Earth Systems Curriculum Map

STANDARD I: Students will understand the scientific evidence that supports theories that explain how the universe and solar system developed. They will compare Earth to other objects in the solar system.
Objective 1: Describe both the big bang theory of universe formation and the nebular theory of solar system formation and the nebular theory of solar system formation and evidence them.
Indicator / Main Ideas/ILOS / Learning activities-Source
  1. Identify the scientific evidence for the age of the solar system, including Earth.
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  • 4.6 billion years old
  • Radioactive decay main evidence.
  • A time line since the big bang may be helpful (roughly 10 billion years ago)
We moved this to Objective 2 /
  • MC test/Core Tracker

  1. Describe the big bang theory and the evidence that supports this theory.
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  • Students will need review (from 8th grade) that waves have parts, carry energy, travel outward from source)
  • Students will need to understand that color of light is related to its wavelength. The memory device ROYGBIV (red, orange, yellow. etc) may be useful to teach.
  • Doppler Effect on sound waves is a good comparison. Student must know that moving objects emitting waves alter the wavelength of the wave.
  • Every element gives off a characteristic spectra that can be used to identify it and show movement of the object.
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  • Big Bang Opinionaire
  • Spectra website
  • Starlight Lab
  • Doppler Effect
  • Red Shift, Blue Shift
  • Doppler Effect
  • Understanding the Doppler Effect.
  • Theories Development in the Big Bang Power Point

  1. Describe the nebular theory of the solar system formation and the evidence supporting it.
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  • Solar system structure due to gravity, motion and temperature
  • Composition and age of meteorites
  • Observations of newly forming stars
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  • Graphic Organizer
  • Origins (NOVA)
  • Deep Astronomy Videoclip
  • Forces in the Solar System

  1. Explain that heavy elements found on Earth are formed in stars.
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  • Heavy elements were formed by fusion in ancient stars.
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  • Heavy Element Game
  • Periodic Table and the Universe
  • Fission/Fusion
  • Star Cycle/People Aging
  • Star Book
  • You’re a Star!
  • Star Cycle Website
  • Stars Power Point
  • Star Cycle Flip Book

  1. Investigate and report how science has changed the accepted ideas regarding the nature of the universe throughout history.
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  • Key word is how “science” has changed accepted ideas. Many cultural legends exist but are not the intent of this indicator.
  • Ptolemy may have proposed the first “scientific” theory (he at least used math) although it is important to know that he was wrong.
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  • Theories power point.
  • Development of Big Bang Theory
  • Historical Universe and Technology

  1. Provide an example of how technology has helped scientists investigate the universe.
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  • Examples include spectroscopes, computers, telescopes.
  • Describe “astronomy” as the study of the universe and that it is heavily dependent on technology.
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  • Historical Universe and Technology
  • Universe Pictionary

Highlighted words are Core Vocabulary-Science Language Students Need to Know and Use.