Science ~ Next Generation Science Standards
This school year (2016-2017) we will be discovering science in a new way with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) by looking at and explaining phenomena that lead us to the standards.
The NGSS focus on a deeper understanding of science concepts with over arching ideas or cross-cutting concepts, which include systems, cause and effect, structure and function, as well as quantity, proportion, and scale.
We will see how systems are all around us and make the world what it is and focus on science and engineering practices including developing and using models, planning and carrying out investigations, constructing explanations and designing solutions. Focus also includes
engaging in argument from evidence, and obtaining, evaluating, and communicating Information.
Topics include, but are not limited to the following: Living Things, Weather, Matter Cycles and Energy Flows, and Human Impact on Our Environment
Essential Questions for Matter Cycles and Energy Flows and Human Impact
How and why is the Earth constantly changing?
What is the relationship between cycles and the Earth's changes?
What is the relationship between the cycles you memorized in previous grades and geographic features?
How are our local geographical features affected by cycles?
We start by looking at "Images of Change" on the Nasa's website. http://climate.nasa.gov/state_of_flux#Lake-Mead-930px.jpg
Satelite view of Santee
http://www.google.com/maps/place/Santee,+CA/@32.8592325,-116.988263,9989m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x80dbe2b37be990f1:0x59e59ff74d4604c8
Background information:
Heat and Energy Flow! The Laws of Thermodynamics http://www.physics4kids.com/files/thermo_intro.html
Energy Basics http://www.kids.esdb.bg/basic_principles.html
Global Energy Outlook http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/energy/great-energy-challenge/world-electricity-mix/
How does energy change form? Discover the answer through these animations!
http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/energy-forms-and-changes
What's the matter? Discover the Periodic Table and connect it to your world. Start by building an atom!
http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/build-an-atom
If atoms are the basic building blocks of matter, what are molecules? http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/build-a-molecule
Background on the Periodic Table. Read up and take the quiz!
http://www.chem4kids.com/files/elem_intro.html
Systems and Cycles on Earth http://eo.ucar.edu/kids/green/cycles1.htm
What makes the Earth inhabitable? Be a Junior Scientist with Astro Ferret and find out!
http://astroventure.arc.nasa.gov/atmosphere/training/index.html
Body Systems http://sciencenetlinks.com/media/filer/2011/10/13/allsystems.swf
Other ~ Science Resources Page