8th Grade Lesson Plans: 3rd Six Weeks

EARTH-MOON SYSTEM & TIDES – CHAPTERS 22 & 18

TEKS OBJECTIVES:

(7)  Earth and space. The student knows the effects resulting from cyclical movements of the Sun, Earth, and

Moon. The student is expected to:

(A)  model and illustrate how the tilted Earth rotates on its axis, causing day and night, and revolves

around the Sun causing changes in seasons;

(B)  demonstrate and predict the sequence of events in the lunar cycle; and

(C)  relate the position of the Moon and Sun to their effect on ocean tides.

Nov. 4 – 17, 2011

GUIDELINES:

Each group member is to type in a different color on slides.  Include a key.

Give credit to all images and information other than the textbook.

The class will be divided into small groups and given an assignment along with objectives and guidelines as follows:

Group 1 – Presentation (Model)

Model how the tilted Earth rotates on its axis, causing day and night, and illustrate how Earth revolves around the Sun causing changes in seasons.

Vocabulary:  axis, rotation, revolution, ellipse, seasons, solstice

Due: Dec. 2/5

Group 2 – Presentation (PowerPoint or other)

Demonstrate the Moon’s rotation, revolution, and sequence of events in the lunar cycle (phases of the Moon).

Vocabulary:  rotation, revolution, moon phases, waxing, waning

Due: Dec. 2/5

Group 3 –Presentation (Model)

Model the position of the Earth, Moon, and Sun during a solar eclipse and lunar eclipse.

Vocabulary:  eclipse, umbra, solar eclipse, lunar eclipse

Due: Dec. 2/5

Group 4 – Presentation (PowerPoint or other)

Relate the position of the Moon and Sun to their effect on ocean tides.  Include the different kinds of tides.

Vocabulary:  wave, crest, trough, wave height, wave length, breaker, tide, spring tide, neap tide

Due: Dec. 2/5

STARS AND THE UNIVERSE  – CHAPTER 24

TEKS OBJECTIVES:

(8)  Earth and space. The student knows characteristics of the universe. The student is expected to:

(A)  describe components of the universe, including stars, nebulae, and galaxies, and use models such as

the Herztsprung-Russell diagram for classification;

(B)  recognize that the Sun is a medium-sized star near the edge of a disc-shaped galaxy of stars and

that the Sun is many thousands of times closer to Earth than any other star.

Nov. 18 – Dec. 16, 2011

GUIDELINES:

Each group member is to type in a different color on slides.  Include a key.

Give credit to all images and information other than the textbook.

The class will be divided into small groups and given an assignment along with objectives and guidelines as follows:

Group 5 – Presentation (PowerPoint or other)

Describe the cause and features of nebulae.  Include examples of nebulae.

Vocabulary:  nebula, fusion

Due: Dec. 2/5

Group 6 – Presentation (PowerPoint or other)

Describe the stages in the life cycle of a star.

Vocabulary:  fusion, main sequence star, giant, red giant, white dwarf, super giant, supernova, neutron star, black hole

Due: Dec. 6/7

Group 7 – Presentation (PowerPoint or other)

Describe features of galaxies.  Include the types of galaxies, the Milky Way, the Local Group.

Vocabulary:  galaxy, Milky Way, Local Group

Due: Dec. 6/7

Group 8 – Presentation (PowerPoint or other)

Demonstrate the use the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram for classification of stars.

Vocabulary:  Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, absolute magnitude

Due: Dec. 6/7

Group 9 – Presentation (PowerPoint or other)

Show that the Sun is a medium-sized star near the edge of a disc-shaped galaxy of stars.

Vocabulary:  Sun’s size, color, temperature, etc; Milky Way’s shape and size; position of Sun in the Milky Way

Due: Dec. 6/7

Group 10 – Presentation (PowerPoint or other)

Compare the distance of the Sun to the next nearest star.  Give a few other examples.

Vocabulary: star, light-year

Due: Dec. 6/7

FALL SEMESTER EXAM:

The fall semester exam will be over the objectives of:

Chapter 22 on the Earth and Moon,

Chapter 18 on tides, and

Chapter 24-on stars, galaxies, and the universe

It will also include some questions from the 2nd Six Weeks on chemical changes, Periodic Table, and laws of motion plus a few questions from the 1st Six Weeks unit on lab safety, science equipment, and the structure of atoms.  Study all notes, vocabulary, and review worksheets. Extra credit will be given for parent’s signatures on exam review.