Evangelical Christian Academy
Instructional Guide: Course Outline
Department: Science
Course Title: Earth Science
Course Length: 2 semesters
Unit #4: Mountain Building Processes
Mountains and High Hills, Earthquakes and
Volcanoes
Chapter 16, Chapter 17
Unit Length: 28-32 days
Essential Questions:
How can maps and models be used to understand interactions on earth?
How does the movement of the Earth’s crust affect life?
Why does the Earth’s surface look the way it does?
How can recognizing and understanding patters help one understand what is going on in the
earth system?
How can erosional/depositional systems be modeled?
Instructional Objectives:
Students will be able to:
 Distinguish between elevation, actual height, and relief; and when given appropriate
data, and calculate each for a given mountain or region
 Demonstrate a basic proficiency in interpreting contour relief maps, determining
elevation on a map, and identifying points of steep and flat terrain
 Describe the processes by which mountains were formed or in some cases are forming
today
 Explain the features of various types of depositional and erosional mountains
 Describe the common types of folds and faults
 Discuss and debate the history of the development of the contemporary plate tectonics
theory held by most geologists and the relationship to mountain building
 Describe geologic features associated with sea-floor spreading and plate subduction
 Compare earthquake intensity with Richter magnitude
 Compare and contrast the focus and epicenter of an earthquake
 Describe hazards caused by earthquakes
 Describe the characteristics of the three types of earth waves
 Analyze the possibilities of earthquake prediction
 Categorize liquid, solid, and gaseous volcanic emissions
 Classify volcanoes based on the structure of their cones
 Explain how a volcano’s explosivity is assessed
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If there is time:
Classify volcanoes based on their location
Compare and contrast two ways ground water is heated
Describe how surface features caused by heated groundwater are formed
Discuss the advantages and difficulties of collecting and using geothermal energy
Earth Science Unit #4
Revised 2/17/2016 kl
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Instructional Resources:
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ActivBoard
Student instructional manual
Bible
Magnifying lens/Ruler/Clay
Topographic maps
Seismograph model
Volcano models
Compass/ruler
Optional lab--Types of volcanoes worksheets
Optional lab--Magma chamber worksheets
Biblical Integration:
 Zech. 14:4 Mark 13:3What was the significance of the elevation of the Mount of
Olives and the Temple Mount
 Discuss plate tectonics from a Christian perspective
 Discuss significant earthquakes and volcanoes in the Bible. Include the breakup of the
waters of the deep in the Genesis Flood. The giving of the 10 commandments in
Exodus. A new type earthquake, where the earth opened up and swallowed alive those
who murmured against Moses. The earthquake at the time of Christ’s crucifixion.
Assessments:
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Class participation/discussion (grammar, logic, and introductory rhetoric)
Quizzes
Journal entries (grammar, logic)
Homework (review to develop understanding and mastery)
Test
Evaluation of lab investigations and accompanying questions on labs
Evaluation of debate on plate tectonics
Student Activities:
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Lab—Making a model and relief map of a mountain (skill, logic)
Lab—Making a profile map of a mountain (skill, grammar)
Lab—Evaluation of topographical maps (skill, logic)
Demostration—seismograph (logic)
Optional lab—Make paper models of volcanoes (skill)
Lab—Finding the epicenter of an earthquake (logic, skill)
Optional lab— Types of volcanoes (skill)
Earth Science Unit #4
Revised 2/17/2016 kl
Page 2 of 2