Year 9 Science STUDY GUIDE: Unit Dynamic Earth Here is a summary of the knowledge areas and learning activities you will undertake during this Focus Study. The Study commences on Tuesday, 3 rd November and finishes on Thursday, 2 th November 25. The reference for this Study is Pearson Science 9 Chapter 9. You will undertake research about the development of scientific understanding of knowledge relating to the geological history and dynamics of the earth. Students will : a. outline how the theory of plate tectonics changed ideas about the structure of the Earth and continental movement over geological time b. relate movements of the Earth's plates to mantle convection currents and gravitational forces c. outline how the theory of plate tectonics explains earthquakes, volcanic activity and formation of new landforms d. describe how some technological developments have increased scientific understanding of global patterns in geological activity, including in the Asia-Pacific region Further, students will: a. outline how global systems rely on interactions involving the biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere, including the carbon cycle b. describe some impacts of natural events, including cyclones, volcanic eruptions or earthquakes, on the Earth's spheres c. evaluate scientific evidence of some current issues affecting society that are the result of human activity on global systems, eg the greenhouse effect, ozone layer depletion, effect of climate change on sea levels, longterm effects of waste management and loss of biodiversity d. discuss the reasons different groups in society may use or weight criteria differently to evaluate claims, explanations or predictions in making decisions about contemporary issues involving interactions of the Earth's spheres During the study you will be given a Research task to be completed in class and your own time. A copy of this task is attached below. The Task will have levels of challenge. This Task will be part of your Summative Assessment (Grade). You will also be required to submit a Personal Presentation about a chosen area of research. The Presentation is to be done in class time A copy of this task is attached below. The Task will have levels of challenge. This Presentation will be part of your Formative assessment Assessment Page
Summative Assessment for the Unit will be the Research Task. The presentation will be part of your Formative assessment. All assessment items will be recorded on your formal school report. Grading For this Unit of study you will also be given a Board of Studies Grading from A to E, which is a measure of your performance, based on the Summative assessment activity. Assignment: The Dynamic Earth To complete the objectives for this assignment you will be asked to do research at home and at school. You will be provided with textbook sources, as well as the use of computers and the library, for the duration of the Focus Study. Videos, slides, demonstrations and class discussions will Page 2
also be occurring during lessons. These will provide information that will also be helpful in answering some of the questions. Good writing skills, involving the ability to answer questions with particular reference to the key verbs (see Glossary of Key Verbs) is essential for success in high school. This assignment is designed to help develop and practice those skills. As well, the assignment is aimed at helping you gain an understanding of the theory of plate tectonics, and being able to evaluate scientific evidence on how human activity is effecting our planet in areas such as climate change, biodiversity, etc. To satisfactorily complete the questions in this assignment you will need to refer to the Glossary of Key Words (see attached sheet). The verbs used in this glossary have been identified by the BOS as key indicators of success in the HSC. As you become familiar with these scaffolds you will increase your chances for success in further studies. You may work with ONE partner. Work may be hand written or word processed, but be consistent throughout, by using the same format. Be sure that you identify and answer each question separately. You may choose to Hand in your work as it is finished. This allows you to work at questions in any order that is manageable for you. These will be put in a folder for you and can then be assembled into a final document upon completion. You will find that some questions are more challenging than others in terms of content and/or the application of the correct verb. There are questions at various levels of difficulties, so try to extend yourself in this regard, and attempt as many/all of the questions as you can. It is always important to check your understanding of what is being asked before attempting a question. Assessment Grading will be based on the Challenge level and level of completion/correctness in accordance with the General Marking Guidelines. On the last day of the study, Thursday 2 th November, a member of your group will present your findings to Questions 2 to 4. Any member of the class may ask questions about the details of your presentation. Your research will help facilitate an informed response. All work must be completed by the end of the Focus Study, and be submitted no later than Friday 3 th November. If you have not completed all the work, you will be assessed on work submitted to that date. Glossary of Key Words Verb Definition Points to remember in your answer Classify Arrange or include in Give the reason for your classification scheme. Page 3
Compare classes/categories Show how things are similar or different Define State meaning and identify essential qualities Describe Provide characteristics and features Explain Relate cause and effect; make the relationships between things evident; provide why and/or how Evaluate Make a judgement based on criteria, determine value of Use a table if appropriate. State both sides (advantages and disadvantages, this technique vs. the other). Use a table. State the reasons don t just name them. Define the whole term. State the characteristics separately. Include the statement and the consequence. Identify what is valuable in the argument then weight up the +ive and ive points. Write a conclusion. Identify Name and recognise State as clear points don t merge ideas/examples. Identify essential qualities. Recount Retell a series of events. List in order. Leave spaces between in case you need to add a point. Dot point or number when finished. Outline Sketch in general terms; indicate the main features of Cover the idea in dot points. Page 4
Examples of General Marking Guidelines ** Verb Marks Requirements Classify 2 Compare 4-3 2 Correct information and incorrect use of a verb. Define 2 Describe 3-2 -2 Draw 3-2 2- Explain 4-3 2 Evaluate 6-5 4-3 2 - Identify 2 Recount 2 Correct information and incorrect use of a verb. Correct information and diagram labelled, adequate size for easy interpretation. Correct information and diagram not labelled or size not adequate. Incorrect diagram or no diagram Correct information and incorrect use of a verb. Correct information and incorrect use of a verb. Outline 2-3 -2 ** These are general guidelines but keep in mind that greater or lesser values may apply depending on the content required. Page 5
The Dynamic Earth Question. Define the terms; (With one sentence.) a) geology, b) palaeontology, c) vulcanology F 2 mks Question 2. 5 mks Question 3. 6 mks Question 4. mks a.) Draw a diagram to show the layers of the Earth. b.) Construct a table identifying the characteristics of each layer. F Describe some impacts of natural events such as; cyclones, (hurricanes), volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tornadoes, tsunamis. F (Choose 2 from the list.) Impacts may include the effects on the environment, humans, society, physical structures, etc. (Use a minimum of 4 sentences and a maximum of 8 sentences for each.) a.) Draw the Ring of Fire on the hand out provided. F b.) Explain why Australia is a unique continent in relation to the Ring of Fire. S c.) Draw a map to show the position of the tectonic plates, at some point, earlier in geologic time. F d.) Draw a diagram illustrating convection currents within the earth s mantle F e.) Explain how the movements of the Earth s plates relate to forces in the mantle such as convection currents and gravity. S Question 5. mks a.) Describe the device used to measure earthquake strength, and the scale used S b.) Draw or copy and attach a diagram or picture of this device. S c.) Identify the scientist that invented the device. S d.) Evaluate the current state of earthquake prediction. A Question 6. 5 mks a.) Describe a technology used to prevent damage from earthquakes. S b.) Choose a technology and describe how it has increased our understanding of global patterns in geological activity (eg. satellite imaging, creepmeters, magnetometers, tiltmeters, thermal sensing) S 6
Question 7. 7 mks Question 8. 2 mks Question 9. 3 mks a.) Use a table to describe 3 types of earthquake waves. S b.) Explain how earthquake waves can be used to determine the structure of the Earth. S (Include a diagram.) a.) Outline how the Theory of Plate Tectonics. Explains earthquakes, volcanic activity and land formation S b.) Identify 4 types of evidence that exists to support this theory.s c.) Draw diagrams to show each of the mechanisms that account for the movement of tectonic plates. S i) subduction zones, ii) mid-ocean ridges, iii) mid-ocean trenches.) Compare magma and lava. S Question. 7 mks a.) Label the diagram provided to show the structure of an active volcano, (Identify at least 4 parts) S b.) Outline information on 3 different types volcanoes. S c.) Identify 2 of the major volcanic events in the Earth s past. S 7
Question. Describe (Use a maximum of 3 sentences.) S a.) Atmosphere, b.) Hydrosphere, c.) Lithosphere, d.) 8 mks Biosphere In question you were asked to describe the four Spheres the Earth is divided into. There is an interrelationship between these Spheres. Therefore, if one aspect of a Sphere changes there can be a flow on effect in other Sphere. These interactions support life on Earth. Question 2-4 refer to the following list of current issues affecting society as a result of human activity: Greenhouse Effect Ozone Layer Depletion Climate Change Sea Level Change Loss of Biodiversity Long Term Effects of Waste Management Carbon Cycle Impact Question 2. 4 mks Question 3. 3 mks Using ONE of the issues listed above, Explain how interaction between the earth s Spheres are being effected. S Describe scientific evidence that shows human activity is impacting on ONE of the current issues from the list above. S Discussions about current issues, such as Climate Change include arguments that have no basis in scientific fact. In discussions it is important to distinguish the difference between evidence based information and personal opinions, which individuals can often present as facts. To be able to distinguish between these is important to be able to plan effectively for a sustainable planet. Question 4. 5 mks Evaluate the scientific evidence for the issue you have chosen in the question above. S 8
Question 5. 4 mks Outline the implications of two international agreements relating to biodiversity and climate change, such as the original 987 Montreal Protocol, the more recent 29 United Nations Climate Change Conference, etc. A 9