EARTH SCIENCE - GEOLOGY - EARTH'S COMPOSITION

The third section of our geology unit covers chapters eight through eleven in the text and introduces students to earth chemistry, its rocks minerals and resources. Gaining an understanding of the solid earth's resources in the context of the damage done by their extraction provides students the opportunity to forge their own opinions regarding many issues effecting our daily lives. By the end of this unit students will demonstrate their understanding of the information below by way of tests, labs, papers and activities.

Idea's for further study: Build a two or three dimensional model of an atom. - Build a two or three dimensional model of a compound.. - Write a paper illustrating common elements, mixtures and compouds. - Build a model of the rock cycle utilizing rock samples. Locate and identify local rock/mineral types. - Research present utilization of energy resources and it's impact on our environment. - Presentation on U.S. energy policy and it's long term effects on research and development. - Build a model of a wind farm, solar cell.... - Write a paper on how other industrialized countries meet there energy needs...

Mastery of the information presented in this section assists students in their preparation for F.C.A.T. testing by reinforcing the following Sunshine State Standards.

• Strand A, Standard 1: Understand that all matter has observable, measurable properties.
• Strand A, Standard 2: Understand the basic principles of atomic theory.
• Strand B, Standard 1: Recognize that energy may be changed in form with varying efficiency.
• Strand B, Standard 2: Understand the interaction of matter and energy.
• Strand C, Standard 2: Understand that the types of force that act on an object and the effect of that force can be described, measured, and predicted.
• Strand D, Standard 1: Recognize that processes in the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere interact to shape the Earth.
• Strand D, Standard 2: Understand the need for protection of the natural systems on Earth.
• Strand G, Standard 1: Understand the competitive, interdependent cyclic nature of living things in environment.
• Strand G, Standard 2: Understand the consequences of using limited natural resources.
• Strand H, Standard 3: Understand that science, technology and society are interwoven and interdependent.