Lesson 1: Physical Processes

​Learning Targets and Language Objectives

Learning Targets:

• I can define and use the terms lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.
• I can examine and identify the physical processes that affect the four earth spheres.
• I can identify weather, tectonic forces, erosion, and soil-building as examples of physical processes and tell how [describe] these physical processes cause landforms to develop.

Language Objectives:

• I can define and use important geographic terms by completing a vocabulary graphic organizer.
• I can describe how physical processes affect the physical characteristics of a region by analyzing maps and photographs and recording evidence in writing using a chart.

Academic Vocabulary

weather
tectonic forces
erosion
atmosphere
biosphere
lithosphere
hydrosphere

Engage

What conclusions can you draw from the image of the Gulf of Mexico taken by the astronauts?


Access the photo of the Houston area from space.
As you view this image of Houston from space, discuss with a partner the various physical and human characteristics that are present in the photo.
Now access the photo of Houston at night.
Discuss your interpretations of the photo and text with your partner.
Next, from the NASA Earth From Space website, select, from the "clickable map" list, at least two other images from one or more categories of interest.
Together with your partner discuss and list the images you found and two conclusions you draw from those images.

Supporting Video 

NEW LEARNING

Download and save the WGS_Spheres of the Earth_Unit 2 handout to use a reference as we discuss the major earth spheres.


Download and save the WGS_Notes on Physical Processes_Unit 2 document to your WGS folder.
As we discuss this resource use the pdf tools to highlight or take additional notes to increase your understanding of these natural forces.

Guided Practice

Use your notes, handouts, and/or  the online National Geographic Glossary to create a foldable vocabulary reference for the terms: atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, tectonic forces, weathering, erosion, and soil formation.

Independent Practice

Working with your regional group members, complete the graphic organizer/chart on the WGS_Effects of Physical Processes on Landforms_Unit 2 to help understand the cause/effect relationship between physical processes and physical environment of a region.
Use Stratalogica and the NASA Earth From Space website to access aerial photos of key land and water forms in your region.

Close/Assess

Go to the Effects of Physical Processes on Landforms- Assignment to submit your completed WGS_Effects of Physical Processes on Landforms_Unit 2 graphic organizer
Your completed  Processes Vocabulary is due to me for a grade on ____ 


Revisit the Learning Targets and complete the post-assessment, citing evidence in the last column.

Teacher's Guide 

teachers_guide_unit2_part1_lesson_1.pdf
File Size:	111 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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