UNIT 2: Systems, Models, Energy and Equilibria
Significant Ideas:
Guiding questions:
Vocabulary:
Open system, closed system, isolated system, positive and negative feedback, stability, steady state equilibrium, carbon cycle, photosynthesis, water cycle, first and second laws of thermodynamics, model
- A system is an assemblage of parts and their interactions.
- A system is defined by the scientist and can be used to model processes in nature.
- Models are used to make predictions.
Guiding questions:
- How does is it possible to understand one component of a system better by understanding its interactions with other parts of the system?
- Could it be possible for humans to live in a closed system?
Vocabulary:
Open system, closed system, isolated system, positive and negative feedback, stability, steady state equilibrium, carbon cycle, photosynthesis, water cycle, first and second laws of thermodynamics, model
Content |
Core Resources |
Support Material |
What is a system? |
Make notes from this introduction to systems and models:
|
|
Biosphere 2 |
You will be completing an Inquiry style lesson so you will need your laptops and headphones .
3. Biosphere 2 |
Web link:
|
Systems and models |
Find attached an alternative text for this unit Pearson essentials: Systems and Models
|
Value |
Feedback mechanisms |
5. Positive and negative feedback 6. Feedback confusion worksheet Homework read the paragraph by David Attenborough and build your own systems diagram. 7. Open ocean systems diagram |
|
The Water cycle |
Water cycle assignment: 1. Use the following animation to understand the water cycle better. 2. Read each section on the main page of the following site, especially the Earth’s water budget. Learn the following terms: Evaporation, Condensation, Transport, Precipitation, Ground water, Aquifer, Surface water, Transpiration, Runoff by producing a glossary of terms. 3. Use this to study all parts of the water cycle In your notes: Draw a systems diagram showing inputs and outputs of water and energy into and out of the ocean. Carbon cycle assignment: 4. Use this link to study photosynthesis In your notebook, draw a systems diagram a plant showing inputs and outputs of matter and energy. 5. Use this link to study the carbon cycle 6. Use this link to study the carbon cycle |
Web link: |
Systems, water cycle, carbon cycle. Case study: The aral sea |
8. Water cycle diagrams Use the ppt to complete diagrams to show the water cycle stocks and flows. Go to the link about the Aral sea and use like a case study to outline what has happened to the Aral sea and what changes may now be occuring. |
|
Review and recap |