1. Examining Earth Science GATE Unit Exercise Murray Lewis

2. Unit Plan Background

3. GATE 21 st Century Alignment Scope and Sequence  Understanding and skill in using the methods unique to each discipline as well as those common to several disciplines.  An understanding of broad-based issues, themes, or problems within interdisciplinary and multicultural contexts.  The independence, self-direction, and skills in group processes that lead to creative and productive thinking.  Critical and higher level thinking skills in both cognitive and affective areas.  Affective behaviors involved in the creative process, including, risk-taking, curiosity, imagination, and enjoyment of complex challenges.  The convergent and divergent cognitive abilities necessary for creative productivity and an understanding of the roles and characteristics of creative and productive individuals in the evolution of significant change.  Products that refine or challenge existing ideas, incorporate concepts and use techniques, materials, forms, and knowledge in innovative ways.  Acceptance and valuing of human differences; respect for the needs, cultures, and rights of others; and recognition of the contributions of others. 21 st Century Learning 1. Content Subjects and 21st Century Themes  Language Arts  Math  Science  Social Studies 2. Learning and Innovation Skills  Creativity and Innovation  Critical Thinking and Problem Solving  Communication and Collaboration 3. Information, Media and Technology Skills  Information Literacy  Media Literacy  ICT Literacy 4. Life and Career Skills  Flexibility and Adaptability  Initiative and Self-Direction  Social and Cross-Cultural Skills  Productivity and Accountability  Leadership and Responsibility

4. GATE Strategies Traffic Light Thinking SCAMPER FFOE WebQuest [Technology Integration]

5. Unit Plan-Big Idea(s) (Students will understand that…) The Earth is a complex organization of systems and processes that are continuously changing. Change is affected by a variety of factors that can be constant and chaotic. Change can be observed and measured in patterns, cycles and trends. Humans predict, influence, and explain change.

6. Unit Objectives Objective Targets Microsoft Excel (Spreadsheet Technology) Microsoft Word (Word Processing Technology) Wiki-workspace & Glogster (WEB 2.0 and Collaboration Technology) Online Simulator (Software Experimentation Technology)-SCRATCH Internet Websites WebQuests (Technology Integration) Research and Communication Skills

7. Unit Assessments Formative – Check for Understanding [Embedded Q/As via Virtual Classroom] Summative – Vocabulary Quiz(s) – Scoring Rubrics WebQuests Projects Glogster Presentations

8. Unit Materials and Resources Computer Lab with internet network access Student workstations Microsoft 2007 software suite GATE Home Room [Virtual Classroom] GATE student technology passwords and profiles EdHelper Reading Resource [http://www.edhelper.com] Projector/Laptop computer Video Library [Virtual Classroom] Websites: http://www.weatherwizkids.com/ http://www.weather.com http://www.wunderground.com/history/ http://www.buzzle.com/articles/desert-ecosystem.html http://www.fi.edu/tfi/units/life/habitat/ http://library.thinkquest.org/11353/ecosystems.htm http://www.earthsciweek.org/forteachers/2008/lookup_cont.html

9. Unit DQs-Change Focused 1.How can we design a completely self sustaining ecosystem? 2.WHAT CAUSES CLIMATE TO CHANGE — AND HOW MUCH CAN IT CHANGE? 3.What is a biome? 4.What is an ecosystem? 5.Why are ecosystems important and can they be manipulated? 6.Do you think there is any relationship between climate change and the strength of tornado and hurricane storm events?

10. Lesson Model Major Components – Videos – Note Taker – Guided Reading – Independent Reading – Group Discussion and Collaboration – Simulations – Verbal and Written Communication

11. GATE Extension Menu