Session #4: Creating an Earth
System I
Overview:
This session begins with a look at the nature of science
and then examines the natural interactions of spheres within the
Earth Systems, focusing on volcanoes, ocean-atmosphere interactions,
and uplift.
Jump to: Nature of Science
| Interactions in the Earth System |
Volcanoes in the Earth System |Hydrosphere-Atmosphere
Interactions | Uplift of the Himalayas
| Additional Resources
|
Stressing the Nature of Science: Dogs
and Turnips
In this lesson students attempt to assemble a meaningful sentence
by successively turning over cards with words on them. The point
is made that we change our ideas of what a story may be as we gather
more information. In addition, people who have similar information
may not agree on its meaning. Science works this way.
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Interactions in the Earth System
|
Teachers discussed some of the big ideas involved in the
interactions of the Earth's system. These included scale,
cycles, energy, and the impact of humans. This discussion
was followed by a brainstorming activity focusing on how each
of the spheres interacted with others.
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|
Volcanoes in the Earth System
Teachers were asked to draw a volcano and then make comparisons
to volcanoes around the world. This was followed by excerpts from
the video Volcanoes in the Earth System and a discussion as to how
such a geospheric phenomenon influences the other spheres.
-
-
Volcanoes
The USGS provides some wonderful images and explanations
of volcanoes and their impacts.
- Volcanoes!
A set of activities
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Hydrosphere-Atmosphere Interactions
Teachers discussed some of the big ideas involved in the interactions
between the hydrosphere and atmosphere. These included the water
cycle and weather patterns influenced by differential heating and
cooling and El Niņo.
-
-
Activity:
Differential Heating and Cooling
Teachers compared rates of heating and cooling between sand
and water and then compared their results to temperature patterns
between land and oceans around the world.
-
-
Activity: Oceans
and Climates
By comparing monthly mean temperatures of two cities (one coastal
and one inland), this activity illustrates the effect of the
Gulf Stream on coastal and inland temperatures.
-
|
Uplift of the Himalayas
Teachers discussed how the uplift of the Himalayas could impact
the other spheres.
Activity: Ocean
Drilling Core Samples: A Case Study
Adapted from the ODP: Mountains to Monsoons
An activity to test the hyposthesis: Uplift of Himalayas brought
about the dramatic seasonal weather differences known as the monsoons
of Asia. Illustrates the process of science and the use of multiple
lines of evidence to piece together clues to past geologic events.
|
Additional Resources
California
Science Content Standards
Bay Earth Science Institute
website (go to resources) http://passporttoknowledge.com/storm/index_what.htm)
Types of volcanoes - courtesy of the US Geological Survey
http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Glossary/VolcanoTypes/volcano_types.html
and http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Photo/Pictograms/volcano_types.html
Water Science
for Schools
Information on many aspects of water, along with pictures, data,
maps, and an interactive center where you can give opinions and
test your water knowledge. Developed by the US Geological Survey.
Other recommended resources
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Updated January 5, 2003
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