SCIENCE CURRICULUM MAPPING-Unit Plan
Timeline
Subject/Grade
Course Content
3 days
Physical Geology
Ocean
Topic
Thermal Energy and
Water Density
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
Looking Forward
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.
Content Standards
PG.IMSR.14
Key Ideas



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Composition of Ocean Water
Salinity of Ocean Water
Temperature of Ocean Water
Density of Ocean Water

Color of Ocean Water
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.
Technological advances must be used to illustrate the physical features of the Earth, including the ocean floor. Interpreting geologic history using maps of local
cross-sections of bedrock can be related to the geologic history of Ohio, the United States and the Earth.
Misconceptions
Ocean Systems:
Sea level is level (reinforced by common use of sea level as base for surveying).
Sea level is constant - apart from changes due to ice volume (ignoring changes due to temperature or long term changes in speed of plate motions).
Coastlines are continent edges, the edges of continental crust, or plate boundaries.
Coastal systems and ocean systems tend to be constant through time (stasis).
Waves and surf are synonymous terms - or wave motion involves net long distance movement of water particles (common use of 'waves' for surf, knowledge of
message bottles cast into water traveling long distances).
Tsunamis are immense (100's of feet tall) waves/surf (Hollywood depictions)
Second tidal bulge (away from Moon) is due to Moon's reduced gravitational attraction <a>(specifically described as such in many textbooks).</a>
Second tidal bulge (away from Moon) is due to Moon pulling solid Earth more than water (again specifically described in many of the textbooks that do not claim
the above).
Ocean currents, like North Atlantic Current) sink because of their temperature (works with air masses, and air circulation system is familiar, simple and
symmetrical).
Upwelling occurs as deeper water layers warm and rise (again tied to students' knowledge of how air masses are affected by temperature).
Next two are secondary misconceptions that typically arise during class rather than prior:
Upwelling occurs as deeper water layers lose their salinity and rise (students like symmetry!).
Salinity changes produce temperature changes or vice versa
Instructional Input
Materials for Labs and Activities:
Instructional Resources: Details of materials to support instruction and learning
x Text: Modern Earth Science. Page #: Chapter 21 section 1 only
Safari Montage:__________________________
______________
Graphic Organizers:
_
Vocabulary ____________
Manipulative: _________
Mandatory Labs:
_________
x Activities: _page 411_________
Other: __________________________
Additional Resources
Password Protected : http://www.akronschools.com/dotCMS/login?referrer=/departments/ci/teaching-and-learning/science/curriculum/teacher-resources.dot
Topic Outline/Objectives
Procedures: Details of the sequence of instruction
Lesson 1: Standard:
Objective:
PG.IMSR.14
Resource: Modern Earth Science, Chapter 21 section 1
Describe the chemical properties of ocean water.
Lesson2: Standards: PG.IMSR.14
Resource: Modern Earth Science, Chapter 21 section 1
Objective: Describe the physical properties of ocean water.
Lesson 3: Standard: PG.IMSR.14
Resource: Modern Earth Science, Chapter 21 section 1 page 411
Objective: Test temperature and salinity using a straw float to see how these variables influence density.