UNIT 4
Our Planet Earth
Essential Learnings Included in this Section. Yr 7
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Expand their knowledge of science to include abstract concepts, theories, principles and models drawn from Earth sciences, applying these to
particular situations for example, modelling earthquakes as examples of geological processes
Explore how scientific work has led to the discovery of new knowledge and understanding about the natural world and changed our understanding of
ourselves and our possible destiny.
Use a range of tools, for example, computer models, images and simulations, to explain and interpret observations.
Practise safe, responsible and ethical behaviour when conducting investigations using standard equipment and chemicals
Explain the relationships, past and present, in living and non-living systems, in particular ecosystems, and human impact on these systems
Use time scales to explain the changing Earth and its place in space
Make systematic observations and interpret recorded data appropriately, according to the aims of the study.
Work effectively in a group to use science ideas to make operating models of devices.
Interact – via field studies – rock formations at 1770, dune and beach studies, wave action, tides and weathering
Vocabulary Unit Four
1. lithosphere volcanic activity earthquakes magnetic field cosmic rays tectonic plates convection currents volcanoes continent
2. earthquake seismologists seismometer seismograph focus epicentre Richter scale Mercalli scale aftershock tsunami
3. active dormant extinct dead eruptions fissures fume magma magma chamber lava hydrogen sulphide volcanic dust ash lahar jet-stream
winds volcanic bombs
4. weathering erosion sediment mechanical weathering expands decomposition acid rain
5. air atmosphere jet-stream winds ozone ultraviolet radiation thermosphere aurora meteor oxygen carbon dioxide nitrogen visible light infrared greenhouse gases global warming hole chlorofluorocarbons
6. expands convection evaporating condenses rain sleet snow low high cyclone hurricane typhoon
Section
Learning Strategies
Practical Activities
Homework Book
Worksheets
Companion
Website Activities
What on Earth
Visual - Spatial
Verbal – Linguistic
Interpersonal, Intrapersonal
Inquiry, Locating
Researching
Imagining and Constructing
Prac 1. Planet Egg
9.1 Cut-away Earth
Web Destinations:
Tectonic plates
Researching Planet
Earth
Earthquakes
Visual – Spatial
Verbal – Linguistic
Bodily – Kinaesthetic
Imagining – A tsunami
warning system
Researching
Prac 1 Building a
seismometer
9.2 Earthquake
epicentres
9.3 The Mercalli
Earthquake scale
9.4 Earthquake statistics
9.5 Tsunami statistics
Web Destinations:
Animations and pictures
of earthquake activity
Videos Earthquakes
Clickview – Science
Geology studies
Volcanoes
Visual – Spatial
Verbal – Linguistic
Bodily – Kinaesthetic
Locating – atlas
Constructing – Volcano
Cooking – making rock
types
Prac 1 Volcanic clouds
Prac 2 In conjunction
with Yr5 students – make
volcano
Prac 3. Make igneous
rocks, metamorphic and
conglomerate - cooking
D/D: Erupting volcano
Videos – Movement of
the earth
Volcanoes
Mt St Helen’s volcanic
dust – personally
collected in 1980
Visual – Spatial
Verbal – Linguistic
Bodily - Kinaesthetic
Researching: dictionary /
erosion/ gargoyles
Prac 1. You’re cracking
me up
Prac 2. Acid rain
Weathering and
erosion
9.6 Volcano
Web Destinations:
Volcanic Eruptions
Assessment task –
related to camp activities
or Toothpaste
advertisement – the
minerals within
Other resources
Clickview – Learning
Federation
Our Planet Earth
QLD Resources Council
Science Rocks material
Yr 7 camp to 1770 and
Bustard Head – study of
rock formations and how
they formed
Multi Media Presentation
The Atmosphere
Weather
Chapter Review
Visual – Spatial
Verbal – Linguistic
Bodily – Kinaesthetic
Logical – Mathematical
collecting temperature data
Researching the
atmosphere/global warming
Interpreting evidence:
Global warming
Prac 1. An already wet
planet
Prac 2. An even wetter
planet
Visual – Spatial
Verbal – Linguistic
Bodily - Kinaesthetic
Logical – Mathematical
Observing and interpreting
satellite photos
Collecting and interpreting
weather details from local
newspaper
Prac 1. Making clouds
Web Destinations:
Greenhouse gases
9.7 Cloud Types
9.8 Our planet Earth
Crossword
9.9 Sci-words
Knowledge and Scientific
Process Test
Alternative assessment
on a specific area of
interest to the students
TBA
Companion Website:
Satellite photos of
weather patterns
Interactive Animation:
The water cycle
Bundaberg City Council
– Water Education for
you and Your School
Resources
Catalyst – ABC TV
Interactive crossword:
Our planet Earth
Review questions