Earth Science Pacing, Alignment & Resource Guide - 2018-19

Every science lesson should include a process skills standard AND a content standard. Additionally, investigations should be conducted to practice multiple process skills EACH nine weeks.

Process Skills Standards

The student will plan and conduct investigations in which
ES.1 a) volume, area, mass, elapsed time, direction, temperature, pressure, distance, density, and changes in elevation/depth are calculated utilizing the most appropriate tools;
ES.1 b) technologies, including computers, probeware, and geospatial technologies, are used to collect, analyze, and report data and to demonstrate concepts and simulate experimental conditions; 
ES.1 c) scales, diagrams, charts, graphs, tables, imagery, models, and profiles are constructed and interpreted; 
ES.1 d) maps and globes are read and interpreted, including location by latitude and longitude; 
ES.1 e) variables are manipulated with repeated trials; and 
ES.1 f) current applications are used to reinforce Earth science concepts. 

The student will demonstrate an understanding of the nature of science and scientific reasoning and logic. Key concepts include
ES.2 a) science explains and predicts the interactions and dynamics of complex Earth systems;
ES.2 b) evidence is required to evaluate hypotheses and explanations;
ES.2 c) observation and logic are essential for reaching a conclusion; and
ES.2 d) evidence is evaluated for scientific theories.


Quarter 1

Quarter 2

Quarter 3

Quarter 4

Unit 1 – Introduction to Earth Science
(8 days)
ES.1 - Scientific Investigation & Measurement
ES.2 - Scientific Reasoning & Logic

Unit 2 – Mapping Earth’s Surface
(5 days)
ES.1 c-d, f - Visuals in Earth Science

Unit 3 – The Atmosphere
(6 days)
ES.11 - The Atmosphere

Unit 4 – Weather Factors
(6 days)
ES.12 - Energy Transfer & Weather

Unit 5 – Weather Patterns
(6 days)
ES.12 a-c - Weather

Unit 6 – Climate & Climate Change
(8 days)
ES.12 b, d - Climate

Unit 7 – Fresh Water
(5 days)
ES.8 c-f - Freshwater Resources

Unit 8 – Ocean Motions & Zones
(10 days)
ES.10 - Oceans

Unit 9 – Chesapeake Bay
(5 days)
ES.8 d-f - Freshwater Resources
ES.10 e - Oceans

Unit 10 – Earth, Moon, & Sun
(8 days)
ES.3 - Earth & the Solar System

Unit 11 – The Solar System
(8 days)
ES.3 - Earth & the Solar System

Unit 12 – Stars, Galaxies, & the Universe
(8 days)
ES.3 d - Space Exploration
ES.13 - The Universe

Unit 13 – Minerals
(6 days)
ES.4 - Minerals
ES.6 a, d - Resources & Costs

Unit 14 – Rocks
(10 days)
ES.5 - Rock Cycle

Unit 15 – Weathering & Soil Formation
(5 days)
ES.7 a - Geologic Processes
ES.8 a - Geologic Processes

Unit 16– Erosion & Deposition
(8 days)
ES.7 a - Geologic Processes
ES.8 b-c - Karst Topography & Zones
ES.10 a - Changes in the Ocean

Unit 17 – Plate Tectonics
(10 days)
ES.7 b - Plate Tectonics

Unit 18 – Volcanoes
(5 days)
ES.7 a - Geologic Processes

Unit 19 – Earthquakes
(5 days)
ES.7 a - Geologic Processes

Unit 20 – A Trip through Geologic Times
(8 days)
ES.9 - Earth's History
ES.11 a-c - The Atmosphere

Unit 21 – Energy Resources
(8 days)
ES.6 - Energy

Unit 22 – Virginia’s Provinces
(5 days)
ES.6 c - Virginia's Resources

SOL REVIEW & ASSESSMENTS
39 Days 44 Days 43 Days 54 Days
ELL 6-12 Standards