TOMS RIVER SCIENCE
CURRICULUM
Content Area:
Course Title: General Science
Date Created:
Board Approved on: August 2012
Grade Level: 5
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TOMS RIVER SCIENCE CURRICULUM
Unit Overview
Content Area: EARTH SCIENCE
Unit Title: Dynamic Earth
Target Course/Grade Level: 5
Unit Summary: Students will discover evidence that indicates that the continents have moved and describe the events caused by plate movements. Students explain how weathering, erosion, and deposition changed the earth. The three main kinds of rocks and how they may change form are discussed, is a description on how fossils can indicate changes in the earth.
Primary interdisciplinary connections: Math, Language Arts and Technology
21 st century themes: All students will develop an understanding of the nature and impact of technology, engineering, technological design, and the designed world, as they relate to the individual, global society, and the universe. For further clarification see NJ World Class
Standards Introductions at www.njccs.org
Learning Targets
Content Standards
5.1 This unit will discuus Earth’s current structure has been influenced by both sporadic and gradual events. Changes caused by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can be observed on a human time scale, but many geological processes, such as mountain building and the shifting of continents, are observed on a geologic time scale.
9.1This unit will infuse the four strands of the 21 st Century Life and Careers Standard 9.1, Strands A-D.
These include: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving; Creativity and Innovation; Collaboration,
Teamwork, and Leadership; and Cross-Cultural Understanding and Interpersonal Communication.
5.4
-Earth Systems Science: All students will understand that Earth operates as a set of complex, dynamic, and interconnected systems, and is a part of the all-encompassing system of the universe.
8.1
- All students will use digital tools to access, manage, evaluate, and synthesize information in order to solve problems individually and collaboratively and to create and communicate knowledge
8.2 All students will develop an understanding of the nature and impact of technology, engineering, technological design, and the designed world, as they relate to the individual, global society, and environment.
CPI # Cumulative Progress Indicator (CPI)
Earth Systems Science
5.4.6.B.1
Observe the sediment types and sizes in samples of sedimentary rocks using hand lenses, and infer the environment and origin in which these sediments accumulated.

5.4.6.B.2
Earth’s current structure has been influenced by both sporadic and gradual events. Changes caused by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can be observed on a human time scale, but many geological processes, such as mountain building and the shifting of continents, are observed on a geologic time scale.
5.4.6.B.3 Moving water, wind, and ice continually shape Earth’s surface by eroding rock and soil in some areas and depositing them in other areas.
5.4.6.B.4
Erosion plays an important role in the formation of soil, but too much erosion can wash away fertile soil from ecosystems, including farms.
5.4.6.C.3 To determine what evidence that show that continents have moved. Learn about the theory of plate tectonics. Describe what event are caused by plate movements.
Unit Essential Questions

Distinguish the differences amongst the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere

Distinguish the differences amongst the core, crust, and mantle.

What causes plate tectonics?
Unit Objectives
Students will know…
5.4.6.B.1. sediment types and sizes in samples of sedimentary rocks using hand lenses, and infer the environment and origin in which these sediments accumulated.
Students will know:
5.4.6.B.2
Students will know the events that occur through plate tectonics
Students will know:
5.4.6.B.3

Students learn how the process of weathering, erosion, and deposition changed the earth’s surface.
Unit Enduring Understandings
Students will understand that…

Earth is divided into different layers

The main gases that surround the earth
 75% of Earth’s surface is covered by water

There is an extreme distinction between the core, crust, and mantel.
Unit Objectives
Students will be able to…
5.4.6.B.1

Learn how rocks change form

Learn how fossils tell how the earth has changed.

Tell the age of one rock layer in relation to the age of another rock layer
 Discover how scientists use fossils to determine the age of rock layers.
5.4.6.B.2

Explain the formation of earthquakes do to the movement of plates

Discover the formation of volcanoes compared to the formation of mountains

Discover different theories on how the continents formed
5.4.6.B.3

Tell the difference between physical and chemical weathering.

Discuss how freezing water caused physical

Students will know:
5.4.6.B.4
The importance of erosion in the formation of soil.
Students will know:
5.4.6.C.3
To determine what evidence that show that continents have moved. Learn about the theory of plate tectonics. Describe what events are caused by plate movements. weather of rock.

Discuss the causes of weathering.

Describe how deposition causes deltas to form.


Will be able to discover the theory of Pangea
Students will discuss other scientific theories on how the continents moved.

TOMS RIVER SCIENCE CURRICULUM
Evidence of Learning
Suggested Formative Assessments

Teacher observation

Completed Labs

Anecdotal records

Classroom Application Documents (CADs) available
@http://www.njcccs.org/ResourcebyContentAreaLink.aspx

Science journals/notebooks
 Students’ responses

School Wide Formative Assessments
Suggested Summative Assessments

Unit Tests

Performance Assessments

School Wide Summative Assessments
Modifications (ELLs, Special Education, Gifted and Talented)

Culturally available texts, worksheets, CDs, and A/V materials.

Differentiated Instruction as needed.

Follow all IEP modifications/504 plan
Curriculum development Resources/Instructional Materials/Equipment Needed Teacher Resources:

See Classroom Application Documents (CADs) @ http://www.njcccs.org/ResourcebyContentAreaLink.aspx
pp. 5.4.1-4
 http://www.njcccs.org/TechnologyToolbox.aspx
www.montereyinstitute.org/noaa/lesson01.html
www.montereyinstitute.org/noaa/lesson02.html
(plate tectonics) http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/kids/ ( earthquakes) http://edtech.kneensaw.edu/web/earthqu.html
( earthquakes) http://volcanoworld.worldpress.com/ (volcanoes) www.brainpop.com
Teacher Notes: