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- Science: 12th Grade Earth and Space Science
Ontario - Science: 12th Grade Earth and Space Science
Ontario Curriculum | Adopted: 2008
A: : Scientific Investigation Skills and Career Exploration
A1: : demonstrate scientific investigation skills (related to both inquiry and research) in the four areas of skills (initiating and planning, performing and recording, analysing and interpreting, and communicating);
A1.1: : formulate relevant scientific questions about observed relationships, ideas, problems, or issues, make informed predictions, and/or formulate educated hypotheses to focus inquiries or research
Diffusion
Explore the motion of particles as they bounce around from one side of a room to the other through an adjustable gap or partition. The mass of the particles can be adjusted, as well as the temperature of the room and the initial number of particles. In a real-world context, this can be used to learn about how odors travel, fluids move through gaps, the thermodynamics of gases, and statistical probability. 5 Minute Preview
Sight vs. Sound Reactions
Measure your reaction time by clicking your mouse as quickly as possible when visual or auditory stimuli are presented. The individual response times are recorded, as well as the mean and standard deviation for each test. A histogram of data shows overall trends in sight and sound response times. The type of test as well as the symbols and sounds used are chosen by the user. 5 Minute Preview
A1.5: : conduct inquiries, controlling relevant variables, and adapting or extending procedures as required, and using appropriate materials and equipment safely, accurately, and effectively, to collect observations and data
Diffusion
Explore the motion of particles as they bounce around from one side of a room to the other through an adjustable gap or partition. The mass of the particles can be adjusted, as well as the temperature of the room and the initial number of particles. In a real-world context, this can be used to learn about how odors travel, fluids move through gaps, the thermodynamics of gases, and statistical probability. 5 Minute Preview
Triple Beam Balance
Learn how to determine the mass of an object using a triple beam balance. The mass of a variety of objects can be determined using this simulated version of a common real-world laboratory tool for measurement. 5 Minute Preview
A1.6: : compile accurate observations and data from laboratory and other sources (e.g., field work), and organize and record the data, using appropriate formats, including tables, flow charts, graphs, and/or diagrams
Earthquakes 1 - Recording Station
Using an earthquake recording station, learn how to determine the distance between the station and an earthquake based on the time difference between the arrival of the primary and secondary seismic waves. Use this data to find the epicenter in the Earthquakes 2 - Location of Epicenter Gizmo. 5 Minute Preview
Mineral Identification
Observe and measure the properties of a mineral sample, and then use a key to identify the mineral. Students can observe the color, luster, shape, density, hardness, streak, and reaction to acid for each mineral. There are 26 mineral samples to identify. 5 Minute Preview
Seasons Around the World
Use a three dimensional view of the Earth, Moon and Sun to explore seasonal changes at a variety of locations. Strengthen your knowledge of global climate patterns by comparing solar energy input at the Poles to the Equator. Manipulate Earth's axis to increase or diminish seasonal changes. 5 Minute Preview
A1.10: : draw conclusions based on inquiry results and research findings, and justify their conclusions with reference to scientific knowledge
Diffusion
Explore the motion of particles as they bounce around from one side of a room to the other through an adjustable gap or partition. The mass of the particles can be adjusted, as well as the temperature of the room and the initial number of particles. In a real-world context, this can be used to learn about how odors travel, fluids move through gaps, the thermodynamics of gases, and statistical probability. 5 Minute Preview
A1.13: : express the results of any calculations involving data accurately and precisely, to the appropriate number of decimal places or significant figures
Unit Conversions 2 - Scientific Notation and Significant Digits
Use the Unit Conversions Gizmo to explore the concepts of scientific notation and significant digits. Convert numbers to and from scientific notation. Determine the number of significant digits in a measured value and in a calculation. 5 Minute Preview
B: : Astronomy (Science of the Universe)
B2: : investigate and analyse the properties of the universe, particularly the evolution and properties of stars, in both qualitative and quantitative terms;
B2.1: : use appropriate terminology related to astronomy, including, but not limited to: Doppler effect, electromagnetic radiation, protostar, celestial equator, ecliptic, altitude and azimuth, and right ascension and declination
Doppler Shift
Observe sound waves emitted from a moving vehicle. Measure the frequency of sound waves in front of and behind the vehicle as it moves, illustrating the Doppler effect. The frequency of sound waves, speed of the source, and the speed of sound can all be manipulated. Motion of the vehicle can be linear, oscillating, or circular. 5 Minute Preview
Doppler Shift Advanced
Derive an equation to calculate the frequency of an oncoming sound source and a receding sound source. Also, calculate the Doppler shift that results from a moving observer and a stationary sound source. The source velocity, sound velocity, observer velocity, and sound frequency can all be manipulated. 5 Minute Preview
B2.3: : analyse spectroscopic data mathematically or graphically to determine various properties of stars (e.g., determine surface temperature from peak wavelength using Wein’s law; predict chemical composition from spectral absorption lines; determine motion using the Doppler effect)
Star Spectra
Analyze the spectra of a variety of stars. Determine the elements that are represented in each spectrum, and use this information to infer the temperature and classification of the star. Look for unusual features such as redshifted stars, nebulae, and stars with large planets. 5 Minute Preview
B2.4: : use the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram to determine the interrelationships between the properties of stars (e.g., between mass and luminosity, between colour and luminosity) and to investigate their evolutionary pathways
H-R Diagram
A collection of stars visible from Earth can be arranged and classified based on their color, temperature, luminosity, radius, and mass. This can be done using one or two-dimensional plots, including a Hertzsprung-Russell diagram of luminosity vs. temperature. 5 Minute Preview
B2.5: : investigate, in quantitative terms, properties of stars, including their distance from Earth (using the parallax method), surface temperature, absolute magnitude, and luminosity
H-R Diagram
A collection of stars visible from Earth can be arranged and classified based on their color, temperature, luminosity, radius, and mass. This can be done using one or two-dimensional plots, including a Hertzsprung-Russell diagram of luminosity vs. temperature. 5 Minute Preview
Star Spectra
Analyze the spectra of a variety of stars. Determine the elements that are represented in each spectrum, and use this information to infer the temperature and classification of the star. Look for unusual features such as redshifted stars, nebulae, and stars with large planets. 5 Minute Preview
B3: : demonstrate an understanding of the origin and evolution of the universe, the principal characteristics of its components, and techniques used to study those components.
B3.1: : describe the theoretical and evidential underpinnings of the big bang theory (e.g., the theory that cosmic microwave background radiation is an echo of the big bang; physical evidence of the mass of the universe, and the relationship between mass and gravity) and their implications for the evolution of the universe
Big Bang Theory - Hubble's Law
Follow in the footsteps of Edwin Hubble to discover evidence supporting the Big Bang Theory. First, observe Cepheid variable stars in different galaxies to determine their distances. Then, measure the redshift from these galaxies to determine their recessional velocity. Create a scatterplot of velocity vs. distance and relate this to an expanding universe. 5 Minute Preview
B3.4: : explain how stars are classified on the basis of their surface temperature, luminosity, and chemical composition
H-R Diagram
A collection of stars visible from Earth can be arranged and classified based on their color, temperature, luminosity, radius, and mass. This can be done using one or two-dimensional plots, including a Hertzsprung-Russell diagram of luminosity vs. temperature. 5 Minute Preview
Star Spectra
Analyze the spectra of a variety of stars. Determine the elements that are represented in each spectrum, and use this information to infer the temperature and classification of the star. Look for unusual features such as redshifted stars, nebulae, and stars with large planets. 5 Minute Preview
B3.5: : explain, with reference to a specific star (e.g., Rigel, Sirius, Arcturus), how astronomers use techniques to determine the properties of stars (e.g., mass, diameter, magnitude, temperature, luminosity)
H-R Diagram
A collection of stars visible from Earth can be arranged and classified based on their color, temperature, luminosity, radius, and mass. This can be done using one or two-dimensional plots, including a Hertzsprung-Russell diagram of luminosity vs. temperature. 5 Minute Preview
Star Spectra
Analyze the spectra of a variety of stars. Determine the elements that are represented in each spectrum, and use this information to infer the temperature and classification of the star. Look for unusual features such as redshifted stars, nebulae, and stars with large planets. 5 Minute Preview
C: : Planetary Science (Science of the Solar System)
C3: : demonstrate an understanding of the internal (geological) processes and external (cosmic) influences operating on bodies in the solar system.
C3.7: : identify Kepler’s laws, and use them to describe planetary motions (e.g., the shape of their orbits; differences in their orbital velocity)
Orbital Motion - Kepler's Laws
Learn Kepler's three laws of planetary motion by examining the orbit of a planet around a star. The initial position, velocity, and mass of the planet can be varied as well as the mass of the star. The foci and centers of orbits can be displayed and compared to the location of the star. The area swept out by the planet in a given time period can be measured, and data on orbital radii and periods can be plotted in several ways. 5 Minute Preview
D: : Recording Earth’s Geological History
D2: : investigate geological evidence of major changes that have occurred during Earth’s history, and of the various processes that have contributed to these changes;
D2.6: : design and build a model to represent radioactive decay and the concept of half-life determination
Half-life
Investigate the decay of a radioactive substance. The half-life and the number of radioactive atoms can be adjusted, and theoretical or random decay can be observed. Data can be interpreted visually using a dynamic graph, a bar chart, and a table. Determine the half-lives of two sample isotopes as well as samples with randomly generated half-lives. 5 Minute Preview
Nuclear Decay
Observe the five main types of nuclear decay: alpha decay, beta decay, gamma decay, positron emission, and electron capture. Write nuclear equations by determining the mass numbers and atomic numbers of daughter products and emitted particles. 5 Minute Preview
D3: : demonstrate an understanding of how changes to Earth’s surface have been recorded and preserved throughout geological time and how they contribute to our knowledge of Earth’s history.
D3.5: : identify and describe the various methods of isotopic age determination, giving for each the name of the isotope, its half-life, its effective dating range, and some of the materials that it can be used to date (e.g., uranium-lead dating of rocks; carbon dating of organic materials)
Half-life
Investigate the decay of a radioactive substance. The half-life and the number of radioactive atoms can be adjusted, and theoretical or random decay can be observed. Data can be interpreted visually using a dynamic graph, a bar chart, and a table. Determine the half-lives of two sample isotopes as well as samples with randomly generated half-lives. 5 Minute Preview
D3.7: : explain the different types of evidence used to determine the age of Earth (e.g., index fossils; evidence provided by radiometric dating of geological materials or lithostratigraphy) and how this evidence has influenced our understanding of the age of the planet
Half-life
Investigate the decay of a radioactive substance. The half-life and the number of radioactive atoms can be adjusted, and theoretical or random decay can be observed. Data can be interpreted visually using a dynamic graph, a bar chart, and a table. Determine the half-lives of two sample isotopes as well as samples with randomly generated half-lives. 5 Minute Preview
E: : Earth Materials
E2: : investigate the properties of minerals and characteristics of rocks, including those in their local area;
E2.1: : use appropriate terminology related to Earth materials, including, but not limited to: geothermal vents, porosity, permeability, cleavage, fracture, cementation, evaporite, and foliation
Porosity
Pour water on a variety of sediment samples to find how much water can be absorbed by the sample (porosity) and how easily water flows through the sample (permeability). 5 Minute Preview
E2.2: : investigate the properties of various Earth materials (e.g., density, conductivity, porosity; whether they are magnetic or radioactive), and explain how these properties affect how the materials are used and what technologies and techniques are used to explore for or extract them (e.g., radiometric instruments, electromagnetic or gravity surveys)
Porosity
Pour water on a variety of sediment samples to find how much water can be absorbed by the sample (porosity) and how easily water flows through the sample (permeability). 5 Minute Preview
E2.3: : conduct a series of tests (e.g., hardness, streak, density) to identify and classify common minerals (e.g., quartz, calcite, potassium feldspar, plagioclase feldspar, muscovite, biotite, talc, graphite, hornblende)
Mineral Identification
Observe and measure the properties of a mineral sample, and then use a key to identify the mineral. Students can observe the color, luster, shape, density, hardness, streak, and reaction to acid for each mineral. There are 26 mineral samples to identify. 5 Minute Preview
E3: : demonstrate an understanding of the properties of minerals and the formation and characteristics of rocks.
E3.1: : identify the physical and chemical properties of selected minerals, and describe the tests used to determine these properties
Mineral Identification
Observe and measure the properties of a mineral sample, and then use a key to identify the mineral. Students can observe the color, luster, shape, density, hardness, streak, and reaction to acid for each mineral. There are 26 mineral samples to identify. 5 Minute Preview
F: : Geological Processes
F2: : investigate, through the use of models and analysis of information gathered from various sources, the nature of internal and surficial Earth processes, and the ways in which these processes can be quantified;
F2.1: : use appropriate terminology related to geological processes, including, but not limited to: shear forces, compression forces, liquifaction, Benioff zone, aquifer, internal plastic flow, basal slip, midoceanic ridge, bedding, cross-cutting, isostasy, and lithification
Plate Tectonics
Move the Earth's crust at various locations to observe the effects of the motion of the tectonic plates, including volcanic eruptions. Information about each of the major types of plate boundaries is shown, along with their locations on Earth. 5 Minute Preview
F2.2: : investigate the difference between weathering and erosion (e.g., weathering occurs when the edge of a riverbank disintegrates from the force of the water; erosion occurs when the water transports the soil downstream), and construct models of the processes of physical, chemical, and biological weathering (e.g., tap water dripping on a bar of soap; vinegar dripping on a marble chip; dried beans soaking in a sealed plastic jar)
Erosion Rates
Explore erosion in a simulated 3D environment. Observe how the landscape evolves over time as it is shaped by the forces of flowing water. Vary the initial landscape, rock type, precipitation amount, average temperature, and vegetation and measure how each variable affects the rate of erosion and resulting landscape features. 5 Minute Preview
Weathering
Weathering is the breakdown of rock at Earth's surface through physical or chemical means. Students will learn about the different types of mechanical and chemical weathering, then use a simulation to model the effects of weathering on different types of rocks in varying climate conditions. 5 Minute Preview
F2.4: : investigate, through laboratory inquiry or computer simulation, the main types of seismic waves, and produce a model (e.g., using 3D block diagrams or springs and ropes) to illustrate for each the nature of its propagation, the transfer of energy, and its movement through rocks
Earthquakes 1 - Recording Station
Using an earthquake recording station, learn how to determine the distance between the station and an earthquake based on the time difference between the arrival of the primary and secondary seismic waves. Use this data to find the epicenter in the Earthquakes 2 - Location of Epicenter Gizmo. 5 Minute Preview
F2.5: : locate the epicentre of an earthquake, given the appropriate seismographic data (e.g., the travel-time curves to three recording stations for a single event)
Earthquakes 1 - Recording Station
Using an earthquake recording station, learn how to determine the distance between the station and an earthquake based on the time difference between the arrival of the primary and secondary seismic waves. Use this data to find the epicenter in the Earthquakes 2 - Location of Epicenter Gizmo. 5 Minute Preview
Earthquakes 2 - Determination of Epicenter
Locate the epicenter of an earthquake by analyzing seismic data from three recording stations. Measure difference in P- and S-wave arrival times, then use data from the Earthquakes 1 - Recording Station Gizmo to find the distance of the epicenter from each station. 5 Minute Preview
F3: : demonstrate an understanding of the processes at work within Earth and on its surface, and the role of these processes in shaping Earth’s surface.
F3.1: : describe the types of boundaries (convergent, divergent, transform) between lithospheric plates, and explain the types of internal Earth processes occurring at each (e.g., subduction, divergence, convergence, hot spot activity, folding, faulting)
Plate Tectonics
Move the Earth's crust at various locations to observe the effects of the motion of the tectonic plates, including volcanic eruptions. Information about each of the major types of plate boundaries is shown, along with their locations on Earth. 5 Minute Preview
F3.2: : describe the characteristics of the main types of seismic waves (i.e., P- and S-waves; R- and L-waves), and explain the different modes of travel, travel times, and types of motion associated with each
Earthquakes 1 - Recording Station
Using an earthquake recording station, learn how to determine the distance between the station and an earthquake based on the time difference between the arrival of the primary and secondary seismic waves. Use this data to find the epicenter in the Earthquakes 2 - Location of Epicenter Gizmo. 5 Minute Preview
F3.3: : compare qualitative and quantitative methods used to measure earthquake intensity and magnitude (e.g., the Mercalli Scale, the Richter Scale)
Earthquakes 1 - Recording Station
Using an earthquake recording station, learn how to determine the distance between the station and an earthquake based on the time difference between the arrival of the primary and secondary seismic waves. Use this data to find the epicenter in the Earthquakes 2 - Location of Epicenter Gizmo. 5 Minute Preview
F3.8: : identify major areas of tectonic activity in the world by plotting the location of major recorded earthquakes and active volcanoes on a map, and distinguish the areas by type of tectonic activity (e.g., Japan – convergent boundary; Iceland – divergent boundary; California – transform boundary)
Plate Tectonics
Move the Earth's crust at various locations to observe the effects of the motion of the tectonic plates, including volcanic eruptions. Information about each of the major types of plate boundaries is shown, along with their locations on Earth. 5 Minute Preview
Correlation last revised: 9/16/2020
About STEM Cases
Students assume the role of a scientist trying to solve a real world problem. They use scientific practices to collect and analyze data, and form and test a hypothesis as they solve the problems.
Each STEM Case uses realtime reporting to show live student results.
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STEM Cases take between 30-90 minutes for students to complete, depending on the case.
Student progress is automatically saved so that STEM Cases can be completed over multiple sessions.
Multiple grade-appropriate versions, or levels, exist for each STEM Case.
Each STEM Case level has an associated Handbook. These are interactive guides that focus on the science concepts underlying the case.
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