Sixth Grade Earth Science

Curriculum Newsletter

Mrs. Birdsong

Monday, November 2-6, 2009

Complete Sections 7-1, 7-2 and 7-3. Look up vocabulary, complete section reviews and study guide pages 23, 24, and 25. Lab – Process Skills – Inferring and Predictions, Activity – Soil and Video “Weathering and Soil.

Second Nine Weeks

Unit 2

Chapter 6 – Views of Earth- Completed.

Chapter 7 – Weathering and Soil

Chapter 8 – Erosional Forces

Chapter 9 – Water Erosion and Deposition

Unit 3

Chapter 10 – Plate Tectonics

Project for the Second Nine Weeks- Research Project on Famous Volcanic Eruption or Earthquake

Students will research a famous volcanic eruption or earthquake. Research and writing of the research paper will be completed in English class and will be shared orally in Science class. Mrs. Birdsong will grade for content (50%) and Mrs. Grimsley will grade the paper’s structure and grammar (50%).  Your research paper will be counted as a test grade in Science.

Year Long Project

The Mad Scientist Project - Each student will present a science experiment using

the Scientific Method.  Projects will be presented throughout the school year.

Geology Mad Scientist Project- Due Thursday, January 28, 2010.

Field Trips for Second Nine Weeks

Golden Dragon Chinese Restaurant – Friday, November 20, 2009

Objectives for the Second Nine Weeks

1.      Discuss the differences between plains and plateaus

2.      Describe folded, upwarped, fault-block, and volcanic mountains

3.      Define latitude and longitude

4.      Explain how latitude and longitude are used to identify locations on Earth

5.      Determine the time and date in different time zones

6.      Compare and contrast map projections and their uses.

7.      Analyze information from topographic, geological and satellite maps.

8.      Explain how mechanical weathering and chemical weathering differ.

9.      Describe how weathering affects Earth’s surface.

10.  Explain how climate affects weathering.

11.  Explain how soil forms

12.  Describe soil characteristics.

13.  Describe factors that affect the development of soil.

14.  Explain why soil is important.

15.  Evaluate ways that human activities has affected Earth’s soil.

16.  Describe ways to reduce soil erosion.

17.  Explain the differences between erosion and deposition.

18. Compare and contrast slumps, creep, rockslides and mudflows.

19.  Explain why building on steep slopes might not be wise.

20.  Explain how glaciers move.

21.  Describe evidence of glacial erosion and deposition

22.  Compare and contrast till and outwash.

23.  Explain how wind causes deflation and abrasion.

24.  Recognize how loess and dunes form.

25.  Identify the causes runoff.

26.  Compare rill, sheet, gully, and stream erosion.

27.  Identify the three different stages of stream development.

28.  Explain how alluvial fans and deltas form.

29.  Recognize the importance of groundwater.

30.  Describe the effect that soil and rock permeability has on groundwater movement.

31.  Explain how groundwater dissolves and deposits minerals.

32.  Identify the different causes of shoreline erosion.

33.  Compare and contrast different types of shorelines

34.  Describe the origins of sand.

35.  Describe the hypothesis of continental drift.

36.  Identify evidence supporting continental drift.

37.  Explain seafloor spreading

38.  Recognize how age and magnetic clues support seafloor spreading.

39.  Compare and contrast different types of plate boundaries.

40.  Explain how heat inside Earth causes plate tectonics.

41.  Recognize features caused by plate tectonics.