another including their relationship to seismic waves? What affects the force of gravity? What creates the earth’s Vocabulary Textbook Pages Duration (in days) Science, physics, chemistry, biology, ecology, earth science, astronomy, meteorology, oceanography, geology, geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, ecosystem, pollution, biodegradable, scientific method, observation, control, variable, hypothesis, conclusion, theory, scientific law, Gaia, Big Bang, Doppler effect, red shift, wavelength, spectroscope, bright-line spectrum, seismic waves, crust, mantle, outer core, inner core, Moho, shadow zones, lithosphere, asthenosphere, magnetism, gravity, weight, mass, rotation, perihelion, aphelion, revolution, , solstice, equinox, time zones, precession, International date line, daylight savings time, satellite geosynchronous orbit, polar orbit, perigee, apogee Modern Earth Science – Holt, Rinehart and Winston pgs.1-39. 12-15 and calculations of the earth’s circumference. between natural and artificial satellites and how they move. magnetic field? 9) Measure the circumference of the earth by re-creating Eratosthenes method. How does the earth’s rotation compare to its revolution? What are time zones and daylight savings time? Competencies Essential Questions Vocabulary Textbook Pages 1) List biotic and abiotic components of various natural environments. What is the relationship between biotic, organic, abioitc and inorganic things? Biotic, abiotic, organic, inorganic, ecology, ecosystem, biosphere, biome, environment, permafrost, humus, deciduous, coniferous, true census, sample census, mr-r method, transect, population, population density, limiting factor, carrying capacity, birth rate, death rate, immigration, emigration, migration, habitat, community, edge, fragmentation, simple leaves, compound leaves, alternate and opposite branching, serrated edges lobed leaf margins Environmental Science – Person pgs 112. Ecosystems and Population Ecology Big Ideas Ecology is the study of how living things interact with their surroundings. Population of organisms changes due to changes in habitat. Concepts 1) Environments consist of living and non-living components. 2) Ecosystems are places where living things interact with their surroundings and occur at various levels, such as biomes in the biosphere. 3) Biomes are areas of life determined by climate and soil type. 4) Plot and mark- returnrecapture are methods for sampling populations. 5) Populations are kept in check by various limiting factors. 6) Populations change due limiting factors or Standards 4.6.10.A 2) Identify and link the terms ecosystem, biome, and biosphere. 3) List the various unique abiotic characteristics of the seven terrestrial biomes. 4) Identify and recognize population sampling methods and the types of census used. 5) List and describe limiting factors using examples, and how they could affect an organism’s population. 6) Give examples of how and why an organism’s population has changed. What are the seven basic terrestrial biomes and what are their characteristics? Under what circumstances would you use the various types of census methods? What are some advantages and disadvantages of the various census methods? What causes populations to increase or decrease? What are some factors that keep populations from reaching carrying capacity? What happens when populations exceed carrying capacity? What are the four basic Duration (in days) 10 - 15 lack of and may reach carrying capacity. 7) Understand the concept of carrying capacity and population graphs. 7) Deciduous forests have several vertical stratifications that add to biodiversity. 8) Know the order and properties of the four layers of a mature deciduous forest. 8) Forest communities can be assessed through scientific sampling and analysis. 9) List various common forest species for the field study and be able to do an onsite plot census of a forest community. 9) Humans affect habitat requirements of organisms and thus affect their population. layers of a forest and how do they change in terms of abiotic factors? How do you create a forest plot census study? How do you identify common tree species? How have human activities changed the populations of deer, grouse, and bluebirds over the last 100 years? 10) Explain and give examples of various communities and habitats. Be able to describe how populations of certain species have changed due to human influence such as edge effect. 11) Identify common tree species in the area. Community Ecology Big Ideas Communities are sets of interaction populations. Organisms occupy various niches. Energy flow through an ecosystem is linear. Matter is recycled in Concepts 1) Feeding niches are interconnected forming food webs. 2) Energy flow in an ecosystem is linear staring with the sun and ending up as heat. 3) Biomass forms a Pyramid in a food chain 4.6.10.B, C Competencies Essential Questions Vocabulary Textbook Pages 1) Create a food web using all the possible niches involved and recognize a feeding niche from a chain. What are the names of all the feeding niches in a food web? Niche, food chain, food web, trophic level, producer, consumer, primary productivity, herbivore, omnivore, carnivore, predator, prey, scavenger, decomposer, parasite, host, photosynthesis, respiration, combustion, nitrification, nitrogen fixation, Environmental Science – Person pgs 13 – 43. 2) Explain all the possible paths of energy in an ecosystem. 3) Diagram and explain the What happens to energy as it moves through a food web? What is the role of a Duration (in days) 15 - 20 ecosystems. Succession is the natural change in ecosystems. since it is lost as you move up through trophic levels. concept of a biomass and number pyramid. 4) Draw and define the processes involved in the carbon/oxygen cycle. 4) Respiration, photosynthesis, and combustion are the three basic processes of the carbon/oxygen cycle. 5) Draw and define the processes involved in the hydrological cycle. 5) Water cycles through various processes on the planet. 6) Identify all the processes and components of the nitrogen cycle. Recognize which organisms are responsible for the processes and the end product of each process. 6) Nitrogen cycles through organic and inorganic forms by bacteria and is an essential nutrient in the food web. 7) Explain the concept of succession with examples. Describe the biotic and abiotic characteristics of each stage in the succession of a pond and a forest. Give examples of disturbances that can change the rate of succession. 7) Succession is the natural change in an ecosystem over time resulting in biotic and abiotc changes altering communities. Disturbances affect the process. Examples include forests, ponds, and bogs. 8) Analyze a food web in terms of biodiversity and the presence of keystone species. 8) Ecosystem diversity is linked to stability and may rely on keystone species. decomposer in a food web? What is the 10% rule in regards to the biomass pyramid? How does the number pyramid relate to the biomass pyramid? What are the processes of the carbon/oxygen cycle and how can humans make it unbalanced? denitrification, legumes, nitrate, nitrite, nitrogen gas, ammonium, ammonia, decomposition, assimilation, succession, pioneer stage, climax stage, submergent, emergent, marsh, swamp, bog, carnivorous plants, biodiversity, keystone species What are the processes of the hydrological cycle? What are the process and compound of the nitrogen cycle? What are the stages of and characteristics of forest succession? What are the stages and characteristics of pond succession? What are the unique abiotic and biotic characteristics of bogs? Ecological/Environmental Issues and Management Big Ideas Forests can be managed sustainably Concepts 1) Human have significant effects on Standards 4.3.10C 4.7.10A, B, C Competencies 1) List the important facts of Pennsylvania forest history. Essential Questions How have Pennsylvania forests changes in the Vocabulary Old-growth, secondary forests, tannic acid, Textbook Pages Environmental Science – Duration (in days) 25 - 30 both environmentally and economically. Invasive species are a major threat to native ecosystem stability. Endangered species are prone to extinction from various threats and are protected by federal law. natural ecosystems. 2) Old-growth forest ecosystems are highly diverse and have interconnecting communities. 3) Forests can be managed for wildlife diversity by avoiding techniques that create habitat fragmentation and monocultures. . 4) Forests can be sustainably harvested through various techniques. 5) Introduced species are common and often disruptive components of our environment. 4.9.10A last 200 years? 2) Explain the relationship of various old growth organisms to the forest. Explain the concept of multiple use. 3) Explain how to manage forests for wildlife and biodiversity. Describe the practices that should be avoided. 4) Describe the various harvesting methods and management factors involve in sustainable harvesting. 5) Give examples of introduced species. 6) Discuss the impacts of various invasive species. Explain how it was introduced, why it is a problem, and what is being done about it. 6) Invasive species are introduces by various methods and negatively impact native species and the economy in various ways. 7) Explain why invasive species are invasive, and the various types of control methods 7) Invasive species have certain characteristics that make them invasives. There are various ways to control invasive species. 9) Explain the causes of endangerment and give examples. 8) The endangered species Act is law protection certain species in danger of 8) Define the ESA. Who does it involve, what does it do, and what are its criticisms? 10) Explain the threats to tropical rainforest and why they are not sustainable. How do old-growth organisms rely on each other, creating stable diverse ecosystems? What should a forest contain in order to maximize wildlife diversity? How can habitat fragmentation be avoided? How does clear cutting compare to seed-tree logging and selection cutting? What should be considered before an area is logged for timber? What are some common introduced species and how did they get there? What are the impacts from invasive species and what are some common examples? What characterizes an invasive species and how are they controlled? How does the ESA protect species and what issues surrounded this law? symbiotic relationships, multiple use, federal forests, national parks, forest openings, forest mosaic, snags, cull trees, nurse logs, habitat fragmentation, monocultures, forage, browse, mast, cavity nesters, excavators, clear cutting, seed-tree logging, selection cutting, diameter limit cutting, shade tolerant, shade intolerant, introduced, invasive, vectors, biological, chemical, mechanical, and cultural controls, ESA, extinct, endangered, threatened, candidate Person pgs 44 – 88. extinction. What are the threats to endangered species? 9) Habitat loss, exploitation, and invasive species are the major threats to endangered species. Why are rainforests at risk and why are they important to the planet? 10. Tropical rainforests are threatened by various interest groups and are not sustainable when mismanaged. Introductory Chemistry Big Ideas Concepts Matter is created of atoms of elements combining to form elements and mixtures. 1) The atom is the simplest form of matter comprised of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Subatomic particles such as electrons are involved in forming chemical compounds. 2) Elements and compounds can be expressed in various forms. Ph is the measure of hydrogen ions and determines the acidity and alkalinity of a substance. 3) The periodic table is an organized chart of elements based on the properties of the elements. Standards 3.4.10.A Competencies 1) Understand the basic concepts of atomic theory and how subatomic particles differ from one another. 2) Write, create, and read compounds from written, chemical, and structural formulas. 3) Read the periodic chart in order to determine the various numbers of subatomic particles in an atom. 4) Draw the electron configuration of an atom. 4) Electrons are positioned in energy levels around the nucleus. 5) Determine the ion of an atom. 5) Ions are charged atoms or molecules. 7) Determine the differences in compounds, mixtures, alloys, and elements with examples. 6) Stable compounds are chemically 6) Create balanced ionic and covalent bonds. 8) Explain and read the pH scale Essential Questions What comprised and atom? What is the difference between an element, compound, and mixture? What are ions and how do they form? What are isotopes? How do electrons form energy levels and does this affect bonding? What is the difference between covalent and ionic bonds? What are alloys and solutions? What determines Vocabulary Textbook Pages Duration (in days) Chemistry, atom, element electron cloud, nucleus, proton, neutron, electron, quark, lepton, isotope, atomic mass, atomic number, electron energy level, protium, deuterium, tritium, ion, covalent bond, ionic bond, molecule, compound, structural formula, dots structure, mixture, alloy, solution, pH, hydrogen ion, hydroxyl ions, acid, base, buffer. Modern Earth Science – Holt, Rinehart and Winston Pgs. 138 151. 5 -10 balanced. changes in the pH scale? 7) Compounds are chemically bonded whereas mixtures are physically united. 8) pH is determined by the amount of hydrogen ions in a substance. Energy Use and Resources Big Ideas Energy cannot be created or destroyed but change from a high to low quality. These laws affect energy usage. Fossil fuels are nonrenewable major sources of energy in the U.S. They have substantial impacts on the environment. Alternative energy comes from a variety of sources and has the potential to replace fossil fuels. Concepts 1) Energy can change form but cannot be created or destroyed. 2) Energy moves toward entropy in all systems. 3) Fossil fuels are nonrenewable resources that form in the earth over millions of years. They are the primary use of energy in the U.S. and their use has detrimental impacts on the environment. 4) Hydroelectric, wind, solar, geothermal, tidal, bio-fuels, and hydrogen fuel are renewable energy sources. 5) A variety of energy source can be converted into the generation of electricity. 6) Alternative energies Standards 3.4.10.B 4.3.10.A 4.8.10.A, B, C, D 4.2.10.A, B, c, D 4.9.10.A Competencies 1) Define and give examples of various forms of energy. 2) Define the laws of energy. 3) Compare the process in which fossil fuels formed. Compare the usage, cost, abundance, potential energy, and pollution impacts of coal oil and natural gas. 4) Explain how each of the renewable energies works as well as their benefits and limitations as energy sources. 5 )Explain the basic mechanism of how an energy source can be used for electricity (p. 449 – 450). 6) Categorize alternative energies based on their renewability, reliability, and impact to the environment. 7) Explain the basic process of nuclear fission and fusion as well as the concerns and impacts associated with fission. Essential Questions Vocabulary Textbook Pages What is potential and kinetic energy and how can energy change forms? Energy, potential, kinetic, entropy, gravitational, chemical, elastic, carbonization, coal, oil, petroleum, gas, peat, lignite, bituminous, anthracite, Clean Air Act, acid mine drainage, Mining Control and Reclamation Act, subsidence, hydrocarbons, hydroelectric, head, flow, wind, solar, passive, active, photovoltaics. Flat-plate collectors, parabolic lighting, geothermal, ethanol, biofues, hydrogen fuel, nuclear fission, Threemile island, Chernobyl, nuclear fusion Environmental Science – Person pgs 432 - 472 What are the laws of energy and how do they affect energy usage? How did fossil fuels form? How does coal mining affect the environment? How do coal, oil, and natural gas compare to one another in how they are used? What are the environmental impacts of petroleum on the environment? What are the options for renewable energy? Duration (in days) 15 - 20 have a variety of benefits and limitations that affect their use. What are the benefits and limitations of alternative energies? 7) Nuclear fission is a nonrenewable major energy source in the U.S. with multiple pros and cons. What are the concerns with nuclear energy? Geology and Geological History Big Ideas Concepts Minerals are compounds with distinct characteristics, whereas rocks are mixtures of minerals. 1) Mineral are nonrenewable resources with specific chemical and physical properties. Rocks are classified by formation and organized in three main groups. The earth is estimated to be 4.6 billion years old based on fossils and rock layers. Geological time is divided into units based on fossils and rock layers. Plate Tectonics is the leading theory explaining primary geological features’ processes on the planet. 2) Mineral scan be identified by specific observable tests. 3) Rock changes due to various processes that create a cycle. Standards 3.5.10.A, B 4.8.10.A, B Competencies 1) List characteristics and facts associated with minerals and group them based on their chemical formula. 2) Identify minerals based on their characteristics used to identify minerals including unusual properties. 3) Draw the rock cycle with all its stages and processes. 4) Igneous rocks form from cooling magma/lava and are grouped based on how they cool and their mineral content. 4) Group igneous rocks based on their formation and mineral content using examples of each grouping. 5) Igneous rocks form various intrusive and extrusive features 6) Group sedimentary rocks based on their formation and sediment using examples. 6) Sedimentary rocks are grouped by how they form and the type of sediment they are composed of. 7) Describe sedimentary features. 5) Define igneous intrusions and extrusions. 8) Group metamorphic rocks based on their formation and description. Know the examples of each grouping. Essential Questions 1) What is a mineral? 2) What characteristics are used to identify minerals? 3) What are the processes involved in the rock cycle? 4) What are two major grouping of igneous rocks and how do mineral content determine igneous rock families? 5) What are the eight basic igneous intrusions and extrusions? 6) What are clastic and non-clastic sedimentary rocks? 7) What are examples of sedimentary features? 8) What is the difference Vocabulary Textbook Pages Duration (in days) Mineral, silicate, nonsilicate, halide, native element, sulfide, sulfate, carbonate, color, luster, streak, cleavage, fracture, Moh’s scale, radioactivity, double refraction, magnetism, fluorescence, phosfluorescence, Rocks, igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic, sediment, lava, magma, weathering, clastic, non-clasic, precipitate, evaporate, calcite, quartz, intrusive, extrusive, intrusions, extrusions, mafic, intermediate, felsic, batholiths, laccolith, stock, sill, dike, fossil, geode, concretion, stratification, ripple marks, mud cracks, era, period, epoch, geolocial column, Isostasy, continental drift, Pangaea, sea floor spreading, paleomagnetism, rift valley, volcanoes, earthquakes, converging, diverging and transform plate boundaries, Modern Earth Science – Holt, Rinehart and Winston Pgs. 157 – 191, 345 – 359, 365 – 367, 67 - 92 15 - 20 7) Various identifiable sedimentary features exist in the earth. 9) Explain the concept of Isostasy, Continental Drift and Sea Floor Spreading (Paleomagnetism) in regards to what they revel about the Earth. 8) Metamorphic rocks form from heat and pressure and are classified as foliated or non-foliated rocks. 10) List the major divisions of geological time including significant facts form each era and period. 9) Early ideas and findings led to the theory of plate tectonics. 11) Define plate tectonics. Describe and diagram all the ways that tectonic plates move along boundaries and what causes this motion. Explain how volcanoes, earthquakes, mountain, and sea floor features are related to this process. 10) Geological time is divided due to rock and fossil records. 11) Plate Tectonics is the theory that explains the movement of continents and many geological features and occurrences. between contact and regional metamorphism and foliated and nonfoliated rocks? 9) What is the Theory of Continental Drift? 10) What marks the major divisions in geological time? 11) How does Plate Tectonics explain the oceanic features, the movement of continents, mountains, volcanoes, and rift valleys? 12) Explain relative dating and the exceptions to superposition by ordering rock layers in a diagram. 12) How does the law of superposition relate to the process of relative dating? 13) Explain absolute age, radioactive elements, index fossils and half life by completing basic half-life problems. 13) How does the concept of half-life relate to the process of radioactive dating? Standards Competencies Essential Questions 3.5.10.A 4.2.10.A, B, C 4.4.10.A, B, c 4.3.10.A, B 4.9.10.A 1) Define various types of weathering from a description or situation and describe the factors that affect their rate. 12) Rocks can be dated through the law of superposition. 13) Rocks can be dated through measuring the half-life of radioactive elements. relative dating, law of superposition, varve count, relative dating, absolute dating, half-life Soils and Land Use Big Ideas Soil is formed through weathering and decomposition. Soil properties affect Concepts 1) Rocks weather into soil by physical and chemical means at various rates. 2) Soil is made through 2) Name and describe the What are the various types of physical weathering? What are the various types of chemical Vocabulary Textbook Pages Weathering, abrasion, ice wedging, organic activity, oxidation, carbonization, hydrolysis, plant acid, acid precipitation, topography, surface area, soil, texture, Modern Earth Science – Holt, Rinehart and Winston pgs. 219 - 237 Duration (in days) 10 – 15 land use. Soil is a natural resource that is being lost through erosion and can be controlled by conservation methods. Human population is determined by available land use and irrigation. Plant nutrients found in soil are essential to productivity. decomposition and weathering and is comprised of mineral, humus, air and water pore space. 3) Mature soils develop distinct horizons due to decomposition, leaching, accumulation, and weathering. components of soil. Describe the qualities of each of the three texture particles. 3) Name and describe the four basic soil horizons as well as the processes that occur in each. 4) Describe the difference between transported and residual soil. Define the various types of transported soil. 4) Soil can be residual or transported in nature. 5) List key facts, terms, and occurrences in our country’s history of erosion. 5) Soil is an important natural resource and has been lost by erosion for land mismanagement. 6) Recognize types of erosion through description and apply appropriate soil conservation techniques to various erosion situations. 6). Various conservation techniques can be used to minimize the loss of topsoil from erosion. 7) Define urban sprawl and list its environmental and economic effects. 7) Urban sprawl has multiple detrimental effects on the economy and the environment. 8) Human population is affected by available food resources and agriculture techniques. 9) Human population pyramids can be rapid, slow, or negative in growth rate. 10) Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, are essential 8) Explain ways in which overpopulated countries use agriculture and irrigation techniques. 9) Explain the three type of human population pyramids. 10) Determine and recognize the various components of the major nutrients in soil as well as the effects of pH. 11) Read N-P-K values and choose an organic and synthetic fertilizer as well as the various substances that either raise or lower pH. weathering? What is soil comprised of and how does it form? What is soil texture and soil structure? How do soil horizons form and what are the characteristics of each horizon? How do soils pick up properties of the bedrock they weather from? How are soils transported? How do poor farming practices lead to erosion and what was the significance of the Dust Bowl? What are the types of erosion and what techniques can be used to control them? What causes urban sprawl to occur and what are the impacts? How do overpopulated countries deal with land use issues? What is population momentum and structure, humus, sand, silt, clay, infiltration, percolation, soil horizons, decomposition, leaching, accumulation, bedrock, transported, residual, loam, aggregates, alluvial, colluvial, Aeolian, glacial till, plow, monocultures, topsoil, subsoil, parent material, dust bowl, SCS, NRCS, soil survey, rill, gulley, sheet, mass erosion, silt fences, contour farming, cover crops, windbreaks, stripcropping, diversion terraces, grassed waterways, salinization, aquifer, recharge rate, population momentum, fertility rate, population pyramids, green revolution, N-P-K, organic fertilizer, synthetic fertilizer, pH, ground limestone Environmental Science – Person pgs. 198 - 248 components of soil in regards to plant productivity. 12) Explain the advantages and disadvantages of synthetic and organic fertilizers. 11) There are pros and cons to synthetic and organic fertilizers. population pyramid? What do nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium provide for plant? How do you read N-P-K values and how to you adjust your soil with fertilizers? Water Quality and Aquatic Environments Big Ideas Concepts Standards Pesticides affect the environment and human health. 1) Pesticides usage has had damaging environmental effects. Integrated pest management is the modern approach to pest management. 2) Integrated pest management involves a variety of techniques of control pest with less impact on the environment. 4.1.10.A, B, C, D, E 4.3.10.A, B, C 4.5.10.A, B, C 4.9.10.A 3.5.10.D Water quality is determined by various biological, physical, and chemical parameters. Pollution can be categorized as either point or non-point in nature. Aquatic environments transition biologically and physically in a 3) Biological, chemical and physical factors in an aquatic environment can be measured to determine the health of that environment. 4) Water pollution can be viewed in two categories: point source and non-point source. Competencies 1) Describe the history of pesticides and the effects of chlorinated hydrocarbons on the environment. 2) Explain the various techniques of integrated pest management. 3) Explain the major physical and chemical factors that affect water. Recognize which values aquatic organisms would prefer based and which values would be considered polluted. 4) Describe the major sources of water pollution, their effects on the aquatic systems, and if they are considered point or non-point sources. 5) Define terms associated water purification and common water Essential Questions What were the early forms of pesticides? What are chlorinated hydrocarbons? What was the significance of the book “Silent Spring”? What are examples of integrated pest management? What are biological indicators? What chemical and physical parameters determine the health of a stream? Vocabulary Textbook Pages Pesticide, herbicide, insecticides, chlorinated hydrocarbons, DDT, persistence, resistance, bioaccumulation, Rachael Carson, tolerance levels, MCL, IPM, pesticides, D.O., B.O.D, pH, hardness, nitrates, phosphates, limestone streams, riparian buffers, point source pollution, non-point source pollution, AMD, Acid precipitation, thermal coliform bacteria, indicator organism, cryptosporidiosis, giardasis, potable water, chlorination, UV light, heat, carbon filter, superchlorination, headwater, cold water, warm water, estuary, brackish, watershed, Environmental Science – Person pgs. 249 - 330 Duration (in days) 15 -20 days watershed. Wetlands are important ecosystems to humans and the environment. 5) Water treatment involves various methods to purify water of pollutants and pathogens. pathogens. 6) Explain the concepts of watersheds and stream order. Compare the various transitions of aquatic environments by comparing their physical and biological characteristics. 6) Watersheds are the natural drainage areas of a region. Streams transition physically, chemically, and biologically. 7) List the characteristics and types of wetland environments. Describe the functions and values of wetlands. 7) Wetland are characterized by standing water, saturated soils, and hydrophytic vegetation. In addition to wildlife habitat, wetlands provide a host of ecological functions and services. What are examples of point and non-point pollution? stream order, weltand, hydrophytic, exceptional value wetland How can water be made potable? What are some common water pathogens? How does watershed management affect everyone? What is a wetlands? What functions and values do wetlands provide? Meteorology Big Ideas Concepts Meteorology is the study of the atmosphere. 1) The atmosphere is comprised mostly of nitrogen and oxygen and is divided into layers based on changes in temperature. Solar energy is affected by the atmosphere and surface of the earth creating temperature and pressure differences. Convection of air is wind and is the driving force behind global wind cells, local breezes, and the 2) Air pressure is the ratio of air molecules to area and varies throughout the atmosphere. 3) The ozone layer Standards 3.5.10.C 4.3.10.A, B 4.8.10.C Competencies 1) List all the components of the atmosphere and describe the various layers of the atmosphere including why they change and their various characteristics. 2) Explain the concept of air pressure and how it is measured. 3) Explain the significance of the ozone layer. Explain the problems with the ozone and the solutions. 4) Order the electromagnetic Essential Questions What gases comprise the atmosphere? What are the four layers of the atmosphere and what are the characteristics of each? What is the equation for air pressure and what factors affect it? What is destroying the ozone layer and what Vocabulary Meteorology, atmosphere, weather, air pressure, barometer, aneroid, mercurial, troposphere, tropopause, stratosphere, ozone, CFCs, Montreal Protocol, mesosphere, thermosphere, ionosphere, exosphere, radiation, adsorption, reflection, scattering, electromagnetic spectrum, albedo, greenhouse effect, conduction, convection, Textbook Pages Duration (in days) Environmental 25 - 35 Science – Person pgs 90 – 96. Modern Earth Science – Holt, Rinehart and Winston pgs. 455 - 519 jet stream. Air masses, frontal boundaries, cyclones, anticyclones, and jet streams create weather patterns. shields life from ultraviolet radiation but is thinning from manmade chemical such as CFCs 4) The electromagnetic spectrum varies with intensity in energy due to the wavelength of each type of energy. 5) Light and heat in the atmosphere are absorbed or reflected by the ground and atmosphere. 6) The greenhouse effect is a natural process responsible for the heating of the planet. 7) Global climate change may be occurring due to the rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide. 8) Latitude, seasons, elevation, proximity to water and absorption rate create atmospheric temperature variations. 9) Convection is the driving force behind many weather phenomena. 10) The Coriolis Effect is the effect of the earth’s rotation on the planet. 11) Local breezes are spectrum and explain how and why each form of energy is different. 5) Explain the effects of radiation, scattering, reflection, and absorption of heat and light in the atmosphere. are the effects of its destruction? 6) Explain the greenhouse effect in terms of energy and wavelengths. Why is the sky blue? 7) Explain the possible environmental consequences of global climate change. 8) List factors that cause variation of temperature on the planet. 9) Define and diagram conduction and convection and how convection relates to global and local winds. 10) Explain how the Coriolis effect affects global wind cells and the jet stream. What is the order of the electromagnetic spectrum from long to short wavelengths? What is the greenhouse effect? What are the possible consequences of global climate change? What factors affect variation in temperature across the planet? How does a convection cycle work and how does it relate to global wind cells? 11) Diagram sea, land, valley and mountain breezes. How does the Coriolis effect alter global winds? 12) Explain and draw the saturation curve relating it to humidity and dew point. What is the jet stream? 13) Explain and diagram how clouds form including identification and descriptions of cloud types. 14) Explain how precipitation is formed and define the various types of precipitation. 15) Name, locate, and describe the seven air masses of North America. How does humidity relate to temperature and dew point temperature? What is dew and frost? How do clouds form? How do cumulus, stratus, and cirrus high pressure, low pressure, Hadley cells, Coriolis effect, trade winds, prevailing westerlies, polar easterlies, doldrums, horse latitudes, jet stream, land breeze, sea breeze, mountain breeze, valley breeze, specific humidity, water vapor, relative humidity, dew point, saturation curve, dew, frost, condensation, sublimation, hair hygrometer, sling psychrometer, condensation nuclei, convective cooling, advective cooling, forceful lifting, temperature change, fog, cumulus, stratus, cirrus, nimbostratus, stratocumulus, cirrostratus, cirrocumulus, contrails, cumulonimbus, cirrostratus, altostratus, altocumulus, rain, snow, drizzle, glaze ice, hail, sleet, coalescence, supercooling, air mass, maritime, continental, polar, tropical, cold front, quall line, warm front, occluded front, stationary front, cyclone, anticyclone, gust front, updrafts, downdrafts stepped leader, isobars, ridge trough, converging and diverging jet stream, tornado, funnel cloud, wall cloud, Fujita scale, sheet lightning, heat lightning, thunder, hurricane, typhoon, Saffir-Simpson scale, Bermuda high, storm surge createe due to temperature and pressure differences created by land, water, and elevation. 12) The saturation of water vapor in the atmosphere is affected by air temperature. 13) Clouds are formed by various methods that all include the water condensing on nuclei when air reaches dew point temperature. 14) Precipitation is formed through coalescence and supercooling. 15) Air masses are determined by temperature and moisture content. 16) Fronts form when air masses meet. 17) Isobars and frontal symbols indicate areas of high and low pressure. 18) Cyclones form in troughs of a wave in the jets stream and high pressure forms in the ridge of the jet stream. 19) Thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes are extreme weather events with clouds differ? 16) Diagram and describe cold, warm, occluded, and stationary fronts. 17) Interpret weather maps and symbols. 18) Explain the formation of a wave cyclone by relating it to a diverging and converging jet stream and troughs and ridges in the jet stream. 19) Diagram and list characteristics about thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. 20) Diagram and explain the creation of lightning and thunder. How does hail form? What is supercooling and coalescence? What are the four basic types of air masses? How do cold, warm, stationary, and occluded fronts differ? How does the jet stream create weather systems and patterns? How do thunderstorms form? How do tornadoes and hurricanes differ? What creates lightning and thunder? specific characteristics. 20) Lighting is electrical discharge in the atmosphere.