Course: Earth/Physical, Level I
Instructor: Mr. Guanci
Semester: 8/27/13
Course Description: This course enables the student to develop an understanding of the
earth sciences and experience an introduction to physics.
Course Competencies:
C1: Geologic Forces
 Demonstrate how the Earth is composed of interactive layers and identify and
describe the major external and internal sources of energy on Earth and how they
give geologic and geographic evidence that helps support the validity of the
theory of plate tectonics.
 Explain the rock cycle, and how the different types of rocks help to predict the
likelihood of an Earth event.
 Relate how geologic time is determined using various dating methods.
 Demonstrate how the moon and Earth’s rotation and winds create ocean currents
C2: Astrophysics
 Explain the relationships between or among the energy produced from nuclear
reactions, the origin of elements, and what electromagnetic waves the elements
produce to explain the movement and location of objects in the universe through
the use of sophisticated technology.
 Compare and contrast scientific evidence supporting and disputing the Big Bang
Theory leading up to the formation of stars and their respective life cycles.
 Describe the conditions that enable the Earth to support life, such as the
availability of water, the gravitational force, the electromagnetic field and the
intensity of radiation from the Sun.
C3: Electricity/Magnetism
 Explain the relationships between and among electrical charges, magnetic fields,
electromagnetic forces and atomic particles to explain their uses in modern
technology (Atomic/Hydrogen Bombs, Motors, Generators, and Radios, etc.) and
in nature (the Sun and other stars).
C4: Forces and Motion
 Interpret and apply the concepts of inertia, motion, momentum and acceleration to
the laws of motion in order to determine the effects of forces on the motion of
objects.
 Given information (e.g., graphs, data, diagrams), use the relationships between or
among force, mass, velocity, momentum, and acceleration to predict and explain
the motion of objects.
 Explain the effects on wavelength and frequency as electromagnetic waves
interact with matter (e.g., light diffraction, blue sky).
The mission of Pelham High School is to educate students so that they may pursue life goals,
participate fully as active citizens, and become socially responsible community members.
Updated January 2011
C5: Energy

Students will understand that all energy can be considered to be kinetic energy,
potential energy or energy contained by a field which can neither be created nor
destroyed but can be stored, transferred, or transformed.
Common Core State Standards
English Language
SL.9-10.2 Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats (e.g.,
visually, quantitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.
RST.9-10.9 Compare and contrast findings presented in a text to those from other sources
(including their own experiments), nothing when the findings support or contradict previous
explanations or accounts.
SL.11-12.2 Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media
(e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) in order to make informed decisions and solve problems,
evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source and noting any discrepancies among the
data.
RST.11-12.9 Synthesize information from a range of sources (e.g., texts, experiments,
simulations) into a coherent understanding of a process, phenomenon, or concept, resolving
conflicting information when possible.
Mathematics S.ID Summarize, represent, and interpret data on two categorical and quantitative
variables.
S.IC Make inferences and justify conclusions from sample surveys, experiments, and
observational studies.
School-Wide Expectations for Student Learning:
·
Use effective reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing skills
·
Use math, science, and technology to solve authentic problems
·
Turnitin.com is an academic plagiarism detector utilized by teachers and students
to avoid plagiarism and to ensure academic integrity. Students in this class will
submit writing assignments through turnitin.com. The teacher will assist students
in creating an online account for this course so that they can submit designated
assignments for due dates. Final drafts of writing assignments must demonstrate
an acceptable level of authenticity.
·
List of Required Text:
1.
Readings, handouts, and activities will be assembled into a binder.
2.
A variety of texts will be used as reference material including –Hsu, Tom. (2008).
Physics A First Course. CPO Science: Nashua, N.H. (In Class Reference)
Video Resources
Miracle Planet Episode 1Discovery
Planet of Life Discovery
Tsunami NOVA
The mission of Pelham High School is to educate students so that they may pursue life goals,
participate fully as active citizens, and become socially responsible community members.
Updated January 2011
Energy & Work Cambridge Education
Sports Figures Physics Series GO NE
Understanding Car Crashes Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Get the Feeling Speed Sports Illustrated
Units of Study with Pacing Guide:
1.
Geologic Forces
2.
Astrophysics
3.
Electricity & Magnetism
4.
Motion
5.
Energy
Assessment Activities and Grading:
Final Exam
20%
Formative Assessment
10%
Summative Assessment
70%
Requirements for Class: 1. 2-3 inch Binder:
As you sign below, you have been informed of the requirements for Earth/Physical, Level II.
Your teacher may be reached at PHS at 635-2115.
Signature of Parent/Guardian__________________________________ Date _______
Signature of Student _________________________________________Date _______
The mission of Pelham High School is to educate students so that they may pursue life goals,
participate fully as active citizens, and become socially responsible community members.
Updated January 2011