Investigations in Earth and Space Science (IESS) Overview

Matthew Torres
Matthew_T_Torres@mcpsmd.org

Christyn Day
Christyn_D_Day@mcpsmd.org

301-670-8242

OVERVIEW Welcome to IESS. In this course students will demonstrate the ability to use scientific skills and processes to explain the physical behavior of the environment, Earth, and the universe. This curriculum is problem-based with instruction woven around one main problem within each unit of study. Students will be presented a request for proposals (RFP) at the start of each unit. They will then use a design-folio throughout the quarter to research, develop, design and evaluate their proposal. Units of Study
Unit
1

Title Solar Energy and Fluid Circulation

Astronomy

Restless Earth

Earth Materials and Processes

Earth History-Global Change

Summary Statement Students will investigate how energy and matter transfer affect Earth systems. They will also investigate how global conditions are affected when natural and human-induced changes alter the transfer of energy and matter. Students will consider the implications of locations all around the world building green. They will be given a location on Earth to build a home and factor in features addressing wind patterns, precipitation, local geographic conditions, temperature, sunlight and severe weather threats. Students will investigate the role of forces in the formation and operation of the universe and the role and interaction of revolution, rotation and gravity on the Sun-Earth-Moon system. The NASA Kepler Mission will present students with an RFP to choose the best planet for life among some fictional discoveries. They will present data to officials at NASA as to which they should fund a mission to further explore. Students are also requested to provide scale models of the new solar system. The student will explain changes in Earths surface using plate tectonics through investigations in Continental drift and sea floor spreading. The plates move slowly and because the plates are so large, the average person does not have the opportunity to observe and experience the dynamic geologic conditions at each type of boundary. Students will create an interactive brochure highlighting locations of interesting tectonic environments. The student will compare the origin and structure of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. The student will explain how the transfer of energy drives the rock cycle. Students will be designing an Aquatic Center on the school grounds. Prior to construction an RFP for selecting the best possible construction site within the school property must be submitted. Information in the RFP will contain the geotechnical properties of the proposed site as to foresee any potential problems when constructing the aquatic center. The student will investigate methods that geologists use to determine the history of Earth. The student will apply geologic principles used to date Earths geologic and biologic events. The student will compare events in Earths history that have been grouped according to similarities. The International News Association is interested in having reporters make predictions about what various locations on Earth will be like twenty-five to fifty years from now. They are requesting sample front pages of newspapers that describe what various aspects of life on Earth will be like between 2035 and 2060.

Types of Assignments: (homework, formative assessments and summative assessments)

**No extra credit will be assigned. **

tests and quizzes use of technology safety assessment

lab activities/investigations projects (individual & group) class work and homework reading and writing explorations making and using models research explorations

presentations design-folio entrance & exit cards

Class Expectations: Students arrive to class on time and are prepared for learning with necessary materials. All science students are required to follow safety procedures as designated by the MCPS safety contract. Failure to follow these rules may result in dismissal from the science laboratory for the remainder of that class period. Students follow classroom protocol for science labs, learning stations, and whole group instruction. Students will work collaboratively in assigned and self-selected teams. Forest Oak Middle School Grading & Reporting: Homework completion Formative Assessments Summative Assessments 10% of Cumulative Grade 65% of Cumulative Grade 25% of Cumulative Grade Academic Grades Grades will reflect individual achievement of the MCPS course standards and objectives for a specific marking period, using a variety of assessment forms. Grades will be reported on the report card as A, B, C, D, E. Learning Skills Participation (asking questions, giving ideas, using feedback, engaging in learning) will be reported as being consistent, often, sometimes, rarely, or not enough information. Assignment Completion will be reported separately on the report card as being consistent, often, sometimes, rarely, or not enough information. Late and missing work Each assignment will have a due date. This is the date by which the assignment expected to be submitted to the teacher. The deadline is the last day an assignment will be accepted for a grade. Work not turned in by the deadline will be considered missing and recorded as a 0. Reteaching and Reassessment Selected assessments may be reassessed once, before the end of a lesson sequence, in order to receive a higher grade. When a task/assessment is reassessed, regardless of grade on the original task/assessment, students must meet the following requirements: complete the original task/assessment, complete the required assignments, and complete the reteaching/relearning activities, as determined by the teacher. The end-of-lesson sequence assessments, the end-of-unit assessments and final assessments cannot be retaken. Communication: Student record assignments in the Assignment Book Check EDLINE on the FOMS webpage E-mail Interim reports (midpoint of quarter) Report Cards (quarterly)

Extra Help: Torres: Extra help is available Mondays and Wednesdays during lunch and by appointment. Day: Extra help is available Tuesdays and Thursdays during lunch and by appointment.