8th grade earth science introduction
This 8th Grade Earth Science syllabus/pacing chart is an early step toward transitioning from the world of MEAP and HSSCE to the world of NGSS (New Generation Science Standards). There will be more emphasis on science process, labs, engineering practices and greater exposure to Common Core/Smarter Balanced styles of assessment.
This year our students should spend much of their time working through the Catastrophic Events kits. This will introduce many of the NGSS Science & Engineering Practices and NGSS Cross-cutting Concepts. In addition to Catastrophic Events, we will guide students through some of the NGSS middle school Performance Objectives and Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs).
As you look at the month-by-month planning pages (Sept-Nov/Nov-Jan/Feb-April/April-June) YOU WILL SEE TWO MAJOR SECTIONS. One is the Catastrophic Events Lessons. The other is the NGSS Performance Objectives and Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs). Your goal is to work through both strands, making Catastrophic Events the priority.
At the end of each planning page our red Prentice Hall Earth Science textbook will be referenced with topics and page numbers that will help with the NGSS material. The "Suggested Assignments" page includes assignments also related to the NGSS material.
Although we do not have formal units on natural resources, natural hazards, and human impacts on Earth Systems, these important concepts should be infused throughout all of the 8th grade curriculum including Catastrophic Events and NGSS. Please talk about them as you move through the year.
This year our students should spend much of their time working through the Catastrophic Events kits. This will introduce many of the NGSS Science & Engineering Practices and NGSS Cross-cutting Concepts. In addition to Catastrophic Events, we will guide students through some of the NGSS middle school Performance Objectives and Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs).
As you look at the month-by-month planning pages (Sept-Nov/Nov-Jan/Feb-April/April-June) YOU WILL SEE TWO MAJOR SECTIONS. One is the Catastrophic Events Lessons. The other is the NGSS Performance Objectives and Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs). Your goal is to work through both strands, making Catastrophic Events the priority.
At the end of each planning page our red Prentice Hall Earth Science textbook will be referenced with topics and page numbers that will help with the NGSS material. The "Suggested Assignments" page includes assignments also related to the NGSS material.
Although we do not have formal units on natural resources, natural hazards, and human impacts on Earth Systems, these important concepts should be infused throughout all of the 8th grade curriculum including Catastrophic Events and NGSS. Please talk about them as you move through the year.
We are turning our focus from the Michigan HSSCEs to the NGSS. But for your reference here are the 8th grade HSSCEs: