Outschool
Search

$19

weekly
or $304 for 16 classes
Class
Play

Middle School Science (Sem 4): Fun W/ Nearpod, Labs, & Projects (Earth Science)

Completed by 7 learners
Ages 10-14
Live Group Course
In this fun, interactive class, we will go through Sem 4 of Middle School Comp Science. This semester covers Earth Science (rocks, fossils, weather, natural disasters), featuring the Erupting Volcanoes Lab!
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(120 reviews)
Rising Star

Live video meetings
1x per week, 16 weeks
2-8 learners per class
45 min

What's included

16 live meetings
12 in-class hours
Homework
1-2 hours per week. Homework assignments/projects are optional. See each week in the syllabus for more details.
Assessment
During class, learners will be continually assessed for understanding using Nearpod activity slides. Learners have the option of doing projects/assignments after class. I will grade any work that is turned in.
Grading
I will grade and give feedback for all work that is turned in. Contact me if you would like for me to calculate a cumulative grade. Because homework is optional, grades will be calculated based on work turned in.

Class Experience

US Grade 5 - 8
Beginner Level
**TRY THE FIRST CLASS FREE WITH COUPON CODE: NEWTOFNAJN18

*THIS CLASS MEETS LIVE BUT IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS A SELF-PACED/PRE-RECORDED CLASS* (message me if you can't find the link)

This is a fun, interactive, and rigorous 16-week course which meets once each week! This class can be taken as a stand-alone course (the learners are not required to take all 4 semester of this curriculum). This course is based on national science standards and includes many hands-on activities. 

Course Structure:

*1 live meeting per week (45 min each); part lecture/part interactive slides and labs
*Optional homework or projects will be assigned in the Outschool Classroom and can be turned in within the classroom, or be sent to me in a private message. We will try to do/start these assignments during class as often as possible.


COURSE SYLLABUS:

Week 1: Rock Cycle (Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic Rocks)
Nearpod slides and activities

Week 2: Rock Cycle (Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic Rocks) - PART 2
Nearpod slides and activities
Rock Cycle Lab 
Rock Cycle Diagram
Quiz

Week 3: Fossils, Relative Dating of Earth's Materials
Nearpod slides and activities
Gather Fossils

Week 4: Fossils, Relative Dating of Earth's Materials - PART 2
Nearpod slides and activities
Landscape Drawing and Labeling Activity
Fossils Show & Tell
Quiz

Week 5: Plate Tectonics, Earthquakes, Tsunamis
Nearpod slides and activities

Week 6: Plate Tectonics, Earthquakes, Tsunamis - PART 2
Nearpod slides and activities
Plate Tectonics Lab
Earth Science Storytime: Well-known Earthquakes, Tsunamis, and Volcanoes
Quiz

Week 7: Volcanoes, Earthquakes, and Tsunamis
Nearpod slides and activities
Build and Erupt a Volcano (Elephant Toothpaste, anyone?)

Week 8: Volcanoes, Earthquakes, and Tsunamis - PART 2
Nearpod slides and activities
Build and Erupt a Volcano (Elephant Toothpaste, anyone?)
Quiz

Week 9: Water, Ice, Erosion 
Nearpod slides and activities
Edible Erosion Lab (weathering, erosion, glaciers, icebergs, landslides, mudslides)

Week 10: Water, Ice, Erosion - PART 2
Nearpod slides and activities
Edible Erosion Lab (weathering, erosion, glaciers, icebergs, landslides, mudslides)
Glacier Calving Video
Quiz

Week 11: Weather, Tornadoes, Hurricanes, Lightning 
Nearpod slides and activities
Lightning Lab

Week 12: Weather, Tornadoes, Hurricanes, Lightning - PART 2
Nearpod slides and activities
Earth Science Storytime: Well-known Tornadoes/Hurricanes/Lightning Strikes
Bingo
Quiz

Week 13: Climate Zones
Nearpod slides and activities
Climate Zones Breakout/Escape Room 

Week 14: Climate Zones - PART 2
Nearpod slides and activities
Quiz

Week 15: Earth's Energy and Resources
Nearpod slides and activities

Week 16: Earth's Energy and Resources - PART 2
Nearpod slides and activities
Bingo
Research your local power company (how do they get energy?)
Earth's Resources Project

I also have Sem 1, Sem 2, and Sem 3 of this class available. These are the topics covered in each of my 7th grade curriculum quarter classes:

Sem 1: Scientific Method, Living Things, Light and Matter, Plant/Animal Cells, Organization of Living Things, Photosynthesis, Cell Cycle.
Sem 2: Mendel/Genetics, Punnet Squares, DNA, DNA Mutations, Hybrid Organisms, Classification, Intro to Plants, Photosynthesis.
Sem 3: What is an Animal?, In/Vertebrates, Skeletal System, Circulatory System, Respiratory System, Nervous System, Digestive System. 
Sem 4: Rock Cycle, Fossils/Fossil Layer, Plate Tectonics, Meteorology, Clouds, Weather, and Natural Disasters.

Learning Goals

Students will learn various aspects of earth science. Please see the syllabus in the course description for a detailed list of all concepts taught. Learners will be able to explain the formation of rocks and fossil layers, understand and demonstrate the movement of plate tectonics, identify various types of clouds, utilize weather terminology, understand how weather tools are used, and discuss how natural disasters occur and what their consequences are.

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
Standards
Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
16 Lessons
over 16 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Rock Cycle (Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic Rocks)
 Week 1: Rock Cycle (Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic Rocks)
Nearpod slides and activities 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Rock Cycle (Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic Rocks) - PART 2
 Week 2: Rock Cycle (Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic Rocks) - PART 2
Nearpod slides and activities
Rock Cycle Lab 
Rock Cycle Diagram
Quiz 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Fossils, Relative Dating of Earth's Materials
 Week 3: Fossils, Relative Dating of Earth's Materials
Nearpod slides and activities
Gather Fossils 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Fossils, Relative Dating of Earth's Materials - PART 2
 Week 4: Fossils, Relative Dating of Earth's Materials - PART 2
Nearpod slides and activities
Landscape Drawing and Labeling Activity
Fossils Show & Tell
Quiz 
45 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Learning Needs
Lecture/discussion/teaching slides are broken up with Nearpod Interactive Slides to keep learners engaged and having fun. Homework is optional. Flexible deadlines.
Parental Guidance
Please monitor your learners use of scissors or other tools used during labs/projects. The topic of natural disasters may be upsetting to some. We will mostly discuss them from a scientific perspective (the mechanics of how they occur), but occasionally the "# of casualties" may come up for certain events (examples: Mt Vesuvius, Haiti Earthquake, Hurricane Andrew, etc.). CK12.org: accounts will not be required, reading is optional. Youtube videos: links will be embedded in Nearpod or the Outschool classroom. Nearpod: learners do not need to make an account. We will use Nearpod during each class for interactive features. Google Doc: used to access supply list Google Form: used for quizzes
Supply List
*Q4 SUPPLIES*

Doing the hands-on portion of the labs is not required, however it will definitely make the class more fun for learners! Often you can make substitutions for some items (or only do a portion of the lab) if it is difficult to get some of these items. I usually strive to do labs that only require items commonly found around the home. 

Turning in your assignments: you can take a picture(s) of your labs/activities and either upload them to the classroom (under the appropriate week’s post), or send it to me privately through Outschool in a message. 


Weeks 1 & 2: 

Rock Cycle Lab: 3 crayons (all different colors, label peeled off), carrot peeler, 3 squares of aluminum foil (about 12 inches x 12 inches), a ceramic mug filled with water, access to a microwave (or hot water from the tap), assistance from an adult for the carrot peeler

Rock Cycle Diagram: printer paper to print pdf


Weeks 3 & 4: 

Paper, colored pencils/crayons


Weeks 5 & 6: 

Plate Tectonics Activity: 2 square graham crackers, whipped cream/cool whip, a plate (other crackers and gel-like substances can be used, such as mayonnaise, but it won’t be tasty/edible at the end of the lab!)


Weeks 7 & 8: 

*Volcano material (day 1): 
disposable tin tray (a sheet pan will do if you don’t have the tin tray), glue (any kind), plastic or glass bottle/jar, 6 cups of flour, 2 cups of salt, 2 cups of water, 2 TBSP of cooking oil, food coloring (optional; suggested colors - red, green, black, or orange), mixing bowl, measuring cup, measuring spoon (tablespoon), spatula or whisk for mixing

*Lava (day 2): 
Option 1 (basic recipe): 2 cups of warm water, food coloring (preferably red), 1 tablespoon of dish soap, 2 tablespoons of baking soda, vinegar (1-2 cups)
Option 2 (elephant toothpaste recipe): ½ cup hydrogen peroxide (6% is best, but 3% will do), 1 tablespoon (one packet) dry yeast, 3 tablespoons of warm water, 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap, food coloring (preferably red)


Weeks 9 & 10: 

Weathering/Erosion Model: Several marshmallows (any size), about 10 crushed oreos (or other cookie), choc/strawberry/corn/maple syrup (pick one), jelly beans or other small candy, optional: blue jello (one small container), small baking pan or pie tin or plate.


Weeks 11 & 12: 

Lightning activity: small plate, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, plastic spoon and/or a styrofoam item (cup, bowl, or plate, etc.)

Science Bingo: printer paper to print pdf


Weeks 13 & 14: 

none


Weeks 15 & 16: 

Science Bingo: printer paper to print pdf
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
ck12.org, Youtube videos, Nearpod (no accounts need to be created), Google docs, Google Form

Meet the teacher

Joined June, 2020
4.8
120reviews
Rising Star
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Science from The Florida State University
I have a BS degree in Nutrition and Food Science (pre-med track) from Florida State University. After working as a pharmaceutical sales representative, I later became a certified middle school science teacher and taught middle school science in the Florida public school system for 5 years. I have been an online teacher since 2018. I'm also a "hybrid-homeschool" momma :)

Reviews

Stephanie Newton, BSc suggests this class next...
Exploring Space & Creating an Edible Solar System Model!
Stephanie Newton, BSc
4.9
(120)
$16 per class
Group Class
10 wks, 1/wk, 45 min
9-14


Parents also liked
Exciting Earth Science
Dr Pete PhD Earth Science Philosophy Geology
5.0
(299)
$10 per month
Chat Group
Unlimited Access
13-18
Earth Science Club 2
Amalia Fernand, M.S. Nature/Earth Science
4.9
(1,121)
$15 per class
Next session at 7 PM on Thu 4/3
Group Class
1/wk, 45 min
5-9
Earth Science for Middle School
Mrs. Victoria Laird, M.S.
5.0
(31)
$15 per class
Group Class
12 wks, 1/wk, 45 min
11-14
Science 6: Earth Science (Summer Class)
Ready To Strive Tutoring
4.6
(58)
$17 per class
Next session at 5 PM on Mon 6/9
Group Class
4 wks, 2/wk, 40 min
11-14
Earth Science for Middle School: Geology, Meteorology, Oceanography & Astronomy
Adrianne Hays, BA, CCLS
4.9
(843)
$17 per class
Next session at 4 PM on Wed 8/27
Group Class
16 wks, 1/wk, 50 min
11-14
Earth Science Summer Semester 1: Geology, Meteorology, Oceans, Space Science
Dr Pete PhD Earth Science Philosophy Geology
5.0
(299)
$20 per class
Next session at 3 PM on Tue 5/6
Group Class
1/wk, 50 min
11-16
Earth Science Semester 4: Geology, Weather, Oceans, Space, Environment, Geog
Dr Pete PhD Earth Science Philosophy Geology
5.0
(299)
$20 per class
Group Class
18 wks, 1/wk, 50 min
13-18
Earth Science Middle School SEM 2: Geology, Weather, Oceans, Space, Geography
Dr Pete PhD Earth Science Philosophy Geology
5.0
(299)
$20 per class
Group Class
18 wks, 1/wk, 50 min
11-15
Earth Science Summer Semester 2: Geology, Weather, Oceans, Space Science, Geog.
Dr Pete PhD Earth Science Philosophy Geology
5.0
(299)
$20 per class
Next session at 3 PM on Tue 5/6
Group Class
14 wks, 1/wk, 50 min
12-17
Earth Science Middle School Semester 1: Geology Weather Oceans Environment Geog.
Dr Pete PhD Earth Science Philosophy Geology
5.0
(299)
$20 per class
Group Class
15 wks, 1/wk, 50 min
11-14
Earth Science High School Sem 1: Geology Weather Oceans Environment Geography
Dr Pete PhD Earth Science Philosophy Geology
5.0
(299)
$20 per class
Group Class
15 wks, 1/wk, 50 min
13-18
Earth Science High School Semester 2: Geology, Weather, Oceans, Space, Geography
Dr Pete PhD Earth Science Philosophy Geology
5.0
(299)
$20 per class
Group Class
18 wks, 1/wk, 50 min
13-18
World of Wonders Ongoing - Earth Science
Silly School With Teacher Greg
4.8
(1,249)
$11 per class
Next session at 6 PM on Wednesday
Group Class
1/wk, 25 min
6-9
Earth Science Summer Semester 3 - Geology, Weather, Oceans, Space, Environment
Dr Pete PhD Earth Science Philosophy Geology
5.0
(299)
$19 per class
Next session at 3 PM on Tue 5/6
Group Class
1/wk, 50 min
11-16
Intro to Earth Science Semester 1 & 2: Geology, Weather, Oceans, Space Science
Dr Pete PhD Earth Science Philosophy Geology
5.0
(299)
$19 per class
Group Class
32 wks, 1/wk, 40 min
7-11
Earth Science High School Sem 1&2: Geology Weather Oceans Environment Geography
Dr Pete PhD Earth Science Philosophy Geology
5.0
(299)
$20 per class
Group Class
32 wks, 1/wk, 50 min
13-18
See More Classes
Home
Search
Give a Gift Card
Open currency, time zone, and language settings
Language & Region
Log In