Scientific Investigation, Reasoning, and Logic (SOL 4.1 and 5.1)

Transcription

1 Scientific Investigation, Reasoning, and Logic (SOL 4.1 and 5.1) To communicate an observation accurately, you must provide a clear description of exactly what is observed and nothing more. Those conducting investigations need to understand the difference between what is seen and what inferences, conclusions, or interpretations can be drawn from the observation. An inference is a tentative explanation based on background knowledge and all available data. It is based on the application of scientific principles and factual information. A scientific prediction is a forecast about what may happen in some future situation. It is based on the application of scientific principles and factual information. A conclusion is a summary statement based on the results of an investigation. Conclusions are drawn by making judgments after considering all the information you have gathered. Conclusions are based on details and facts. Investigations require standard measures (metric), consistent and reliable tools, and organized reporting of data. The way the data are displayed can make it easier to uncover important information. This can assist in making reliable scientific forecasts of future events. An experiment is a fair test driven by a hypothesis. A fair test is one in which only one variable is compared. A hypothesis is a prediction about the relationship between variables. A hypothesis is an educated guess/prediction about what will happen based on what you already know and what you have already learned from your research. It must be worded so that it is testable. When a hypothesis is written, it must be stated in terms of cause (if) and effect (then) from a set of basic observations that can be tested. Hypotheses can be stated in terms such as: If the water temperature is increased, then the amount of sugar that can be dissolved in it will increase. An observation is what you see, feel, taste, hear, or smell. Scientists construct knowledge from observations and inferences, not observations alone. To communicate an observation accurately, one must provide a clear description of exactly what is observed and nothing more. Those conducting investigations need to understand the difference between what is seen and what inferences, conclusions, or interpretations can be drawn from the observation HCPS 1

2 In order to conduct an experiment, you must recognize all of the potential variables, or changes, that can affect its outcome. An independent variable is the factor in an experiment that is altered by the experimenter. A dependent variable is the factor in an experiment that changes as a result of the manipulation of the independent variable. The constants in an experiment are those things that are purposefully not changed and remain the same throughout the experiment. Inference is the use of prior knowledge and experience to create conclusions about those observations. A classification key is an important tool used to help identify objects and organisms according to characteristics or properties. It consists of a branching set of choices organized in levels, with most levels of the key having two choices. Each level provides more specific details, eventually leading to identification. A repeated trial is doing an experiment multiple times to obtain more reliable results. Qualitative data can be observed, not measured. Quantitative data can be counted or measured and results can be recorded using numbers. Understand that line graphs show change over time (numerical data). Understand that bar graphs should be used to compare counts of different categories (categorical data) HCPS 2

3 Tool Name Measures Units Ruler Length Centimeters Meters Graduated Cylinder Volume Milliliters Liters Thermometer Temperature Celsius Double Pan Balance Mass Grams Kilograms Stopwatch Elapsed Time Hours Minutes 2013 HCPS 3

4 Directions: Answer the following questions below. 1. Make an inference about the fish that you think can swim the fastest. Circle that fish. 2. Based on the information in the chart, make a prediction for the height of the plant on March 19 th in cm. Date Growth of Plant Height of Plant (cm) Increase in Growth (cm) March March March March Make two observations about this animal HCPS 4

5 4. A science class wants to know if a plant will grow faster in a closet or in the classroom. Each plant will be given the same amount of water daily. Create a hypothesis for this experiment using an If, then statement. 5. Use this classification key, and tell what kind of animal you are looking at. 1a Body kite-like in shape...ray 1b Body not kite-like in shape Go to 2 2a Nose saw-like in shape.swordfish 2b Nose not saw-like in shape..... Go to 3 3a Head extended on both sides.. Hammerhead Shark 3b Head not extended on both sides.go to 4 4a Body has spots..leopard Shark 4b Body does not have spots.nurse Shark 2013 HCPS 5

6 6. According to the experiment above, what are the constants? What is the independent variable? What is the dependent variable? 7. Temperatures normally increase every month from January through August. During which month was the average temperature most unusual? 2013 HCPS 6

7 Force, Motion, Energy, and Matter (SOL 4.2) The position of an object can be described by locating it relative to another object or to the background. Tracing and measuring an object s position over time can describe its motion. Speed describes how fast an object is moving. Energy may exist in two states: kinetic or potential. Kinetic energy is the energy of motion. A force is any push or pull that causes an object to move, stop, or change speed or direction. The greater the force, the greater the change in motion will be. The more massive an object, the less effect a given force will have on the object. Friction is the resistance to motion created by two objects moving against each other. Friction creates heat. Unless acted on by a force, objects in motion tend to stay in motion, and objects at rest remain at rest. (Inertia) 2013 HCPS 7

8 Potential Energy Kinetic Energy When a roller coaster is stopped at the top of a hill, it has potential energy. Potential energy is the energy stored in an object because of its position. The roller coaster has the potential for motion when it is stopped at the top of a hill. As the roller coaster descends, its potential energy is converted to kinetic energy. An object s energy may change form from kinetic energy to potential energy and back again: Kinetic energy - energy of motion Potential energy - stored energy Friction Created Here Friction is the resistance to motion created by two objects moving against each other. Friction creates heat. The brakes on this bike can create friction to help a bike slow down HCPS 8

9 Directions: In the pictures below, identify if the objects have potential energy or kinetic energy. 1. ball on hill 5. roller coaster 2. tree waterfall 4. released spring 8. girl in swing 2013 HCPS 9

10 Directions: Fill in the blanks using the word bank below. Some words may be used more than once. force direction kinetic potential speed gravity heat friction inertia 1. If a car travels 100 miles in 2 hours, its average is 50 miles per hour. 2. Rubbing your hands together creates which makes your hands feel warm. 3. A is a push or pull. 4. A moving school bus has more than a moving bicycle because the school bus has more mass. 5. An object s motion can be described by its and. 6. If the wind is moving an anemometer, then it has energy. 7. energy is stored energy. 8. Friction creates. 9. is an unseen force that pulls two objects toward each other. 10. The brakes on a bike can create to help the bike slow down or stop HCPS 10

11 Force, Motion, Energy, and Matter (SOL 4.3) A continuous flow of negative charges (electrons) creates an electric current. The pathway taken by an electric current is a circuit. Closed circuits allow the movement of electrical energy. Open circuits prevent the movement of electrical energy. Electrical energy moves through materials that are conductors (metals). Insulators (rubber, plastic, wood) do not conduct electricity well. In a series circuit, there is only one pathway for the current, but in a parallel circuit there are two or more pathways for it. Rubbing certain materials together creates static electricity. Lightning is the discharge of static electricity in the atmosphere. Electrical energy can be transformed into light or motion, and can produce thermal energy (heat). Mechanical energy is the energy of an object due to its motion or position. Radiant energy is solar energy that is produced from the sun. Certain iron-bearing metals attract other such metals (also nickel and cobalt). Lines of force extend from the poles of a magnet in an arched pattern defining the area over which magnetic force is exerted. An electric current creates a magnetic field, and a moving magnetic field creates an electric current. A current flowing through a wire creates a magnetic field. Wrapping a wire around certain iron-bearing metals (iron nail) and creating a closed circuit is an example of a simple electromagnet. Benjamin Franklin, Michael Faraday, and Thomas Edison made important discoveries about electricity HCPS 11

12 When you turn on a machine that uses electricity, the current flows on a closed path called a circuit. The path is closed because the current flows around and around the path. A circuit can have any shape and any size as long as it is closed. A closed circuit allows the movement of electrical energy. Electrical energy can be transformed into light or motion or can produce thermal energy (heat). Circuits have to include a source of energy, such as a dry cell. Dry cells give the energy needed to get the current flowing. In a flashlight, the current moves from the dry cell to the light bulb and back to the dry cell. When you turn the switch off, the circuit is broken and the current stops flowing. The light goes out! This is called an open circuit, which prevents the movement of electrical energy. Parallel Circuit A parallel circuit allows the current to flow along more than one path. Each light has its own path or little circuit for electricity. When one of the lights in a parallel circuit burns out, the current then takes another path around the circuit. Meanwhile, the other lights stay lit. Electric appliances in your home are on parallel circuits. Series Circuit The current in a series circuit can move along only one path. If one light in a series circuit burns out, the circuit opens, and the other lights in the circuit will not light HCPS 12

13 These iron filings show how the poles are the strongest part of a magnet. These iron filings show the magnetic field. Certain iron-bearing metals attract other iron-bearing metals. Permanent magnet A magnet that does not need electricity to attract other iron-bearing metals Example: A magnet you put on your refrigerator Electromagnet A magnet made by passing an electric current through a wire wrapped around an iron rod (iron nail) The region of magnetic force around a magnet is called the magnetic field of a magnet. An electric current creates a magnetic field, and a moving magnetic field creates an electric current. If you place a compass near a live electric wire, the needle of the compass will move because the electrons in the wire create a magnetic field. A generator rotates a coil of wire through a magnetic field to create an electric current. Direction of current North Pole South Pole 2013 HCPS 13

14 Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin was a respected statesman and scientist. His scientific experiments proved that lightning is a form of electricity. Franklin also helped develop the lightning rod, a device used to protect buildings from damage during electrical storms. Thomas Alva Edison Thomas Edison invented the incandescent light and the phonograph. He made improvements to the telephone, typewriter, electric generator, and electrically powered train. He designed the worldʼs first electric power stations, thereby making electric power available to millions. Michael Faraday Michael Faraday was a British physicist and chemist who discovered the principle of electromagnetic induction in He found that moving a magnet through a coil of copper wire caused an electric current to flow in the wire (induction). The electric generator and electric motor are based on this principle HCPS 14

15 Directions: Label the following objects as an insulator or conductor of electricity. 1. copper wire 2. rubber band 3. gold ring 4. wooden bowl 5. glass jar 6. silver plate 7. plastic comb 8. aluminum can 9. steel bar Plastic is an insulator in a wire. Copper is a conductor in a wire HCPS 15

16 Directions: Fill in the blanks using the word bank below. Some words may be used more than once. electrical iron filings electromagnet open static closed poles magnetic current mechanical parallel series radiant thermal 1. Electrical energy cannot flow in a(n) circuit. 2. Magnets are strongest at the. 3. A(n) circuit allows the movement of electrons. 4. Lighting is an example of naturally occurring electricity. 5. An electric current creates a field, and a moving magnetic field creates an electric. 6. Pedaling a bike causes the wheels to turn which is an example of energy. 7. energy comes from the motion of tiny particles in matter. The faster the particles move, the warmer the matter can get. 8. An electric drill transforms electrical energy into energy. 9. Current in a(n) circuit can move along only one path. 10. A toaster uses energy to produce heat energy. 11. can show the magnetic field around a magnet. 12. A(n) is made by passing an electric current through a wire wrapped around an iron rod. 13. energy is solar energy. 14. Classrooms have circuits, so that if one light burns out the other lights stay lit HCPS 16

17 Life Processes and Living Systems (SOL 4.4) For many typical green plants, there are structures that perform certain basic functions. For example, roots anchor the plants and take water and nutrients from the soil. Plant stems provide support and allow movement of water and nutrients. Plants can be divided into two general groups: those that produce seeds and those that produce spores. Many seed-producing plants have roots, stems, leaves, and flowers. The stamen and pistil are reproductive parts of the flower. The sepals are the small leaves that form the housing or protection of the developing flower. Pollination is part of the reproductive process of flowering plants. Pollination is the process by which pollen is transferred from the stamens to the stigma. Some plants reproduce with spores. These include ferns and mosses. Green plants produce their own food through the process of photosynthesis. Green plants use chlorophyll to produce food (sugar), using carbon dioxide, water, nutrients, and sunlight. Leaves are the primary food producing part of these plants. Oxygen is produced during photosynthesis. Plants adapt to changes in their environment in order to survive. Dormancy is a plant adaptation. Dormancy is a period of suspended life processes brought on by changes in the environment. Stamen Stigma Pistil Petal 2013 HCPS 17

18 Plants reproduce, or create, other plants like themselves. To do this, plants have reproductive parts. Sepals are green and look like leaves. They protect the flower when it is a bud. Flower petals have many shapes, sizes, and colors. Their bright colors and smells attract different animals. Many flowers attract insects. Others attract birds. A plant s roots anchor the plant and take water and nutrients from the soil. Plant stems provide support and allow movement of water and nutrients. Many flowers have both male and female parts. The male parts are called the stamens. A yellow powder called pollen is made in the anther, the top part of each stamen. The female part of the flower is the pistil. The top of the pistil, called the stigma, is sticky. When pollen grains land on the pistil, they stay there. For seeds to form, pollen from the male part of a flower has to reach the female part. Moving pollen from the stamen to the stigma is called pollination. Pollination can take place in many ways. The wind can carry pollen. Trees and grasses are often pollinated by the wind. Insects often pollinate flowers that are brightly colored or that have strong smells. More flowers are pollinated by bees than by any other kind of insect. After pollination, a pollen tube grows down into the ovary. The ovary is at the bottom of the pistil. In the ovary, male cells coming through the pollen tube join egg cells, or ovules. The pollen cells fertilize the ovules. The fertilized cells start to form seeds. The ovary develops into a fruit. A fruit holds the seeds that form in the flower. A fruit can be soft and fleshy, like a peach, or it can be hard like a walnut. Different plants have different ways to reproduce. Evergreen plants, such as pine trees, make seeds in cones. Flowering plants, such as apple trees, make seeds in flowers that are later found inside the fruit. Mosses and ferns reproduce from spores. Spores are special cells that can live a long time without water. When spores do get enough water, they grow into new plants. Dormancy - a period of suspended life processes brought on by changes in the environment (like droughts or cold seasons); a period in which a plant has no active growth Example - When your lawn turns brown during the winter, the grass becomes dormant. As soon as spring comes, the grass will begin to grow again HCPS 18

19 The plant s roots take in water from the soil. Water travels through the stems to the leaves. Carbon dioxide, a gas in the air, is absorbed into tiny openings in the leaves. The green material in the leaves, chlorophyll, traps energy from sunlight. Plants use the energy to change water and carbon dioxide into sugars and oxygen. The oxygen goes into the air. Plants use the sugars to live and grow. REACTANTS carbon dioxide + water SUNLIGHT PRODUCTS oxygen + sugar CHLOROPHYLL Carbon dioxide and water in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll produce sugar and oxygen. Sunlight Oxygen is released. Carbon Dioxide Water Sugar is formed. Photosynthesis 2013 HCPS 19

20 Directions: True/False: Write T for true and F for false in the blanks. If false, change the underlined word to the correct response in the parentheses. 1. Roots help collect sunlight and carry out photosynthesis. ( ) 2. Sunlight is required for all plants to grow. ( ) 3. The pistil produces pollen in the anther. ( ) 4. A plant will lie dormant from one season to the next until conditions are right for growth. ( ) 5. Moving pollen from the stamen to the stigma is called fertilization. ( ) 6. The sepal protects the flower when it is budding. ( ) 7. Plants produce food from the energy of the sun through the process of pollination. ( ) 8. Stems anchor plants into the earth and draw water and nutrients from the soil. ( ) 9. Ferns and mosses reproduce by spores. ( ) 10. The female part of the flower is called the stamen. ( ) 11. Carbon dioxide is produced during the process of photosynthesis. ( ) 12. The purpose of the stem is to carry water and nutrients to all parts of the plant. ( ) 2013 HCPS 20

21 Life Processes and Living Systems (SOL 4.5) Organisms have structural adaptations, or physical characteristics, that help them meet a life need. For example, a chameleon changes colors to match the surroundings. Organisms also have behavioral adaptations, or certain types of activities they perform, which help them meet a life need. For example, birds fly south for the winter to live in warmer weather. The organization of communities is based on energy from the sun within a given ecosystem. The greatest amount of energy in a community is always found in the producers. Within a community, organisms are dependent on the survival of other organisms. Energy is passed from one organism to another. The organization of a community is defined by the niche each animal performs in relation to one another. The sun s energy cycles through ecosystems from producers through consumers and back into the nutrient pool through decomposers. Some examples of consumers are carnivores that eat only meat, herbivores that eat only plants, ad omnivores that eat both. An organism s habitat provides food, water, shelter, and space. The size of the habitat depends on the organism s needs. A niche is the function that an organism performs in the food web of that community. A niche also includes everything else the organism does and needs in its environment. No two types of organisms occupy exactly the same niche in a community. During its life cycle, an organism s role, or niche, in the community may change. For example, what an animal eats, what eats it, and other relationships will change. Humans can have a major impact on ecosystems. An ecosystem is a community and its living and nonliving environment. For example, pollution in the Chesapeake Bay has caused the population of oysters to decline dramatically HCPS 21

22 The primary way that humans impact ecosystems is by destroying an organization s habitat. Habitat is the place or kind of place in which an animal or plant naturally lives. A niche is the function that an organism performs in the food web of that community. It also includes everything else the organism does and needs in its environment. No two types of organisms occupy the exact same niche in a community. During its life cycle, an organism s role in the community (its niche) may change. For example, what an animal eats, what eats it, and other relationships will change. Food Web Ecosystem Yellow perch Mosquito larva Everything from the water, animals, rocks, soil, and trees make up this ecosystem. Algae Valve snail Pond grass 2013 HCPS 22

23 The organization of communities is based on the utilization of the energy from the sun within a given ecosystem. The greatest amount of energy in a community is always found in the producers. Within a community, organisms are dependent on the survival of other organisms. Energy is passed from one organism to another. The sun s energy cycles through ecosystems from producers through consumers and back into the nutrient pool through decomposers. The SUN produces energy to start all food chains. Food Chain Consumers Predators Producer Prey Decomposer Omnivores Carnivore Herbivores 2013 HCPS 23

24 Directions: Place a check by the type of animal the feeding characteristic represents. You may use more than one check for each characteristic. Eating Herbivore Carnivore Omnivore Characteristics a. Meat eaters only b. Feed on plants and animals c. Human vegetarian d. Plant eaters only e. Rabbits, cows, and horses Directions: Study the chart below. Place a check by structural or behavioral adaptation. Characteristic Structural Behavioral a. birds migrating south b. chameleon changing colors c. webbed feet of a duck d. giraffe s long neck e. schools of fish traveling f. bears hibernating g. bright colors of a peacock h. hard outer shell of a turtle 2013 HCPS 24

25 Directions: Study the food web below. Use it to answer the questions. A. What is the producer in this food web? B. Name two animals in this web that are predators.,. C. Name two animals in this web that are prey.,. Directions: Study the picture of the crab and answer the following questions: A. What is the crab s habitat? B. Give an example of a human impact that could affect the habitat of a crab HCPS 25

26 Larva Pre-pupa Life Cycle of an Insect Eggs Pupa Adult Life Cycle of a Plant Life Cycle of a Butterfly Seed Seedling Plant Egg Larva Pupa (Chrysalis) Butterfly Sprout Egg Life Cycle of a Frog Tadpole Frog Froglet 2013 HCPS 26

27 Earth/Space Systems and Cycles (SOL 4.6) Temperature is the measure of the amount of heat energy in the atmosphere. Air pressure is due to the weight of the air and is determined by several factors including the temperature of the air. A front is the boundary between air masses of different temperature and humidity. Cirrus, stratus, cumulus, and cumulo-nimbus clouds are associated with certain weather conditions. Cumulus clouds are fluffy and white with flat bottoms. They usually indicate fair weather. However, when they get larger and darker on the bottom, they become cumulo-nimbus clouds that may produce thunderstorms. Stratus clouds are smooth, gray clouds that cover the whole sky (block out direct sunlight). Light rain and drizzle are usually associated with stratus clouds. Cirrus clouds are feathery clouds. They are associated with fair weather. Cirrus clouds often indicate that rain or snow will fall within several hours. Extreme atmospheric conditions create various kinds of storms such as thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Different atmospheric conditions create different types of precipitation (rain, sleet, hail, and snow). Meteorologists gather data by using a variety of instruments. Meteorologists use data to predict weather patterns. A barometer measures air pressure. An anemometer measures wind speed. A rain gauge measures precipitation. A thermometer measures the temperature of the air HCPS 27

28 Air can be cold or it can be warm. Air can be dry or it can be humid. A very large body of air that has about the same temperature and humidity throughout is called an air mass. Air masses are hundreds of kilometers wide and three to six kilometers high. When an air mass forms, it takes on the temperature and humidity of its surrounding area. Air masses that form in tropical areas are warm, and air masses that form in polar areas are cold. Air masses that form over dry land are dry, and air masses that form over water are humid. Air masses move. When two air masses meet, you might expect them to mix together, but this does not happen. The boundary between air masses of different temperature and humidity is called a front. Since there are different kinds of air masses, there are different kinds of fronts. Naturally, you would expect different kinds of fronts to produce different kinds of weather. Colder drier air Cool Air Warm moist air A cold front is easy to identify. When cold air pushes into warm air, the Warm Air warm air rises quickly up out Cold Air of the way. The rising warm air cools rapidly and produces enormous, towering clouds. Since cold fronts move quickly, the rain or snow they produce does not last very long. Cold fronts can also produce thunderstorms. After the storm, the weather is cooler, drier, and sunny HCPS 28

29 Warm fronts are easy to identify, too. The weather they produce is usually much less exciting. In a warm front, a warm air mass moves toward a cold air mass. The warm air does not push the cold, heavier air out of the way. Instead, the warm air slides up slowly over the cold air mass producing a gentle, light rain or snow. The rain or snow produced by a warm front can last for several days. When the front passes by, you will have warmer, milder, weather until the next front comes! A rain gauge is a tool used to measure the amount of rain that falls. Warm Air Cold Air Because air has weight, it can exert pressure. The weight of the atmosphere, or the air over the whole earth, is constant, but it changes locally. The weight of the air over a given spot is called air pressure. Air pressure can be measured with a tool called a barometer. Warm air is lighter than an equal volume of cold air. The particles of matter are farther apart. Because warm air is lighter, it tends to rise from the Earth s surface. Because it is rising, warm air presses down on the Earth s surface with less force. This is called a low-pressure area. Warm air can hold more moisture than cold air. As air rises, it cools. What do you think will happen? The cooled air cannot hold as much water vapor as before. The air s extra moisture condenses, and clouds form. You could find yourself wet from rain or covered 2013 HCPS 29

30 in snow because low-pressure systems often produce wet weather. Unlike warm air, cold air is heavier air. Its matter is more closely packed together. It pushes down harder on the earth s surface, so a cold air mass is called a high-pressure area. Since cold air holds less water vapor, it also tends to be drier air. If you are outside, feeling pleasantly dry and cool, chances are you are in a high-pressure system. Often an H will represent a high-pressure system on a map and a L will represent a low-pressure system. Wind is the movement of air from high to low pressure areas. Gentle breezes result when the difference in air pressure between the two pressure areas is small. When the difference between high and low pressure areas is great, you might be facing a very windy day or changing weather. Wind speed can be measured with a meteorological tool called an anemometer. Wind Vane Barometers Anemometer Thermometer Rain Gauge 2013 HCPS 30

31 Directions: Match the picture of the following weather instruments to their functions: Measures air pressure Measures air temperature Measures the amount of rain that has fallen Measures wind speed Meteorology is the study of Earth s air, especially the movements and events that cause weather. A meteorologist is a scientist who studies meteorology. Weather predictions, or forecasts, are made by studying air movements, air temperature, and air pressure. Forecasters also observe clouds and monitor precipitation levels HCPS 31

32 Storm Type Thunderstorm Hurricanes (tropical storms over the Atlantic Ocean) Associated Weather Conditions Heavy rain, strong wind, flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder Heavy rain, strong whirling winds, high tides, and huge waves When Storms Occur When a warm, moist air mass near the ground is covered by a mass of cold air (Severe thunderstorms have winds of 58 mph or greater.) When a warm, low-pressure weather system is surrounded by cooler air (Winds exceed 75 mph.) Tornadoes (funnel-shaped cloud) Strong, whirling winds in a funnel- shaped cloud When a warm, moist air mass near the ground is covered by a mass of cold air and creates a strong, rotating column of air that reaches from a cumulonimbus cloud to the ground 2013 HCPS 32

33 CUMULUS: CUMULUS Fluffy and white with flat bottoms Usually indicate fair weather CIRRUS: CIRRUS Thin, feathery clouds high in the sky Associated with fair weather Often indicate that rain or snow will fall within several hours STRATUS: STRATUS Smooth, gray clouds that cover the whole sky (block out direct sunlight) Usually associated with light rain and drizzle CUMULO-NIMBUS: CUMULO-NIMBUS Look like a gray blanket or puffs of smoke Made up of piles of cumulus clouds Usually produce thunderstorms 2013 HCPS 33

34 Directions: Fill in the blanks using the word bank below. temperature sun precipitation meteorologist front tornado air pressure hurricane thunderstorm 1. A is a boundary between air masses of different temperatures and humidity. 2. Rain, sleet, and snow are types of. 3. A is a tropical storm that forms over an ocean. These storms produce high winds, heavy rain, and large waves. 4. The is a measure of the amount of heat energy in the atmosphere. 5. The weight of the air in the atmosphere over a given area is called. 6. A is a storm that produces high wind speeds and funnelshaped clouds. 7. A is a scientist who studies the weather and uses data to predict weather patterns. 8. The provides the heat energy that causes weather. 9. A forms when warm, moist air rises quickly creating cumulo-nimbus clouds that can produce heavy rain, strong wind, lightning, and thunder HCPS 34

35 Directions: Match the clouds to their descriptions. 1. Cumulus A flat sheet-like cloud that spreads out over the sky. Usually has light rain or drizzle. 2. Stratus Thin, wispy clouds made of ice crystals; these clouds Often indicate that rain or snow will fall within several hours 3. Cirrus Fluffy and white with flat bottoms; Usually indicate fair weather 4. Cumulo-nimbus Made up of piles of cumulus clouds; Usually produce thunderstorms Directions: Write the name of the cloud below its picture HCPS 35

36 Earth/Space Systems and Cycles (SOL 4.7) A solar system is a star (the sun) and all the satellites that orbit around it. Our solar system is ancient. Early astronomers believed that the Earth was the center of the universe, and all other heavenly bodies orbited around Earth. An astonomer is a scientist that studies and observes space. We now know that our sun is the center of our solar system and eight planets, a handful of dwarf planets, 170 named moons, dust, gas, and thousands of asteroids and comets orbit around the sun. Our solar system is made up of eight planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Inner planets are planets that are closer to the sun (Mercury, Venus, Earth, or Mars). Outer planets are planets that are further from the sun (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, or Neptune). Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars are considered terrestrial planets. They are made of rocks. Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune are called gas giants. They are made of gases. Mercury is closest to the sun and is a small, heavily cratered planet. Mercury looks like our moon. Since Pluto s classification from planet to dwarf planet, Mercury is now the smallest planet in our solar system. Venus is second from the sun. It is similar to Earth in size and mass, and has a permanent blanket of clouds that trap so much heat that the temperatures on the surface of the Venus are hot enough to melt lead. Earth is third from the sun. Earth s atmosphere, the liquid water found on Earth and its distance from the sun, among many other factors, make Earth a haven for life HCPS 36

37 Mars is fourth from the sun. The atmosphere on Mars is thin, and there is a vast network of canyons and riverbeds on the red planet. Scientists hypothesize that Mars once supported a wet, warm Earth-like climate. Jupiter is fifth from the sun. Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system and is considered a gas giant. Jupiter has no solid surface. Saturn is sixth from the sun. Early scientists thought Saturn was the only planet with rings, but we now know that all four gas giants (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune) have rings. Uranus is seventh from the sun. Uranus is a gas giant. Neptune is eighth from the sun. Neptune appears blue through telescopes and is a gas giant. The eight planets sorted by size from largest to smallest are: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Earth, Venus, Mars, and Mercury HCPS 37

38 The sun is the center of our solar system. All of the planets orbit around the sun. There are eight planets in our solar system. The planets closest to the sun are very similar to Earth; rocky and small. The planets far from the sun are made of gas and are big. Directions: Use the following letters of each name to identify the characteristics of them. You may use your answers more than once. Uranus Mercury Venus Mars Saturn Earth Jupiter Neptune Pluto 1. Atmosphere is thin with canyons and riverbeds; red planet 2. Largest planet in solar system; has no solid surface 3. Closest to sun; heavily cratered planet 4. Sixth from the sun; gas giant and has rings 5. Eighth from the sun and appears blue through telescopes 6. Has a permanent blanket of clouds that trap so much heat that it melts lead 7. Changed to dwarf planet in Smallest planet; looks like our moon 9. Liquid water found; haven for life 10. Seventh from the sun; gas giant and has rings 2013 HCPS 38

39 Directions: Write the order of the eight planets from the Sun. Use this acronym to help you with this: My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nachos Directions: List the planets from the largest to the smallest HCPS 39

40 The Solar System is composed of inner and outer planets. Another name for inner planets is terrestrial or rocky planets. These planets are closest to the sun. The outer planets are called gas giants. These planets are the furthest from the sun. Directions: There are 4 terrestrial planets and 4 gas giant planets. Write a T or G beside the planets that they represent. 1. Uranus 5. Earth 2. Saturn 6. Mercury 3. Venus 7. Jupiter 4. Neptune 8. Mars 2013 HCPS 40

41 Earth/Space Systems and Cycles (SOL 4.8) The Earth completes one revolution around the sun every 365 days. The moon revolves around the Earth about once every month. Due to the tilt of the Earth, it experiences seasons during its revolution around the sun. The phases of the moon are caused by its position relative to the Earth and the sun. The phases of the moon include the new, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full, waning gibbous, last quarter, and waning crescent. The sun is an average-sized yellow star, about 110 times the diameter of the Earth. The sun is approximately 4.6 billion years old. Our moon is a small rocky satellite, having about one-quarter the diameter of the Earth and one-eightieth its mass. It has extremes of temperature, virtually no atmosphere, no water, and no life. The Earth is one of nine planets that revolve around the sun and comprise the solar system. The Earth, the third planet from the sun, is one of the four rocky inner planets. It is about 150 million kilometers from the sun. (The emphasis is placed on the Earth, rather than the other planets.) The Earth is a geologically active planet with a surface that is constantly changing. Unlike the other three inner planets, it has large amounts of lifesupporting water and an oxygen-rich atmosphere. The Earth s protective atmosphere blocks out most of the sun s damaging rays. Our understanding of the solar system has changed from an Earth-centered model of Aristotle and Ptolemy to the sun-centered model of Copernicus and Galileo. The NASA Apollo missions added greatly to our understanding of the moon HCPS 41

42 Our understanding of the sun, moon, and the solar system continues to change with new scientific discoveries. Earth is going around and around the sun just as a runner goes around and around a track. The path Earth takes as it moves around the sun is called its orbit. Earth s orbit looks like a slightly flattened circle, called an ellipse. Earth takes one year (365 days) to make a revolution around the sun. One full orbit around another object is called a revolution. Revolving around the sun is not the only way the Earth is moving. Earth is also spinning. The Earth rotates around its axis (an imaginary line that starts at the North Pole, passes through the center of the earth, and stops at the South Pole). The amount of time for one rotation is called a day. On Earth, one rotation takes 24 hours. The moon is smaller than the Earth and it orbits the Earth. Month after month, the moon keeps orbiting the Earth, even as the Earth is orbiting the sun. Why does the moon orbit the Earth? Why does Earth orbit the sun? The answer to both questions is gravity. Earth gets light and heat from the sun. However, not all parts of Earth get the same amount of sunlight. Earth s axis is tilted in relation to the sun. The North Pole is tilted toward the sun in the month of June. During this time, the Northern Hemisphere experiences summer and the Southern Hemisphere experiences winter. Beginning in the month of December, the Southern Hemisphere experiences summer and the Northern Hemisphere experiences winter. The movement of the Earth around the sun and the tilt of Earth are the two reasons why we have seasons. Night Day 2013 HCPS 42

43 Earth The Sun The 3 rd planet from the sun. One of the 4 rocky (terrestrial) inner planets. It has large amounts of life-supporting water and an oxygen-rich atmosphere. It is a geologically active planet with a surface that is constantly changing. The Earth s protective atmosphere blocks out most of the sun s damaging rays. The sun is 1.4 million kilometers (870,000 miles) in diameter. It is about 110 times the diameter of the Earth. The sun is a large sphere of hot gas with a surface temperature of 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The distance between the Earth and the sun is 150 million kilometers (93 million miles). The sun is made mostly of hydrogen. It has enough hydrogen to stay shining for about 4 billion years. The sun is an average-sized star. It is just like the others in the sky, except the sun is much closer to us. The sun is approximately 4.6 billion years old. Relative Size 2013 HCPS 43

44 The Moon The moon is a small rocky satellite, having about one-quarter the diameter of the Earth and one-eightieth of its mass. The moon is approximately 4.6 billion years old. The moon has little or no atmosphere and no oxygen. The moon has no water, wind, clouds, weather, or life. You would weigh one-sixth of your Earth weight on the moon. The moon is pitted with large craters. The moon s surface is very hot during its days and freezing during its nights. The distance from the moon to the Earth is 240,000 miles. The NASA Apollo missions added greatly to our understanding of the moon. The moon, our closest neighbor in space, is shaped like a ball. Yet, from day to day, its shape seems to change. Sometimes the moon appears as a round circle. At other times, only thin slivers can be seen. These changes are called phases of the moon. The phases appear in a pattern that repeats itself every 29 1/3 days. This period is the time it takes the moon to orbit the Earth. Nevertheless, the moon only seems to change shape. The shape of the moon that we see depends on how much of the sunlit half of the moon is facing Earth. The amount of sunlit moon facing the Earth depends on the position of the moon in its orbit around the Earth HCPS 44

45 First Quarter Waxing Crescent Waxing Gibbous New Full Waning Crescent Waning Gibbous Third Quarter Directions: Illustrate the 8 Phases of the Moon. The new moon has been done for you. New Waxing First Waxing Full Waning Last Waning Moon Crescent Quarter Gibbous Moon Gibbous Quarter Crescent 2013 HCPS 45

46 Directions: Use S (Sun), M (Moon), and E (Earth) to identify the following descriptions. 1. Has no oxygen, water, wind, clouds, weather, or life 2. Small, rocky satellite 3. Average-sized star that is closer to us than the other stars in the sky 4. Its protective atmosphere blocks out most of the sun s damaging rays. 5. Large glob of hot gas with a surface temperature of 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit 6. Third planet from the Sun 7. One of the four rocky (terrestrial) inner planets 8. Pitted with small craters million kilometers (870,000 miles) in diameter 10. Smallest of the three celestial bodies Directions: Name the phase of the moon you see below HCPS 46

47 Aristotle Aristotle was born in Greece. He believed that the Earth was a sphere and that the universe was spherical. Claudius Ptolemy Ptolemy was an Egyptian geographer, astronomer, and mathematician who believed that the planets and sun orbited the earth. He agreed with Aristotle that the solar system was an Earth-centered model. Nicolaus Copernicus Copernicus was a Polish astronomer who theorized that the planets revolved around the sun. He determined the size of the sun and moon and the distances of the sun and moon from the Earth. Galileo Galilei Galileo was an Italian scientist who was the first to use a telescope for astronomy. He discovered the rings of Saturn and the mountains and craters of the moon. He supported Copernicusʼ theory that everything revolved around the sun (sun-centered model) HCPS 47

48 *Earth/Space Systems and Cycles & *Living Systems (SOL 4.9) Virginia is rich in a wide variety of natural resources, including forests, arable (farmable) land, coal, sand and aggregates (rocks), wildlife and aquatic organisms, clean water and air, and beautiful scenery. A watershed is an area over which surface water (and the materials it carries) flows to a single collection place. The Chesapeake Bay watershed covers approximately half of Virginia s land area. The other two major watershed systems are the Gulf of Mexico and the North Carolina Sounds. Virginia s water resources include groundwater, lakes, reservoirs, rivers, bays, and the Atlantic Ocean. Virginia Virginia has a great variety of plant and animal resources. Natural and cultivated forests are a widespread resource in Virginia. Virginia s soil and land support a great variety of life, provide space for many economic activities, and offer a variety of recreational opportunities. Chesapeake Bay Watershed 2013 HCPS 48

49 Directions: Complete the sentences below by writing the letter of a phrase from the chart. A. half of Virginia s land area. E. natural resources that provide a source of lumber for building homes. B. a natural resource that provides the greatest share of Virginia s energy. F. coal, limestone, granite, sand, and gravel. C. groundwater, lakes, reservoirs, rivers, bays, and the Atlantic Ocean. G. an area over which surface water flows to a single collection place. D. are all organisms native to Virginia. H. arable (farmable) land supports many crops which are vital to the state s economy. 1. A watershed is. 2. Coal is. 3. Trees are. 4. Dogwood trees, white-tailed deer, and blue crabs. 5. Virginia s mineral resources include. 6. Virginia s water resources include. 7. The Chesapeake Bay watershed covers approximately. 8. Virginia s rich, HCPS 49