1-19-2012 ROCKin' Tech Integration

Continuing my way through the standards, offering links, lessons, and ideas to help teach the 

Core Curriculum Content Standards

Science Grades 6-8

5.4 Earth Systems Science: All students will understand that Earth operates as a set of complex, dynamic, and interconnected systems, and is a part of the all-encompassing system of the universe.

Strand	C. Properties of Earth Materials :  Earth’s composition is unique, is related to the origin of our solar system, and provides us with the raw resources needed to sustain life.
By the end of grade	Content Statement	CPI#	Cumulative Progress Indicator (CPI)	RESOURCES
6	Soil attributes/properties affect the soil’s ability to support animal life and grow plants.	5.4.6.C.1	Predict the types of ecosystems that unknown soil samples could support based on soil properties.	Rock Cycle Rocks and Soils If Rocks Could Talk Black Diamonds Rocks Limestone Infrared Yellowstone Fuels Air and Sea Water Water Rocks and Metals Types of Land Extreme Places On the Resource Trail BrainPop Earth System Mohs' Drill National Geographic From the Ground Up Metamorphic Rock Formation What are Igneous Rocks? More Than Just Dirt Exploring Earth: Rocks
6	The rock cycle is a model of creation and transformation of rocks from one form (sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic) to another. Rock families are determined by the origin and transformations of the rock.	5.4.6.C.2	Distinguish physical properties of sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic rocks and explain how one kind of rock could eventually become a different kind of rock.
6	Rocks and rock formations contain evidence that tell a story about their past. The story is dependent on the minerals, materials, tectonic conditions, and erosion forces that created them.	5.4.6.C.3	Deduce the story of the tectonic conditions and erosion forces that created sample rocks or rock formations.
8	Soil consists of weathered rocks and decomposed organic material from dead plants, animals, and bacteria. Soils are often found in layers, each having a different chemical composition and texture.	5.4.8.C.1	Determine the chemical properties of soil samples in order to select an appropriate location for a community garden.
8	Physical and chemical changes take place in Earth materials when Earth features are modified through weathering and erosion.	5.4.8.C.2	Explain how chemical and physical mechanisms (changes) are responsible for creating a variety of landforms.
8	Earth’s atmosphere is a mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, and trace gases that include water vapor. The atmosphere has a different physical and chemical composition at different elevations.	5.4.8.C.3	Model the vertical structure of the atmosphere using information from active and passive remote-sensing tools (e.g., satellites, balloons, and/or ground-based sensors) in the analysis.

Please post a comment below if you have a site or lesson idea to share for teaching these concepts.  I would love your input!