Keller ISD
Academic Year 2011-2012
Subject/Grade Level: ___Earth and Space Science______________
Unit Overview
Summary/Big
Ideas
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Unit 3 The Geosphere (13-15 days)
Structure of Earth (layers/surface features)
Plate tectonics
Continental drift
Geography and types of maps
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SEs and DSOs
Assurance
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Six Weeks: 1 2 3 4 5 6
ESS.9(A) - evaluate heat transfer through Earth's subsystems by
radiation, convection, and conduction and include its role in plate
tectonics, volcanism, ocean circulation, weather, and
climate.[V.B.1, V.B.2, 9A]
 ESS.9(A)_1 - The student will understand that heat transfer through
Earth's subsystems drives a wide variety of processes.[9A]
 ESS.9(B) - examine the chemical, physical, and thermal structure
of Earth's crust, mantle, and core, including the lithosphere and
asthenosphere[9B]
 ESS.9(B)_1 - The student will examine the chemical, physical, and thermal
structure of Earth's crust.[9B]
 ESS.9(B)_2 - The student will know that the Earth is comprised of layers
including the mantle, core, lithosphere and asthenosphere.
 ESS.9(C)-explain how scientists use geophysical methods such as
seismic wave analysis, gravity, and magnetism to interpret
Earth's structure.[9C]
 ESS.9(C)_1 - The students will explain the variety of methods employed by
scientists to interpret Earth's internal structure.[9C]
 ESS.10(A) - investigate how new conceptual interpretations of
data and innovative geophysical technologies led to the current
theory of plate tectonics.[IX.E.1, 10A]
 ESS.10(A)_1 - The student will investigate how new technologies and data
analysis have led to the current theory of plate tectonics.[10A]
 ESS.10(B) - describe how heat and rock composition affect
density within Earth's interior and how density influences the
development and motion of Earth's tectonic plates.[IX.E.1, IX.E.3,
10B]
 ESS.10(B)_1 - The student will investigate how the understanding of
Earth's density led to the formation of the current theory of plate tectonics
[IX.E.1, IX.E.2, 10B]
 ESS.10(C) - explain how plate tectonics accounts for geologic
processes and features, including sea floor spreading, ocean
ridges and rift valleys, subduction zones, earthquakes, volcanoes,
mountain ranges, hot spots, and hydrothermal vents.[10C]
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ESS.10(C)_1 - The student will explain how plate tectonics accounts for a
multitude of geologic processes and features.[10C]
Tectonic motion
Equilibrium
Words*
Vocabulary
Essential
Questions
Teacher
Suggestions
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Geosphere
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Athenosphere
Lithosphere
Subduction
Mantle
Core
Crust
Hydrothermal vents
What is the structure of the Earth’s interior?
How do continents move?
How are oceans formed?
* Assurance Words are pre-selected terms from each content area students will master each year. Based on student
expectations from the Texas Education Agency these words form a basis for instruction for teachers and serve as a
communication tool for parents. All may be assured these foundational words have been purposefully taught and
mastered by students at each grade level and subject area.
Six Steps to Effective Vocabulary Instruction
1. Provide a description, explanation, or example of the new term.
2. Ask students to restate the description, explanation, or example in their own words.
3. Ask students to construct a picture, symbol, or graphic representing the term or phrase.
4. Engage students periodically in activities that help them add to their knowledge of the terms in their
notebooks.
5. Periodically ask students to discuss the terms with one another.
6. Involve students periodically in games that allow them to play with terms.
Marzano, R. (2004). Building background knowledge for academic achievement. Alexandria, VA: Association for
Supervision and Curriculum Development.