EARTH SCIENCE GRADE 8 - Foxborough Regional Charter School - Curriculum Map 38 Objectives Covered in Grade 8/38 Total Objectives Grades 6-8

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Foxborough Regional Charter School

                    EARTH SCIENCE
                       GRADE 8

                   Curriculum Map
38 Objectives Covered in Grade 8/38 Total Objectives Grades 6-8
Introduction

The purpose of curriculum is to focus instruction in a grade level content / skill area.

The development of this curriculum map is a result of months of research, collaboration and hard work on the part of the entire Teaching &
Learning Division. The document itself is a living document; it is meant to be revisited on an annual basis by all those who use it: teachers,
paraprofessionals, special educators and other staff.

This particular model is a ‘back to basics’ approach to curriculum. The FRCS curriculum model is focused on standards based, measureable
learning objectives for all students. Our curriculum outlines the core knowledge base in a grade level; what a student should know and be able
to do by the end of a given year in a specific subject or skill area.

The FRCS curriculum model does not subscribe to any one boxed program or canned curriculum. Rather, FRCS develops its own curriculum and
employs a variety of instructional materials and learning experiences to facilitate student achievement of our learning objectives. Our
curriculum is thoughtfully designed to identify the core skills and knowledge that students need to be successful in each subsequent grade at
FRCS and beyond!

The enclosed document includes a complete subject area curriculum for one grade level as well as an overview of a vertical curriculum
articulation. The vertical articulation provides the context for this grade level curriculum; outlining what a student should have mastered prior
to entering this grade and what he or she will master upon promotion to the next grade level.
Vertical Curriculum Articulation

What is vertical articulation?
Vertical curriculum articulation is education-jargon for a map of standards that students will learn at each grade level in a particular content or
skill area. It is organized in a variety of forms, but the simplest (and easiest to read) is just a chart of standards and the years in which students
should master each standard in that subject.

What is the purpose of vertical curriculum articulation?
Vertical articulation gives curriculum direction and purpose. And in terms of this single grade level curriculum, it provides the context for the
learning objectives outlined in this map. It outlines what students have learned in the past and what they will be expected to learn long after
completing this grade level. ‘Backward design’ (another great education-jargon term for the 21st century)

How is this applicable for my classroom?
No matter which grade you teach, you are but one point in a child’s learning experience. The vertical curriculum articulation found on the next
page outlines where your role lays in the entire progression of students’ learning in this subject. As students arrive in your class this year and
you begin your pre-assessments, this vertical articulation will help you identify which concepts and skills your students still need and which
Vertical Articulation by Standards
Science: 2010-2011SY
Note: Science Standards are segregated K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. The Standards are grouped by topic with no commonality between numbers.
                                         Grade K            Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8
Earth Science (ES)
Earth Materials                          ES1             ES2       ES1, ES2     ES1, 3, 4      ES2-5        ES1-5                              ES2
Weather                                  ES3             ES3          ES3        ES7, 9         ES6        ES6, 7, 9
Earth/Solar System                       ES4                          ES4       ES 13, 15    ES13-15       ES13-15                            ES8-12
Patterns                                                 ES5          ES5       ES10, 11     ES10, 11      ES10, 11                           ES3, 4
Earth History                                                                     ES12         ES12          ES12                             ES5-7
Mapping                                                                                                                                        ES1

Life Science (LS)
Living Things                          LS1-3, 7        LS1, 3, 6   LS1-3, 6-8   LS1-3, 11    1, 2, 4, 11   LS1-4, 11               LS13-16
Heredity                                                 LS4          LS4                                                           LS7-9
Evolution                                                             LS5       LS6, 8, 9    LS6, 8, 9     LS6, 8, 9               LS10-12
Environment                                                                                                                        LS17, 18
Classification                                                                                                                       LS1
Systems                                                                                                                             LS5, 6
Cells                                                                                                                               LS2-4

Physical Science (PS)
Properties                               PS1             PS1          PS1          PS1          PS1          PS1       PS1, 2, 4
Matter                                                   PS2          PS2          PS2         PS2, 3       PS2, 3
Energy                                                                          4, 7, 9-10   4-5, 7-10      PS4-12     PS13-16
Motion                                   PS3             PS4         PS3-5                                             PS11, 12
Elements                                                                                                               PS6-8, 10
Tech.Eng. (TE)
Materials and Tools   TE1.1, 1.3   TE1.1-1.3   TE1.1-1.3    TE1.1-1.3    TE1.1-1.3    TE1.1-1.3    TE1.1-1.3    TE1.1-1.3    TE1.1-1.3
Design                  TE2.2       TE2.1      TE2.1, 2.2   TE2.1, 2.2   TE2.1, 2.2   TE2.1, 2.2   TE2.1, 2.2   TE2.1, 2.2   TE2.1-2.6
Curriculum Map Overview: How to read your grade level Curriculum Map

Organization of Map
    The scope and sequence of this curriculum is organized into 3 terms. Each term is organized into units of instruction
    Each unit has the following elements and each element is described on the following pages
    Teachers develop unit plans to articulate the EXPERIENCES they will facilitate for students to achieve learning objectives within the
       curriculum

                                                                         Term 1
                                                          Mapping the Earth
                                                                 Unit 1
                 How are the physical features of the earth portrayed differently in various mapping representations?

   State Standard            Student Learning objective(s)              Required vocabulary                        Learning Plan:
                                                                                                       Activities, Resources & Experiences

Earth Sci. (6-8) #1:        1.   Describe coordinates of latitude   Cartography                 Measurement Unit rulers
Recognize, interpret, and        and longitude                      Equator                     Information sheet-Latitude and Longitude
be able to create models    2.   Identify differences in various    Latitude                    Graphic Organizers-Mapping
of the earth’s common            types of maps                      Longitude                   Atlases/Maps
physical features in        3.   Describe how time zones vary       Prime meridian              Contour Mapping Lab
various representations,    4.   Analyze topographic maps           International Date Line     Quiz
including contour maps                                              Topographic Map             Modeling Topographic Maps
                                                                    Contour Line
                                                                    Contour Interval
State Standard:
Each unit of curriculum identifies the state standards mandated by the state of Massachusetts at each grade level range for that subject area.

Measurable Student Learning Objective: (“The Students Will Be Able To”):
For each state standard, FRCS curriculum identifies measureable student objectives that chunk the standards into lesson sized, teachable
objectives. The objectives should drive every lesson plan and should drive the instruction each day. These are the objectives that an instructor
should communicate to students each day prior to the start of a lesson.

Each student objective is a measurable learning goal that focuses lesson planning and instruction. The learning objectives are your: TSWBAT (the
student will be able to) list; they are your lesson objectives. These learning objectives should drive both instruction and assessment. If we focus
instruction on a specific learning objective and develop formative assessments to assess that objective, we create a seamless transition between
our expectations for learning and actual student learning experiences. Essentially, these objectives help focus our instruction on our students’
core understanding. They identify what students need to know to be successful this year and beyond. Please note that these objectives are the
minimum expectation for students and that by no means does this limit your ability to add additional content, activities and experiences for your
students. However, before going beyond or deeper into content areas, please ensure that your students have mastered the basic learning
objectives for a given standard first.

The learning objectives in our curriculum should also drive your assessments. Each objective is purposefully designed to be inherently
measurable. Upon completing a lesson, the objectives lend themselves to formative assessments. For example, if you do a lesson with the
objective: TSWBAT: “Compare and contrast the Igneous and Metamorphic rocks”, then your formative assessment (i.e.: exit slip) at the end of
that lesson can be as simple as the open response question: “Compare and contrast the Igneous and Metamorphic rocks.” If a student can do or
demonstrate the learning objectives for a specific standard, then the student demonstrates understanding of the objective. When a student
demonstrates understanding of ALL of the associated objectives with a given standard, the student demonstrates understanding of the standard
itself! At that point, if time permits, students can explore the topic greater depth through enrichment learning.

To help you create formative assessments for these objectives, we have included a list of all of the measurable action verbs that were used in
development of this curriculum. They are the same words that are used in each of the measurable learning objectives so that as a school
system, we use the same vocabulary to talk about teaching and learning. These definitions (and formative assessment suggestions) can be
found at the end of this curriculum in Appendix A: “Assessing Student Objectives”. Please take some time to review this and see your IL with
follow up questions. Measurable learning objectives are the singular most important element of any curriculum; without it, we are just teaching
activities.

As departments develop objectives based benchmark assessments, the same vocabulary of measurable action verbs will be used to consistently
communicate the depth of learning and the assessment expectations for students at each benchmark point. For example, if the learning
objective indicates that a student should be able to simply “identify” some set of concepts, the depth of learning is really only recognition and
thus lends itself to a multiple choice assessment of that understanding. However, if the objective indicates that a student should be able to
compare and contrast two major concepts, the expected depth of learning is significantly greater. Thus the expectation of the assessment is also
greater; perhaps an open response or Venn Diagram explaining the two concepts.

With the entire district speaking the same language when it comes to what students will learn, how deep their learning will be and how they will
be assessed for understanding, we are able to create a comprehensive, cogent curriculum that develops a students’ knowledge right up Bloom’s
Taxonomy. As a result, we will be able to better educate our students grade to grade and check for understanding with confidence, quickly
identifying any learning gaps and addressing them so that every student successfully assesses our curriculum!

Learning Plan: Resources, Activities and Experiences
This is where the great instruction happens! For every student objective, our curriculum identifies and suggests resources, activities and
experiences that will help your students master it. Instruction is more than a textbook and this section of the FRCS curriculum provides
instructors with resources and suggested lessons beyond the textbook. While the text is a resource, it is only one of many.

The resources and ideas in this section have been developed by veteran instructors, colleagues and instructional leaders. They are in our
curriculum map because they’ve been tried and they work for kids. This element of the curriculum map is an excellent resource to differentiate
an instructional approach to reach different populations of your students. .

The Instructional strategies and lesson suggestions are open ended so that you may modify them to meet the needs of your students and
classroom. If after reviewing your curriculum map and your ancillary resources, you are still looking for creative ways to help your students
achieve a learning objective, please don’t hesitate to contact your instructional leader! Your IL can provide additional resources, strategies,
ideas or even model a lesson for you or co-teach the lesson with you. This element of the curriculum is designed to be periodically updated and
improved so please feel free to contribute your strategies and ideas and support your colleagues by emailing them to your instructional leader
any time!

Vital Vocabulary:
These are the words students must know in order to understand each objective. Students should be able to use these words appropriately and
within the correct context, not necessarily recite textbook definitions. To be able to use vocabulary appropriately is more valuable than
memorizing a definition. This list is not exhaustive, so please feel free to add vocabulary to meet your students’ needs. However, mastery of
these words and the underlying concepts is critical for students to understand and master the learning objective.

Essential Question(s):
This acts as the starting point (pre-assessment) as well as a summative assessment for each unit. At the beginning of each unit of instruction,
this question acts as the activator and initiates the discussion of the topic. At the end of the unit, students should be able to answer the
essential question(s) and demonstrate they have achieved understanding the learning goals/objectives. How you assess this question is left to
you as the classroom instructor, be it a written essay, oral, a report or a classroom discussion. You may also consider restating the essential
question as an open response question at the end of each unit.
4 Essential Questions
EQ 1. How do you design and create a solution to a problem in relation to areas of science?
EQ 2. How do structure and function of living things relate to other processes on earth?
EQ 3. How are the driving forces for evolution interrelated?
EQ 4. How are the many natural events that occur due to forces on earth and in space interrelated?

Science Curriculum Connections
High School Earth Science Standards            Green
High School Biology                            Blue
High School Physics                            Purple                                         Science Curriculum Connection
6th grade physical science                     Orange                                         Science Curriculum Connection
7th grade life science                         Dark Green                                     Science Curriculum Connection
High School Chemistry                          Brown                                          Science Curriculum Connection
Technology and Engineering                     Pink
Term 1
                                                          Mapping the Earth
                                                                 Unit 1
                     EQ 1. How do you design and create a solution to a problem in relation to areas of science?
                       EQ 2. How do structure and function of living things relate to other processes on earth?
                 How are the physical features of the earth portrayed differently in various mapping representations?

   State Standard           Student Learning objective(s)                 Required                    Learning Plan:                           SCC
                                                                         vocabulary               Activities, Resources &
                                                                                                        Experiences
Earth Sci. (6-8) #1:        1.   Describe coordinates of latitude   Cartography               Measurement Unit rulers             Physical Science (6-8) #1:
Recognize, interpret, and        and longitude                      Equator                   Information sheet-Latitude and      Differentiate between weight
be able to create models    2.   Identify differences in various    Latitude                  Longitude                           and mass, recognizing that
                                                                                                                                  weight is the amount of
of the earth’s common            types of maps                      Longitude                 Graphic Organizers-Mapping
                                                                                                                                  gravitational pull on an object.
physical features in        3.   Describe how time zones vary       Prime meridian            Atlases/Maps
various representations,    4.   Analyze topographic maps           International Date Line   Contour Mapping Lab
including contour maps                                              Topographic Map           Quiz
(EQ 2)                                                              Contour Line              Modeling Topographic Maps
                                                                    Contour Interval
Tech/Eng. (6-8) 3.1:        1.   Identify and describe the parts    Source                    Remote Sensing Notes-               High School Physics 6.2
Identify and explain the         of an electronic communications    Encoder                   Electromagnetic Waves               Describe the
components of a                  system                             Transmitter               Group Project-Research/Present a    electromagnetic
                                                                                                                                  spectrum in terms of
communications system       2.   Describe and compare audio,        Receiver                  Satellite                           frequency and
(EQ 1)                           visual, printed, and mass          Decoder                   Satellite Video and Questions       wavelength, and identify
Tech/Eng. (6-8) 3.3:             communication                      Storage                   HW-Research Satellite Television-   the locations of radio
Identify and compare                                                Retrieval                 Cox/DIRECTV                         waves, microwaves,
                                                                                                                                  infrared radiation,
communication                                                       Destination
                                                                                                                                  visible light (red,
technologies and systems                                            Mass communication                                            orange, yellow,
(EQ 1)                                                                                                                            green, blue, indigo, and
                                                                                                                                  violet), ultraviolet rays,
                                                                                                                                  x-rays, and gamma rays
on the spectrum.
Term 1
                                                          Earth’s Structure
                                                                Unit 2
                   EQ 4. How are the many natural events that occur due to forces on earth and in space interrelated?
                                              How are the layers of the earth different?

   State Standard                 Student Learning             Required               Learning Plan:                                SCC
                                     objective(s)             vocabulary          Activities, Resources &
                                                                                        Experiences
Earth Sci. (6-8) #2:       1.   Describe the layers of the   Lithosphere      Information packet on the earth’s     High School Physics 4.5 Recognize
Describe the layers of          earth                        Rigid Mantle     layers and composition                         that
the earth, including the                                     Asthenosphere    Journey to the center of the earth-   mechanical waves
                                                                                                                    generally move faster
lithosphere, the hot                                         Stiffer Mantle   Create a Story and share with a       through a solid than
convecting mantle, and                                       Outer Core       lower school classroom.               through a liquid and
the dense metallic core                                      Inner Core       Quiz                                  faster through a liquid
(EQ 4)                                                                                                              than through a gas.
Term 1
                                                      Heat Transfer in Earth Systems
                                                                    Unit 3
                         EQ 1. How do you design and create a solution to a problem in relation to areas of science?
                           EQ 2. How do structure and function of living things relate to other processes on earth?
                                         EQ 3. How are the driving forces for evolution interrelated?
                       How are the three mechanisms by which heat is transferred through the earth’s system different?

 State Standard               Student Learning          Required                    Learning Plan:                                    SCC
                                 objective(s)          vocabulary       Activities, Resources & Experiences

Earth Sci. (6-8) #3:     1.   Differentiate among      Radiation    Warm-up’s/Homework assignments                     Physical Science (6-8) #16: Give
Differentiate among           radiation, conduction,   Conduction   Graphic organizer                                  examples of how heat moves in
radiation,                    and convection           Convection   Information packet                                 predictable ways, moving from
                                                                                                                       warmer objects to cooler ones until
conduction, and                                                     Exam 1
                                                                                                                       they reach equilibrium.
convection, the                                                     Demonstration of Conduction and demonstration of
three mechanisms                                                    convection currents (Peter G.?).
                                                                                                                       High School Physics 3.1
by which heat is                                                    Radiation Lab using Sun Sensitive Photo Paper-     Explain how heat energy
transferred through                                                 http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/product/1354   is transferred by
the earth’s system                                                                                                     convection, conduction,
(EQ 3)                                                                                                                 and radiation.

                                                                                                                       High School Physics 3.2
                                                                                                                       Explain how heat energy
                                                                                                                       will move from a higher
                                                                                                                       temperature to a lower
                                                                                                                       temperature until
                                                                                                                       equilibrium is reached.

Earth Sci. (6-8) #4:     1.   Describe the makeup of   Ozone        Warm-up’s/Homework assignments
Explain the                   the atmosphere           Stratus      Graphic Organizer
relationship of the    2.   Identify the basic         Troposphere     Natural Disaster- 5 Labs (Earthquakes, Volcanoes,
energy provided by          characteristics of         Nimbus          Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Severe Weather).
sun, global patterns        different cloud groups     Stratosphere    Weather Maps-PowerPoint
of atmosphere          3.   Describe the water cycle   Mesosphere      Coast Guard Guest Speaker- HW Research the
movement, and the                                      Thermosphere    relationship between wind and ocean currents
temperature                                            Exosphere
differences among                                      Cirrus
water, land, and                                       Cumulus
atmosphere
(EQ 2)
(EQ 3)
Tech/Eng. (6-8) 3.4:   1.   Identify and describe      Air Masses      Weather Maps Continued-PowerPoint and Activity-     High School Physics 4.6
Identify and explain        how symbols and icons      Fronts          Reading weather maps                                Describe the apparent
how symbols and             are used to                High Pressure   Learn about how to make a station model.            change in frequency of
                                                                                                                           waves due to the motion
icons are used to           communicate                Low Pressure    NOAA-Guest Speaker-Weather maps.                    of a source or a receiver
communicate                                                                                                                (the Doppler effect).
(EQ 1)
Term 1
                                                           Earth’s History
                                                               Unit 4A
                 EQ 4. How are the many natural events that occur due to forces on earth and in space interrelated?
               How can the movement of the earth’s crustal plates be different in causing changes in the earth’s surface?

   State Standard                  Student Learning                      Required                  Learning Plan:                        SCC
                                      objective(s)                      vocabulary             Activities, Resources &
                                                                                                     Experiences
Earth Sci. (6-8) #5:        1.   Explain the theory of plate       Theory of plate           Natural Disaster Continued- 5   Life Sci. 17.Identify ways in
Describe how the                 tectonics                         tectonics                 Labs (Earthquakes, Volcanoes,   which ecosystems have
movement of the             2.   Compare and contrast the          Divergent boundary        Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Severe   changed throughout geologic
earth’s crustal plates           three types of plate              Rift valley               Weather).
                                                                                                                             time in response to physical
causes both slow                 boundaries and the features       Convergent boundary       Weather Maps Continued-
                                                                                                                             conditions, interactions
changes in the earth’s           associated with each              Subduction                PowerPoint
                                                                                                                             among organisms, and the
surface (e.g., formations   3.   Contrast the volcanism that       Transform boundary
of mountains and ocean           occurs at plate boundaries        Convergent volcanism                                      actions of humans. Describe
basins) and rapid ones      4.   Distinguish among the three       Divergent volcanism                                       how changes may be
(e.g., volcanic eruptions        types of faults                   Hot spots                                                 catastrophes such as volcanic
and earthquakes)            5.   Discuss the evidence of           Magnitude                                                 eruptions or ice storms.
(EQ 4)                           continental drift                 Richter scale
                            6.   Explain the process of seafloor   Moment magnitude
                                 spreading                         scale
                            7.   Summarize how convection in       Modified Mercalli scale
                                 the mantle is related to the
                                 movements of tectonic plates
Term 2
                                                   Christa McAuliffe Center - FSU
                                                              Unit 4B
                  EQ 4. How are the many natural events that occur due to forces on earth and in space interrelated?
                                 How can we learn by experiencing many different facets of Science?

   State Standard              Student Learning                Required                Learning Plan:                  SCC
                                  objective(s)                vocabulary           Activities, Resources &
                                                                                         Experiences
Science (3-5): Inquiry   1. Ask questions and make        Scientific Method    •    Experiential learning in
Skills                      predictions that can be       Steps                     many different unique
                            tested.                       Question                  opportunities in a space
                         2. Keep accurate records while
                                                          Hypothesis                simulator
                            conducting simple
                            investigations or             Procedure
                            experiments.                  Conclusion/Results
                         3. Conduct multiple trials to    Analysis
                            test a prediction. Compare
                            the result of an
                            investigation or experiment
                            with the prediction.
                         4. Recognize simple patterns
                            in data and use data to
                            create a reasonable
                            explanation for the results
                            of an investigation or
                            experiment.
Term 2
                                                       Materials, Tools, and Machines
                                                                    Unit 5
                          EQ 1. How do you design and create a solution to a problem in relation to areas of science?
                                  How are different tools and materials chosen, given a specific design task?

   State Standard            Student Learning objective(s)           Required              Learning Plan:                 SCC
                                                                    vocabulary         Activities, Resources &
                                                                                             Experiences
Tech/Eng. (6-8) 1.1:        1.   Identify and describe the        Aggregates        Bird houses-Handout and Unit
Given a design task,             properties and characteristics   Ceramics          Project (Need Kits).
identify appropriate             of various materials             Solvents          Quiz
materials based on                                                Strength
specific properties and                                           Hardness
characteristics                                                   Flexibility
(EQ 1)
Tech/Eng. (6-8) 1.2:        1.   Identify and describe various    Measuring Tools   Bird houses-Handout and Unit
Identify and explain             measuring, hand, and power       Hand Tools        Project (Need Kits)Tools Slideshow-
appropriate measuring            tools                            Power Tools       safety and tools
tools, hand tools, and                                            Safety            Visit to a tech/machine Shop
power tools and explain                                                             Use a variety of hand tools to
their safe and proper use                                                           change materials into a different
(EQ 1)                                                                              form through forming, separating,
                                                                                    and combining

Tech/Eng. (6-8) 1.3:        1.   Identify and describe the safe                     Bird houses-Handout and Unit
Identify and explain the         and proper usage of                                Project (Need Kits)
safe and proper use of           measuring, hand, and power
machines needed to               tools
construct a prototype of
an engineering design
(EQ 1)
Term 2
                                                          Engineering Design
                                                                 Unit 6
                      EQ 1. How do you design and create a solution to a problem in relation to areas of science?
                   How can different engineering strategies be used to develop a technological solution to a problem?

  State Standard                  Student Learning                   Required               Learning Plan:                  SCC
                                     objective(s)                   vocabulary          Activities, Resources &
                                                                                              Experiences
Tech/Eng. (6-8) 2.1:       1.   Identify and describe the        Steps of the       Egg drop project
identify and explain the        steps of the engineering         Engineering and    Exam
steps of the                    design process                   Design Process     Given a prototype, design a test to
engineering design                                                                  evaluate whether it meets the
process                                                                             design specifications
(EQ 1)                                                                              Using test results, modify the
                                                                                    prototype to optimize the solution
                                                                                    Communicate the results of an
                                                                                    engineering design through a
                                                                                    written, oral, or visual presentation
Tech/Eng. (6-8) 2.2:       1.   Use sketches, orthographic                          Egg drop project
Demonstrate methods             projections, or multi-view                          Develop plans, including drawings
of representing                 drawings to represent                               with measurements and details of
solutions to a design           solutions to a problem                              construction, and construct a model
problem                                                                             of the solution to a problem,
(EQ 1)                                                                              exhibiting a degree of
                                                                                    craftsmanship
Tech/Eng. (6-8) 2.6:       1.   Identify and describe the five                      Egg drop project
Identify the five               elements of a universal
elements of a universal         systems model
systems model: goal,
inputs, processes,
outputs, and feedback
(EQ 1)
Term 2
                                                          Construction Technologies
                                                                    Unit 7
                           EQ 1. How do you design and create a solution to a problem in relation to areas of science?
                                           How do different forces affect the design of structures?

   State Standard                   Student Learning                   Required                Learning Plan:                 SCC
                                       objective(s)                   vocabulary           Activities, Resources &
                                                                                                 Experiences
Tech/Eng. (6-8) 3.2:         1.   Identify and describe the         Strength           Conduct tests for strength,
Identify and explain the          drawing tools, computer-          Hardness           hardness, and flexibility of various
appropriate tools,                aided design, and cameras         Flexibility        materials (wood, paper, plastic,
machines, and                     used to produce design                               ceramic, metal)
electronic devices used           solutions                                            Toothpick Bridge project
to produce design                                                                      Exam
solutions
(EQ 1)
Tech/Eng. (6-8) 5.2:         1.   Describe arch, beam, and          Arch               Toothpick Bridge project
Identify and describe             suspension bridges along with     Beam
three major types of              a discussion of appropriate       Suspension
bridges and their                 site, span, resources, and load   Bridge
appropriate use                   for each                          Appropriate Site
(EQ 1)                                                              Span
                                                                    Load
                                                                    Resources

Tech/Eng. (6-8) 5.3:         1.   Describe tension,                 Tension            Toothpick Bridge project
Explain how the forces            compression, torsion,             Compression
of tension, compression,          bending, and shear along with     Torsion
torsion, bending, and             a discussion of how each of       Bending
shear affect the         these forces affects bridge   Shear
performance of bridges   performance
(EQ 1)
Term 2
                                                        Manufacturing Technologies
                                                                    Unit 8
                          EQ 1. How do you design and create a solution to a problem in relation to areas of science?
                                     How do different industrial processes contribute to manufacturing?

   State Standard                  Student Learning                 Required vocabulary            Learning Plan:         SCC
                                      objective(s)                                             Activities, Resources &
                                                                                                     Experiences
Tech/Eng. (6-8) 4.1:        1.   Describe custom and mass        Custom Production             Ford assembly line movie
Describe and explain the         production                      Mass Production               Invention Project-
manufacturing systems
of custom and mass
production
(EQ 1)
Tech/Eng. (6-8) 4.2:        1.   Describe and give examples of   Interchangeable Parts         Ford assembly line movie
Explain and give                 the impact of interchangeable   Components of mass produced   Invention Project-
examples of the impacts          parts, components of mass-      parts
of interchangeable               produced products, and the      Automation
parts, components of             use of automation
mass-produced
products, and the use of
automation, e.g.,
robotics
(EQ 1)
Tech/Eng. (6-8) 4.4:        1.   Describe the basic processes    Cutting                       Ford assembly line movie
Explain basic processes          in manufacturing systems        Shaping                       Invention Project-
in manufacturing                                                 Assembling
systems, e.g., cutting,                                          Joining
shaping, assembling,                                             Finishing
joining, finishing, quality   Quality Control
control, and safety           Safety
(EQ 1)
Term 2
                                                      Transportation Technology
                                                                Unit 9
                      EQ 1. How do you design and create a solution to a problem in relation to areas of science?
                  EQ 4. How are the many natural events that occur due to forces on earth and in space interrelated?
                 How do different transportation systems contribute to our country’s movement of goods and services?

   State Standard                 Student Learning                   Required            Learning Plan:                        SCC
                                     objective(s)                   vocabulary       Activities, Resources &
                                                                                           Experiences
Tech/Eng. (6-8) 6.1:       1.   Describe examples of           Transport Systems   Zoom machines               Physical Science (6-8) #13:
Identify and compare            transportation systems that    Universal Systems   Graphic organizer           Differentiate between potential and
examples of                     operate on land, air, water,   Model               Paper Airplane Project      kinetic energy. Identify situations
                                                                                                               where kinetic energy is transformed
transportation systems          and space
                                                                                                               into potential energy and vice versa.
and devices that
operate on or in each of
the following; land air,
water, and space
(EQ 1)
(EQ 4)

Tech/Eng. (6-8) 6.3:       1.   Describe three subsystems of   Structural          Zoom machines
Identify and describe           a transportation vehicle or    Propulsion          Graphic organizer
three subsystems of a           device                         Guidance            Paper Airplane Project
transportation vehicle                                         Suspension
or device, i.e.,                                               Control
structural, propulsion,                                        Support
guidance, suspension,                                          Lift
control, and support                                           Drag
(EQ 1)                                                         Friction
Thrust
Gravity in a vehicle or
device
Term 2
                                                         Bioengineering Technologies
                                                                     Unit 10
                            EQ 1. How do you design and create a solution to a problem in relation to areas of science?
                               How do different bioengineering technologies contribute to a better quality of life?

   State Standard                    Student Learning                    Required              Learning Plan:                SCC
                                        objective(s)                    vocabulary         Activities, Resources &
                                                                                                 Experiences
Tech/Eng. (6-8) 7.1:          1.   Describe examples of             Adaptive Devices    Medical Devices speaker
Explain examples of                prosthetic devices, different    Assistive Devices   Field Trip-physical therapy
adaptive or assistive              types of wheelchair guidance     Prosthetic          speaker and visit a physical dept.
devices, e.g., prosthetic          systems, hearing aids, lifts,                        at a hospital.
devices, wheelchairs,              and braces
eyeglasses, grab bars,
hearing aids, lifts,
braces
(EQ 1)
Tech/Eng. (6-8) 7.2:          1.   Describe foods, bio-fuels, and   Biofuels            Debate on biofuels vs. the fuels
describe and explain               integrated pest management       Pest Management     that are currently being used.
adaptive and assistive             schemes that have been           Irradiation         Debate about pest management
bioengineered products,            bioengineered                    Integrated pest     natural vs. Chemical pest
e.g., food, bio-fuels,                                              management          management.
irradiation, integrated
pest management
(EQ 1)
Term 3
                                                           Earth’s History
                                                                Unit 11
                        EQ 2. How do structure and function of living things relate to other processes on earth?
                                     EQ 3. How are the driving forces for evolution interrelated?
                  EQ 4. How are the many natural events that occur due to forces on earth and in space interrelated?
                           How do different natural processes contribute to changes in the earth’s surface?

  State Standard                 Student Learning                    Required           Learning Plan:                                  SCC
                                    objective(s)                    vocabulary      Activities, Resources &
                                                                                          Experiences
Earth Sci. (6-8) #6:      1.   Analyze the rock cycle           Sediment         Lab-Explore different kinds of        Physical Science (6-8) #13:
Describe and give         2.   Describe the formation of        Clastic          rocks and classify and identify the   Differentiate between potential and
examples of ways in            sedimentary rocks                Deposition       type of rock.                         kinetic energy. Identify situations
                                                                                                                       where kinetic energy is transformed
which the earth’s         3.   Distinguish among the            Lithification    DVD-weathering and erosion
                                                                                                                       into potential energy and vice versa.
surface if built up and        processes of weathering and      Cementation
torn down by natural           erosion                          Bedding
processes, including      4.   Identify variables that affect   Weathering
deposition of                  the rate of weathering           Erosion
sediments, rock                                                 Mechanical
formation, erosion, and                                         weathering
weathering                                                      Frost wedging
(EQ 4)

Earth Sci. (6-8) #7:      1.   Distinguish among different      Mass movement    DVD-Glaciers, Caves
Explain and give               types of mass movements          Creep
examples of how           2.   Describe conditions that         Slump
physical evidence, such        contribute to mass               Deflation
as fossils and surface         movements                        Abrasion
features of glaciations,   3.   Explain how glaciers form     Ventifact
support theories that      4.   Explain the effects of wind   Loess
the earth has evolved           erosion                       Valley glacier
over geologic time                                            Continental glacier
(EQ 4)                                                        Moraine
                                                               Cirque
Term 3
                                                          Earth in the Solar System
                                                                    Unit 12
                                        EQ 3. How are the driving forces for evolution interrelated?
                               How do different natural processes contribute to changes in the earth’s surface?

    State Standard                   Student Learning                  Required                  Learning Plan:                                  SCC
                                        objective(s)                  vocabulary             Activities, Resources &
                                                                                                   Experiences
Earth Sci. (6-8) #8:           1.   Describe how planets form       Planetisimal         DVD-Meteoroids and Comets               High School Physics 1.7
Recognize the gravity                                               Asteroid                                                     Describe Newtons’s Laws of
plays a major role in the                                           Meteoroid                                                            universal gravitation in
                                                                                                                                 terms of the attraction
formation of the planets,                                           Meteor                                                       between two objects, their
stars, and solar system                                             Meteorite                                                    masses, and the distance
and in determining their                                            Comet                                                        between them.
motions                                                             Coma
(EQ 3)                                                              Meteor shower                                                High School Physics 6.1
                                                                                                                                 Recognize that
                                                                                                                                 electromagnetic waves
                                                                                                                                 are transverse waves
                                                                                                                                 and travel at the speed
                                                                                                                                 of light through a
                                                                                                                                 vacuum.

Earth Sci. (6-8) #10:          1.   Describe the properties of      Terrestrial planet   Chart on each planet characteristics-   High School Chemistry 2.7
Compare and contrast                the terrestrial and gas giant   Gas Giant planet     mass, size, distance from the sun,      Compare and contrast
properties and conditions           planets                         Precession           etc...                                  nuclear fission and
                                                                                                                                 nuclear fusion.
of objects (i.e., sun,         2.   Identify the unique nature      Liquid metallic      Lab-Classify stars using the HR
planets, stars) in the solar        of our planet, Pluto, and       hydrogen             diagram.
system to those on Earth            other bodies from the           Belt                 Mini-research project on a
(EQ 3)                              Keiper Belt                     Zone                 constellation
3.   Summarize the properties       Variable star
                                   of the solar system            Spiral density
                                                                  wave
Earth Sci. (6-8) #11:         1.   Describe how the seasons       Elliptic          Interactive Lab-demonstrating the
Explain how the tilt of the        are associated with the tilt   Summer solstice   moon phases and seasons
earth and its revolution           and solar revolution of the    Winter solstice   Visit a planetarium or Wheaton
around the sun result in an        Earth                          Autumnal          college observatory.
uneven heating of the                                             equinox
earth, causing seasons                                            Vernal equinox
(EQ 3)                                                            Synchronous
                                                                  rotation
Appendix A:
Assessing Student Learning
Measurable Action Words & Formative Assessment Types
As educators, it is vital that we are consistent and transparent with our learning expectations. This section provides us with a common set of
terminology associated with student learning objectives and assessment. It will help you design your unit and lesson plans with the end in mind;
developing assessments for student objectives and then developing lessons and units to help your students achieve these objectives. We don’t
want to teach to a test, but we do want to ensure that we assess our students’ learning of the core skills and knowledge outlined by the state.
This section standardizes the vocabulary that we all use to identify not only what our students should know, but the depth of knowledge they
should attain and the means through which we assess their understanding.

Objectives and assessments:
Each standard has at least one associated student objective. These objectives should act as your lesson objectives and should be the learning
goal of your students. In order to assess student learning of these objectives, it is important that we are using common terminology. A list of
measurable action verbs used in this document as well as a description of what level of understanding students should be able to demonstrate
to achieve such objectives is located on the next page. In addition, recommendations for developing your own formative assessments to check
for understanding of each objective are included. These definitions are broad so that you may apply them to your own assessments as needed.

Developing formative and other classroom assessments:
    Less is more: While essay assessments take more time to correct, they provide more insight into your students’ depth of understanding.
      You don’t need to give nearly as many questions and students are required to really show what they know.
    Assess the objectives as the core knowledge and leave the ‘nice-to-knows’ off the formal assessments
    Teach to the objective and standard, not the text. Text and text assessments are not specific to MA and thus don’t always assess what
      DESE identified standards. This doesn’t mean you can’t assess knowledge outside of them, but assessment should focus on the standards
      and objectives
    Assess each day: a quick 1 question exit slip gives you a good idea if a student grasps the concept.

Reading the chart below:
    Each heading indicates a depth/level of understanding aligned with Bloom’s Taxonomy
    “Skill definition” is the action verb for a given objective. It’s what the student should be able to do
    “Assessment format expectations and suggestions” are just that: the kind of formative assessment you can use to see if a student can
       demonstrate the particular level or depth of understanding
Analytical & Evaluative Skills
                       Skills Definition                                              Assessment format expectations and suggestions
Analyze: Given or collect information or data to support a       Expectations for analysis are some form of explanation based on given or collected data.
conclusion.                                                      Written assessments are usually in the form of a lab report (i.e.: conclusions section)
Categorize / Rank: Students are given or collect a set of        Students usually test the examples or specimen to determine their characteristics.
examples or specimens and must sort them into appropriate        Students organize their categorization in a table and support with data and written or oral
groups or classes based on their characteristics.                explanation.
Compare & Contrast: Identify and explain the similarities and    Expectations for this skill focuses on writing about science concepts: essay or graphic
differences of two or more concepts                              organizer form (i.e.: Venn Diagram)
Differentiate Between: Students describe the differences         This can be done using a ‘T-chart’ or other graphic organizer. This can also be
between two or more concepts, specimen, examples or items.       incorporated into a written response
Simplify: Summarize                                              Written or oral explanation of a concept in students’ own words
Evaluate: Determine the significance                             Usually assessed in written form. Students support their evaluation with data or
                                                                 background knowledge

   Synthesis & Application Skills
                     Skills Definition                                               Assessment format expectations and suggestions
Determine: Decide upon or identify                              Pick out the correct term or concept from a group. Provide and fill in the correct term or
                                                                concept.
Diagram / Illustrate: Students create a drawing that includes   Expectations are that students can generate scientific diagrams or illustrations. Labels and
labels and written explanation.                                 explanation should be included.
Solve / Calculate: find the answer or solution (usually         Given some data set, students find the answer or solution. Include work and units.
mathematically)                                                 Formulas are provided by instructor
Design / Create / Develop / Construct: Make or build            This is very broad, but the expectation is that a performance assessment of some kind is
                                                                given
Demonstrate: show                                               The expectation for this is that students physically show a skill or demonstrate an
                                                                understanding in written form.
Comprehension Skills
                    Skills Definition                                                      Assessment format expectations and suggestions
Classify: Arrange and assign to a category                        The assessment expectation is that students can arrange examples into appropriate categories.
                                                                  This may be matching or listing and may or may not include a brief explanation
Describe: Students’ written or oral description                   Expectations are that students can describe (orally or written) a concept in their own words.
                                                                  ‘Describe’ objectives focus more on broad comprehension than explanation of detailed
                                                                  mechanisms
Explain: Written explanation, usually with a diagram              Students should be able to explain a concept in detail and provide supporting fact and/or data;
                                                                  diagrams often accompany this in sci.
Predict: Forecast or hypothesize an outcome based on              This is usually done as the hypothesis for a lab or sci. fair project. The expectation is that
supporting data or background knowledge                           students support hypotheses with ‘why’.
Summarize: Paraphrase content into simpler terms                  Summaries are usually written and often act as follow up assessments to a passage that is read.
Distinguish Between: Determine differences between                The expectation is that students can accomplish ½ of the compare-contrast essay by identifying
                                                                  key differences between two (usually similar) concepts or ideas. Usually written.

    Recall Skills
                   Skills Definition                                                      Assessment format expectations and suggestions
Define: Provide a definition.                                   Assessing this skill is more effective if put in the student’s own words or description. Matching or
                                                                student generated definitions
Label / Name: Provide or choose a name for an item,             The expectation is either to match or write in a label for a given diagram or fill in the blank
object or concept.
Recognize: pick out from a variety of possible choices          Multiple choice is the most common recognition skill assessment
Sequence: Place the concepts or items in a specific,            Expectations are that students can either select or write a series of concepts in an appropriate
relevant order                                                  and accurate sequence
Identify Select or list (usually characteristics) label, list   Students should be able to select or write in the appropriate concept or vocabulary word
or identify
Organize / List: Put associated concepts in order               Students create an order that may or may not be based on a standard criterion. This can be
                                                                written, oral or physically done
Appendix B:
FRCS Unit Plan Template
FRCS Unit Plan

Teacher                        __________________________                                  Grade Level      _______________
Unit Title              ___________                                                        Length of Unit    ______________
Essential Question(s): _________________________________________________________________

Student Learning Outcomes/Objectives (SWBAT):

Assessments:

Learning Experiences:

Reflection:
Appendix C:
Content Specific Terminology Glossary
Grade 8 Glossary

Describe
Summarize
Identify
Explain
Distinguish
Analyze
Diagram
Compare and Contrast
Differentiate
Discuss
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