SCIENCE CURRICULUM MAPPING-Unit Plan
Timeline
Subject/Grade
1 day
Physical Geology
Course Content
Topic
Glaciers and
Transgressing and
Sedimentary Rocks
Regressing sea levels
Science Inquiry and- Application
During the years of grades 9 through 12, all students must use the following scientific processes with appropriate laboratory safety techniques to
construct their knowledge and understanding in all science content areas:
• Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations;
• Design and conduct scientific investigations;
• Use technology and mathematics to improve investigations and communications;
• Formulate and revise explanations and models using logic and evidence (critical thinking);
• Recognize and analyze explanations and models; and
• Communicate and support a scientific argument.
Looking Back
This unit builds upon the fourth-grade introduction of Earth’s surface
(landforms and features, including glacial geology) and the middle school
Earth and Space Science strand, with sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic
rocks, sediment and soils, the geologic record and Earth’s history, the
cryosphere and the relationship of the analysis of ice cores in understanding
changes in climate over thousands of years. Fossils and fossil evidence within
the geologic record is found in the Life Science strand, building from second
grade through high school biology.
This unit builds upon the middle school Earth and Space Science strand
(beginning in grade 6). Sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks are
introduced, rocks and minerals are tested and classified, plate tectonics,
seismic waves and the structure of Earth are studied, and the geologic record
is found (including the evidence of climatic variances through Earth’s history).
In the middle school Life Science strand, fossils and depositional
environments are included as they relate to the documented history of life in
the geologic record. In the physical science syllabus, support for waves,
thermal energy, currents, pressure and gravity are presented.
Looking Forward
Content Standards
PG.IMSR.21
Key Ideas
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Ice sheets
Glaciers
Erosion
Deposition
Environmental and human impact of glacier melt
Content Elaboration
While the ocean is included within the sedimentary topic, it can be incorporated into other topics. Features found in the ocean must include all types of
environments (igneous, metamorphic or sedimentary). Using models (3-D or virtual) with real-time data to simulate waves, tides, currents, feature formation
and changing sea levels to explore and investigate the ocean fully is recommended. Interpreting sections of the geologic record to determine sea level changes
and depositional environments, including relative age is also recommended.
Misconceptions
Glacial Systems:
The 'Ice Ages' happened in the past and are now over (common text book and science education movie terminology, as well as Hollywood movies and original
hypothesis).
The present Ice Caps have always existed on Earth, although their size has changed through time (few texts specifically mention that ice ages are the exception,
not the rule).
Glaciers can metamorphose rock (since they can erode and depress crust, why not alter it? textbook and movie emphasis on glacial efficiency and reinforced by
common association of metamorphosed Precambrian rock exposed in glacial areas.
Glaciers are only moving ice masses (with little to no concept of sediment transport).
Glacial ice moves backwards during glacial 'retreats' (like everything that retreats in real life)
Glacial ice is stationary during times when front is neither advancing or retreating.
Glacial retreat and advance is just motion of whole ice cap back and forth (sort of like a bad toupee) with no significant change in total ice volume (again idea of
stasis).
Use of 'bulldozer' analogy for glacial movement and sediment transport (earth science textbooks and secondary earth science education films).
Idea of four ice ages still prevalent in general earth science literature.
Instructional Input
Materials for Labs and Activities:
Instructional Resources: Details of materials to support instruction and learning
x Text: Modern Earth Science. Page #: 294-95 , pages 307-310
Safari Montage:__________________________
______________
Graphic Organizers:
_
Vocabulary ____________
Manipulative: _________
Mandatory Labs:
_________
x Activities: _____In-depth Investigations manual page73-76 _____
Other: __________________________
Additional Resources
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Topic Outline/Objectives
Procedures: Details of the sequence of instruction
Lesson 1: Standards: PG.IMSR.21
Resource: Modern Earth Science, Page 294-95 in book
In-depth Investigations manual Page 73-76
Pages 307-310 give background information
Objectives: Construct a model to simulate what would happen if the Antarctic Ice sheet melted.