Unit Plan - Science 8

Unit E Freshwater and saltwater systems

Tina Duan
September October 2014

Science 8 Unit E Fresh and Salt water systems

Focusing Questions
1. How do water, land and climate interact?
2. What are the characteristics of freshwater and saltwater systems?
3. How do they affect living things, including humans?
Unit Summary
Earth is sometimes described as the water planet: over two-thirds of Earths surface is
covered by oceans and freshwater features. By exploring examples of aquatic systems, students
come to appreciate the dynamic nature of these systems and learn about the interaction of
landforms, sediments, water and climate. Students also investigate factors that affect
distribution and health of living things in aquatic environments and the supply and quality of
water for human use
Key concepts
The following concepts are developed in this unit and may also be addressed in other units or in
other courses. The intended level and scope of treatment is defined by the outcomes.

Water quality
Water-borne materials
Erosion and deposition
Stream characteristics
Continental drainage systems
Ocean basins
Climate
Glaciers and icecaps
Adaptations to aquatic ecosystems
Human impact

Rationale
The purpose of this unit is for students to develop a comprehensive understanding of
the distribution of water in Alberta, Canada and the rest of the world. Students will investigate
the impact of human activity on aquatic systems and addressing the role of science and
technology in these problems and issues. From this unit the students will also learn about the
interaction and relationship between landforms, water and climate. These factors are all
essential to human life and the distribution of species in marine and freshwater environments.
2

My goal for this unit is student engagement. Water is such an important part of our lives
and I hope students feel invested and interested while learning about the water systems
around us. I will use demonstrations to grab their attention, videos to broaden their interest
and discussion questions to stimulate critical thinking.

Science 8 Unit E: Fresh and Salt water systems

General and Specific Learner Outcomes
Outcomes for Science, Technology and Society (STS) and Knowledge
1. Describe the distribution and characteristics of water in local and global environments,
and identify the significance of water supply and quality to the needs of humans and
other living things
Describe in general the distribution of water in Alberta, Canada and the world; and
interpret information about water characteristics
Recognize that fresh water and salt water contain varying amounts of dissolved
materials, particulates and biological components; and interpret information on
these component materials
Identify major factors used in determining if water is potable, and describe and
demonstrate tests of water quality
Describe methods for generating fresh water from salt water, based on evaporation,
distillation and reverse osmosis
2. Investigate and interpret linkages among landforms, water and climate
Investigate and interpret linkages among landforms, water and climate
Investigate and describe stream characteristics
Describe the processes leading to the development of ocean basins and continental
drainage systems
Identify evidence of glacial action, and analyze factors affecting the growth and
attrition of glaciers and polar icecaps
Describe the movement of ocean currents and its impacts on regional climates
3. Analyze factors affecting productivity and species distribution in marine and freshwater
environments
Investigate life forms found in fresh water and salt water, and identify and interpret
examples of adaptations to these environments
Analyze factors that contribute to the development of adaptations in species found
in saltwater and freshwater environments

Investigate and interpret examples of seasonal, short-term and long-term change in

populations of living things found in aquatic environments
Analyze relationship between water quality and living things, and infer the quality of
water based on the diversity of life supported by it
4. Analyze human impacts on aquatic systems; and identify the roles of science and
technology in addressing related questions, problems and issues
Analyze human water uses and identify the nature and scope of impacts resulting
from different uses
Identify current practices and technologies that affect water quality, evaluate
environmental costs and benefits, and identify and evaluate alternatives
Illustrate the role of scientific research in monitoring environments and supporting
development of appropriate environmental technologies
Provide examples of problems that cannot be solved using scientific technological
knowledge alone
Skills Outcomes
Initiating and Planning Ask questions about the relationships between and among observable
variables, and plan investigations to address those questions

Identify science related issues and problems

Identify questions to investigate, arising from science related issues
Select appropriate methods and tools for collecting relevant data and information
Design and experiment, and identify the major variables

Performing and recording conduct investigations into the relationships between and among
observations, and gather and record qualitative and quantitative data

Research information relevant to a given issue

Select and integrate information from various print and electronic sources or from
several parts of the same source
Identify strengths and weaknesses of different methods of collecting and displaying data

Analyzing and Interpreting Analyze qualitative and quantitative data, and develop and assess
possible explanations

Apply given criterial for evaluating evidence and sources of information

Predict the value of a variable, by interpolating or extrapolating from graphical data
Interpret patterns and trends in data, and infer and explain relationships among
variables
4

Identify new questions and problems arising from what was learned

Communication and Teamwork- Work collaboratively on problems; and use appropriate

language and formats to communicate ideas procedures and results

Use appropriate vocabulary, including correct science and technology terminology, to

communicate ideas, procedures and results
Communicate questions, ideas, intentions, plans and results, using lists, notes in point
form, sentences, data tables, graphs, drawings, oral language and other means
Evaluate individual and group processes used in planning, problem solving, decision
making and completing a task
Defend a given position on an issue, based on their findings

Summative Assessment Plan

Learning Outcomes

Describe the distribution and

characteristics of water and
identify the significance of
water supply and quality
Investigate linkages among
landforms, water and climate
Analyze factors affecting
productivity and species
distribution in marine and
freshwater environment
Analyze human impacts on
aquatic systems; and identify
the roles of science and
technology in addressing
related questions, problems
and issues
Ask questions about the
relationship among observed
variables
Conduct investigations into
the relationships between and
among observations, and
gather and record qualitative
and quantitative data
Analyze qualitative and
quantitative data, and develop
and assess possible
explanations
Work collaboratively on
problems; and use
appropriate language and
formats to communicate
ideas, procedures and results

Quiz #1
5%

Assessments Quizzes and Tests

Quiz #2
Quiz #3
Quiz #4
5%
5%
5%

Unit Exam
60%

Learning Outcomes

Describe the distribution and

characteristics of water and
identify the significance of water
supply and quality
Investigate linkages among
landforms, water and climate
Analyze factors affecting
productivity and species
distribution in marine and
freshwater environment
Analyze human impacts on aquatic
systems; and identify the roles of
science and technology in
addressing related questions,
problems and issues
Ask questions about the
relationship among observed
variables
Conduct investigations into the
relationships between and among
observations, and gather and
record qualitative and quantitative
data
Analyze qualitative and
quantitative data, and develop and
assess possible explanations
Work collaboratively on problems;
and use appropriate language and
formats to communicate ideas,
procedures and results

Assessments Lab Assignments

Lab #1
Lab #2
Water Quality
Distillation of
Testing
Water
10%
10%

Science 8 Unit B: Forms of Matter: Gases Calendar

Monday
8
Introduce the lab with
lab notes
15
Unit E water system
introduction
1.1 the distribution of
water on Earth
Practise Questions
22
2.2 Erosion and
Deposition
Practise Questions
29
3.1 The Diversity of
Organisms in Salt and
Freshwater Systems

Tuesday
9
Lab Safety and
expectations
Experiment time
16
Unit E water system
introduction
1.2 the distribution of
water on Earth
Practise Questions
23
2.3 Processes that shape
Ocean Basins and
Continental Drainage
Practise Questions
30
3.1 The diversity of
Organisms in Salt and
Freshwater systems
Practise Questions

September 2014
Wednesday
10
Lab Safety and
expectations
Experiment time
17
Continuation of 1.2 the
distribution of water on
Earth
Review questions and
games
24
2.4 Water and Climate
Practise Questions

Thursday

Friday

11
Lab Write up

12
Lab Write up

18
Review questions and
games
Quiz #1
Introduce 2.1 Waves
and Tides
25
Review time and games

19
2.1 Waves and Tides
Practice questions

26
Quiz 2

Monday

Tuesday

October 2014
Wednesday
1
3.2 Population in Fresh
and Salt water

Thursday

Friday

2
3.2 Populations in Fresh
and Salt water
Practise Questions
9
4.1 How humans use
water
Group Discussion

3
3.3 Water Quality and
Living things

6
Water Quality and living
things continued
Practise questions
Study time
13
No School

7
Review Games and
Questions

8
Quiz #3

14
4.1 Practise questions
4.2 Measuring Impact

16
Introduction to lab #1

17
Water Collection Day

20
Lab safety and
expectations
Lab time day 1
27
Lab safety and
expectations lab time
day 2

21
Lab safety and
expectations
Lab time day 2
28
Report writing day

15
4.2 Measuring Impact
Case studies/group
discussions
22
Report writing day

23
Introduction to lab #2

29
Review Day

30
Unit Exam

24
Lab safety and
expectations lab time
day 1
31

10
4.1 How humans use
water
Case study

Science 8 Unit E: Fresh and Salt Water Systems

*Classes are 50 minutes long
Lesson
1

Learning Outcome
Describe in general
terms, the distribution
of water in Alberta,
Canada and world; and
interpret information
about water
characteristics
Recognize that both
systems contain varying
amounts of dissolved
materials
Identify major factors
used in determining if
water is potable, and
describe tests of water
quality
Methods of generating
fresh water from salt
water
Same as previous day

Concept
1.1 The
distribution
of water on
Earth

1.2 Water
Quality

Time
2 min
25 min
18 min

Activities and Teaching Strategies

Science Question of the day
Power point lesson 1.1 The distribution of water on
Earth
Practise Questions

5 min

Review Practice Questions

2 min

Science Question of the day

5 min

Review questions use playing cards to select

response
Power point presentation on 1.2 Water quality

23min
10 min

1.2 Water
Quality

5 min

Individual work time complete comprehension

questions assigned from the text book; these
questions will reflect quiz and unit exam questions
Exit slip

2 min
5 min

Science Question of the day

Review questions use play cards to select response

10 min
10 min

Student work time complete practise questions

Review practise questions as a whole class

23 min

Review games

10

Assessment
Observation &
Discussion
Student
response
Written, preassessment

Student
response
Observation
and discussion
Student
response
Student
response

Student
response
Observation
Observation
and discussion
Student
Response

Describe the process of

erosion and deposition
resulting from wave
action and water flow

Same as above short

day

Investigate and
describe stream
characteristics
Describe the processes
of erosion and
deposition resulting
from wave action and
water flow
Describe processes
leading to the
development of ocean
basins and continental
drainage system

2.1 waves
and tides

2.1 waves
and tides

2.2 Erosion
and
Deposition

2.3 processes
that shape
ocean basins
and
continental
drainage

2 min
10 min

Science Question of the day

Review time/games with the whole class

15 min
8 min

Quiz #1
Quiz expectations
Wave demonstration

15

Introduction to 2.1 Waves and tides

5 min
15 min
5 min

Science question of the day

Student individual work time to complete practise
questions
Review practise question with students

5 min

Popcorn activity to review

2 min
3 min

Science question of the day

Popcorn activity to review materials from last day

30 min

Power point lesson

10 min
5 min

Students individual work time to complete practise

questions
Review questions as a class

2 min
3 min

Science question of the day

Popcorn activity to review materials from last day

30 min

Power point lesson

10 min

Students individual work time to complete practise

11

Observation
and Discussion
Student
response
Observation
and Discussion
Observation
and Discussion
Student
Response
Observation
and Discussion
Student
Response
Student
response
Observation
and Discussion
Student
Response
Observation
and Discussion
Student
response
Observation
and Discussion
Student

5 min
8

10

11

Identify evidence of
glacial action, and
analyze factors
affecting the growth
and attrition of glaciers
and polar icecaps
Describe the movement
of ocean currents and
its impact on regional
climates
Investigate life forms
found in fresh water
and salt water, and
identify
Analyze factors that
contribute to
adaptations
Investigate changes in
population of living
things in aquatic
environments

Analyze relationship
between water quality

2.4 water and 2 min

climate
10 min

questions
Review questions as a class

Response
Observation
and Discussion

Science question of the day

Case study

20 min

Power point lesson

10 min
5 min

Students individual work time to complete practise

questions
Review questions as a class

3.1 The
diversity of
organisms in
salt and
freshwater
systems

2 min
20 min

Science question of the day

Power point lesson

10 min
10 min

Student individual work time to complete practise

questions
Review questions

3.2
populations
of fresh and
salt water

2 min
3 min

Science question of the day

Popcorn activity to review materials from last day

30 min

Power point lesson

10 min
5 min

Students individual work time to complete practise

questions
Review questions as a class

2 min
3 min

Science question of the day

Popcorn activity to review materials from last day

3.3 water
quality and

12

Group
discussion
Observation
and Discussion
Student
Response
Observation
and Discussion
Discussion
Observation
and Discussion
Student
Response
Observation
and Discussion
Student
response
Observation
and Discussion
Student
Response
Observation
and Discussion
Student

and living things and

infer the quality of
water based on the
diversity

12

13

Analyze human water

uses, and identify the
nature and scope of
impacts resulting from
different uses
Identify current
practises and tech that
affect water quality
Illustrate the role of
scientific research in
monitoring
environments and
supporting
development
Examples of problems
that cannot be solved

living things

4.1 how
humans use
water

4.2
Measuring
impacts

30 min

Power point lesson

10 min
5 min

Students individual work time to complete practise

questions
Review questions as a class

2 min
3 min

Science question of the day

Popcorn activity to review materials from last day

30 min

Power point lesson and case study discussion

10 min
5 min

Students individual work time to complete practise

questions
Review questions as a class

2 min
3 min

Science question of the day

Popcorn activity to review materials from last day

30 min

Power point lesson and case study discussion

10 min

Students individual work time to complete practise

questions
Review questions as a class

5 min

13

response
Observation
and Discussion
Student
Response
Observation
and Discussion
Student
response
Observation
and Discussion
Student
Response
Observation
and Discussion
Student
response
Observation
and Discussion
Student
Response
Observation
and Discussion

Learning Resources
Print Resources
1. Science in Actions 8
2. Liem, Tik L.. Invitations to science inquiry. 2nd ed. Chino Hills, Calif.: Science Inquiry
Enterprises, 19871992. Print.
3. Alberta Education. (2010). Making a difference: Meeting diverse learning needs with
differentiated instruction. Edmonton, AB: Alberta Education.

Online Resources
Steve Spangler Science Website
http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/