academic earth science high school grade 9

Planned Course of Study

ACADEMIC EARTH SCIENCE

HIGH SCHOOL

GRADE 9

NORTHWESTERN LEHIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

6493 ROUTE 309

NEW TRIPOLI, PA 18066

NORTHWESTERN LEHIGH SCHOOL BOARD

2010

Gregory W. Snyder, President

Sally Schoffstall, Esq., Vice President

Paul C. Fisher, Jr., Secretary

Willard Dellicker, Treasurer

Camille S. Bartlett

Todd Hernandez

Donald J. Link

Darryl S. Schafer

William F. Towne

John E. Freund III, Esq., Solicitor

ADMINISTRATION

Dr. Mary Anne Wright, Superintendent

Brian T. Uplinger, Assistant Superintendent

Dr. Mark Scott, Director of Pupil Services

Luann E. Matika, Director of Human Resources

LeAnn M. Stitzel, Director of Curriculum and Technology

Dennis Nemes, Secondary Principal

Kenneth Fisher, Assistant Secondary Principal

Amy Nickischer, Assistant Secondary Principal

Laurie Hoppes, Middle School Principal

Ara Hoderewski, Middle School Assistant Principal

Jill Berlet, Elementary Principal

Renee Cartier, Elementary Principal

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction and Level of Mastery 4 Description

Course Outline 5-26

INTRODUCTION

The Academic Earth Science curriculum guide contains planned course formats for the Northwestern Lehigh School District. The content of this document describes the objectives, activities, assessments, content, time frame, and standard alignment that serve as a guide to the specific units of study offered in Academic Earth Science. The Academic Earth Science curriculum guide is the product of much diligent work on the part of the following members of the Science department who contributed during the 2009-2010 school years:

Lorie Gamble Kevin Sunday

This document reflects their efforts to establish a well-defined and organized approach to teaching Science in the Northwestern Lehigh School District.

Approved by Northwestern Lehigh School District Board of Education

July 2010 LEVEL OF MASTERY DESCRIPTIONS � Recognition (R) Students will be able to recall concepts. � Application (A) Students will be able to apply ideas/skills to a curricular

concept. � Inference (I) Students will be able to evaluate and synthesize materials or

concepts.

Please note: The activities, assessments, materials and time frame are meant to be used as a guide for educators, and are not meant to be all-inclusive.

Academic Earth Science Cartography and Topography

Objective Standard

Alignment

&/or Anchor

Level of

Mastery

Suggested Activity and

Assessment

Materials Time

Frame

The student will be able to:

1. Locate points on Earth’s surface

by their latitude and longitude

2. Describe the advantages and

disadvantages of different types

of maps

3. Read and use topographic maps

and explain how they differ

from other maps

4. Interpret map scale

5. Define and list uses of GPS and

GIS in today’s world

6. Create a Topographic Profile

3.3.10.A7

A

A

A

I

A

I

� Lab: Determining Latitude and

Longitude

� Activity: “Crack the Code”

(using coordinates)

� Lab: Walk a Contour

� Discussion

� Enrichment Activity: Virtual

Whale Tracking

� Lab: Reading Topo Maps

� Activity: Profile Construction

� Unit Test

Textbook

Computers (Google Earth

and USGS)

Earth’s Grid System

World Map/Atlas

Ruler

USGS Topographic Maps

(local Quadragles)

Calculator

6 days


Academic Earth Science Geology - Minerals

Objective Standard

Alignment

&/or Anchor

Level of

Mastery


Assessment

Materials Time

Frame


1. Explain how elements are

related to minerals

2. List the 5 characteristics of

minerals

3. Describe the processes that

result in mineral formation

4. Determine how minerals are

classified

5. List the major groups of

minerals

6. Identify and apply properties of

minerals

7. Investigate common uses of

minerals and their current values

8. Research mineral resources in

PA

3.3.10.A1

R

R

R

A

R

I

I

I

� Discussion

� Activity: What do we use that’s

made of minerals?

� Lab: Using Mineral Properties

� Lab: Mineral Identification

� Enrichment Activity: Mineral

Resource Webquest

� Lab Practical: Mineral ID

� Unit Test

Textbook

Computers (USGS)

Periodic Table

Hand Lens

Dilute HC1

Safety Goggles

Mineral Specimens

Graduated Cylinder

Beaker

Hardness Kit: includes:

Streak

Copper Piece/Penny

Iron Nail

Steel File

Magnet

Mineral Flow Chart

6 days


Academic Earth Science Geology - Rocks

Objective Standard

Alignment

&/or Anchor

Level of

Mastery


Assessment

Materials Time

Frame


1. Identify and classify the 3 major

groups of rocks and explain how

they differ

2. Describe the rock cycle and list

the processes that power it

3. Compare and contrast intrusive

and extrusive igneous rocks and

classify them by cooling rate,

texture and composition

4. Describe the major processes

involved in the formation of

sedimentary rocks

5. Distinguish between clastic,

chemical and organic

sedimentary rocks

6. Predict where most

metamorphism takes place on

Earth and explain what changes

can occur

7. Recognize foliated and non-

foliated rocks and describe how

they form

3.3.10.A1

A

R

I

I

R

I

R

� Brainstorm: KWL

� Activities: Similarities and

Differences Among Rocks

� Discussion

� Lecture: Driving Out of the

Ocean

� Rock Identification Labs:

a. Igneous

b. Sedimentary

c. Metamorphic

� Enrichment Activity: Rock

formations

� Quizzes

� Lab Practical: Rock ID

� Unit Test

Textbook

Computers (USGS)

Hand Lens

Igneous Rock Specimens

Sedimentary Rock

Specimens

Metamorphic Rock

Specimens

Dilute HC1

Beaker

Eye Dropper

Rock ID Flow Charts

Sediment Samples

Hardness Kit: includes:

Streak Plate

Copper Piece/Penny

Iron Nail

Steel File

Magnet

7 days


Academic Earth Science Geology- Geologic History and Time

Objective Standard

Alignment

&/or Anchor

Level of

Mastery


Assessment

Materials Time

Frame


1. List key principles of measuring

geologic time and describe how

geologists use relative dating in

their work

2. Differentiate between relative

dating and radiometric decay

3. Use half-lives of isotopes to

calculate parent-daughter

relationships in radioactive

material

4. Describe how index fossils and

rock structures (superposition)

help date Earth

5. Define the Geologic Time Scale

and explain how geologic

history is divided

6. Investigate the evolution of life

from simple to more complex

life forms over the Earth’s

history

3.3.10.A3

3.3.10.A7

I

A

I

A

I

I

� Activity: Creating a timescale

� Project: Time Periods

� Activity: Dating Events and

Sequencing Fossils

� Enrichment Activity: Interpret

radiometric decay curve

� Case Study: Swatara State Park

� Quiz

Textbook

Computers (Live Science)

Fossil Samples

Poster Board

Toilet Paper (or adding

machine tape)

Markers

Ruler

Scissors

Glue

Construction Paper

4 days


Academic Earth Science Geology- Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics

Objective Standard

Alignment

&/or Anchor

Level of

Mastery


Assessment

Materials Time

Frame


1. Describe the key principles of

the Continental Drift Theory

2. Evaluate the evidence that

supports the Continental Drift

Theory

3. Identify the main objectives to

Wegener’s hypothesis of

Continental Drift and relate it to

both slow and fast changes that

effect Earth’s landforms

4. Identify the 3 types of plate

boundaries, what occurs at each

5. Calculate plate movement and

predict future movement

possibilities of plates

6. Explain the process of sea-floor

spreading and its evidence

3.3.10.A1

R

A

I

A

I

R

� Brainstorm: KWL

� Demo: Puzzle Fit Lab

� Activity: Modeling Plate

Boundaries

� Lab: “Mapping the Future”

� Enrichment Activity: Hawaiian

Plate Rate Calculation

� Lab: Charting the Age of the

Atlantic Ocean (Sea-Floor

Spreading)

� Unit Test

Textbook

Computers (USGS)

World Map/Atlas

Scissors

Ruler

Calculator

Glue

1 day


Academic Earth Science Geology- Earth’s Interior

Objective Standard

Alignment

&/or Anchor

Level of

Mastery


Assessment

Materials Time

Frame


1. Draw and explain layers of

Earth

2. Describe the composition and

physical properties of each layer

of Earth

3. Explain how scientists

determine Earth’s internal

structure and composition

4. Compare and contrast the

lithosphere and asthenosphere

5. Correlate increasing depth with

increasing pressure and heat

3.3.10.A3

R

R

A

A

A

� Discussion

� Demo: Floating Crackers

� Activity: Draw and label the

Earth’s interior

� Quiz

Textbook

Computers (research)

Crackers

Chocolate Pudding

Animal Crackers

Shallow baking pan

Milk

1 day


Academic Earth Science Geology- Earthquakes

Objective Standard

Alignment

&/or Anchor

Level of

Mastery


Assessment

Materials Time

Frame


1. Compare and contrast the types

of faults and their cause/effects


epicenter and focus of an

earthquake

3. Recall what causes earthquakes

4. Identify the 3 types of seismic

waves and describe how they are

recorded/measured

5. Understand how to locate the

epicenter of an earthquake using

triangulation

6. Identify major hazards

associated with earthquakes and

how damage can be reduced

3.3.10.A1

3.3.10.A3

3.3.10.A7

A

A

R

R

I

A

� Discussion

� Demo: Fault Blocks

� Demo: Slinky to simulate

earthquake waves

� Activity: Finding the Epicenter

(Triangulation)

� Case Study: 2005 Tsunami

� Enrichment Activity: Virtual

Earthquake

� Lab: Building Earthquake

Structures

� Debate: Predicting Earthquakes

� Unit Test

Textbook

Computers (USGS)

Fault Blocks

Slinky

Ruler

Shake Board

Popsicle Sticks

Glue

Straws

Tape

Index Cards

Rubber Bands

Stapler

6 days


Academic Earth Science Geology- Volcanoes

Objective Standard

Alignment

&/or Anchor

Level of

Mastery


Assessment

Materials Time

Frame


1. Describe the origin of magma

2. Compare and contrast magma

from lava

3. Explain the relationship between

plate tectonics and volcanism

4. Identify the different types of

volcanoes and factors that

determine the type of eruptions

that occur

5. Recall how volcanic landforms

form

6. Investigate previous eruptions

and infer effects upon society

3.3.10.A1

3.3.10.A4

R

R

I

I

R

I

� Discussion

� Demo: Volcanic Eruption

� Lab: Ring of Fire

� Activity: Dante’s Peak

� Project: Volcano Research

Project

� Quiz

Textbooks

Computers (National

Geographic)

White Vinegar

Baking Soda

2 liter Soda Bottle

Colored Pencils

Dante’s Peak Movie

5 days


Academic Earth Science Natural Resources

Objective Standard

Alignment

&/or Anchor

Level of

Mastery


Assessment

Materials Time

Frame


1. Identify and distinguish between

renewable and non-renewable

resources

2. Identify Earth’s fossil fuels and

the energy they provide

3. Determine alternative sources of

energy and compare to today’s

consumption

4. Analyze conservation practices

across the world

5. Identify ways to recycle/recover

the wastes produced in these

processes

6. Identify new technologies

involved in crop production and

mining

7. Analyze the effects on the

environment and the carbon

cycle of using both non-

renewable and renewable

resources

8. Investigate economic and

environmental impact of

Pennsylvania’s coal and natural

gas reserves

3.3.10.A4

3.3.10.A2

3.3.10.A7

4.3.10.A

4.3.10.B

4.3.10.D

4.4.10.C

4.5.10.A

R

R

I

I

A

R

I

I

� Brainstorm- KWL

� Discussion

� Debate: “Fossil Fuel Powered

Plant vs. Alternative Energy”

� Project: Evaluating types and

factors affecting the use of

Natural Resources

� Case Study: Marcellus Shales

of Pennsylvania

� Lab: Finding the product that

best preserves resources

� Unit Test

Textbook

Computers (EPA)

6 days


Academic Earth Science Weathering/ Erosion, Soil and Mass Movement

Objective Standard

Alignment

&/or Anchor

Level of

Mastery


Assessment

Materials Time

Frame


1. Identify types of erosion

2. Define mechanical and chemical

weathering

3. Identify the factors that affect

rates of weathering

4. Recognize the major

components of soil and list the

most important factors in soil

formation

5. Identify the soil horizons and

recognize how soil varies with

depth

6. Identify various world soil types

and the impact of soils on

society and economy

7. Demonstrate how human

activity affects the rate of

erosion

8. Define mass movement and

identify the factors that trigger

them

3.3.10.A1

3.3.10.A4

4.2.10.A

R

R

A

A

R

I

I

A

� Brainstorm-KWL

� Discussion

� Demo: Filter Lab for particle

size

� Demo: Soil Erosion

� Case Study: Dust Bowl

� Webquest: Kinds, Causes, and

Effects of Weathering

� Project: Picture Collage (school

grounds weathering)

� Enrichment Activity: World

Soils Investigation

� Quiz

Textbook


Rusty Nail

New Nail

Sand, Silt and Clay

Water

Beaker

Hand Lens

Soil

Plastic Container

Adjustable Water Bottle

5 days


Academic Earth Science Hydrology – Running Water and Groundwater

Objective Standard

Alignment

&/or Anchor

Level of

Mastery


Assessment

Materials Time

Frame


1. Explain how the hydrologic

cycle circulates Earth’s water

supply in an unending cycle

2. Explain how the hydrologic

cycle is kept in balance and its

distribution

3. Identify parts of a river valley

and describe how topography

influences the flow of water in a

watershed

4. Explain how streams and rivers

develop as well as erosion and

deposition of sediments that

occur in each

5. Explain the relationship between

streams and drainage basins

6. Describe the location and

movement of groundwater

7. Explain the environmental

threats to water supplies

8. Identify how caverns form

9. Identify the different types of

wetland, their characteristics and

their importance

10. Describe how natural and human

interactions impact wetlands

3.3.10.A5

4.2.10.A

4.2.10.B

4.2.10.C

I

A

A

A

I

R

I

R

I

I

� Brainstorm- KWL

� Discussion

� Activity: Hydrologic Cycle

Drawing

� Enrichment Activity: What

local rivers exist and how do

local bodies of water affect our

community?

� Demo: Stream Table

� Activity: Mapping Rivers

� Project: Major Rivers of the

World (PowerPoint)

� Demo: Groundwater Model

� Article Reviews

� Unit Test

Textbook

Computers (EPA)

Stream Table

Rivers of the World Map

Map of the World/Atlas

Scissors

Markers

Colored Pencils

6 days


Academic Earth Science Hydrology- Water Conservation

Objective Standard

Alignment

&/or Anchor

Level of

Mastery


Assessment

Materials Time

Frame


1. Brainstorm methods to conserve

water in daily life and relate it

specifically to this region

2. Identify different forms of water

pollution and their sources and

describe resulting health effects

3. Explain waste water treatment in

its relation to water pollution

4. Describe the characteristics of

water (nitrogen, turbidity,

pressure, salinity, temperature

and dissolved oxygen

5. Identify the different marine

zones

4.2.10.A

4.2.10.B

4.2.10.C

A

A

A

R

R

� Activity:

o Personal Water Inventory

over the course of a week

(prior to start of unit)

o Implement conservation

practices and gather data

for a 1 week period

o Analyze and graph data

from both weeks

� Webquest: Current efforts and

methods to protect our oceans

� Enrichment Activity: Water

Quality Testing

� Unit Test

Textbook


Graph Paper

Colored Pencils

Water Test kit

2 days


Academic Earth Science Meteorology- Atmosphere

Objective Standard

Alignment

&/or Anchor

Level of

Mastery


Assessment

Materials Time

Frame


1. Compare and contrast weather

versus climate

2. Identify and describe the major

layers of the atmosphere

3. Identify the main gases of

Earth’s atmosphere

4. Explain why seasonal changes

occur

3.3.10.A6

3.3.10.A7

R

A

R

I

� Discussion: Earth’s Early

Atmosphere

� Lab: Layers of the Atmosphere

(Plot temperature and pressure

changes in relation to height)

� Activity: Draw to scale, label

and characterize the layers of

the atmosphere

� Enrichment Activity: Skew- T

Log-P diagram

� Demo: Flashlight- Angles and

seasons

� Quiz

Textbook


Markers

Posterboard

Construction Paper

Glue

Scissors

Flashlight

3 days


Academic Earth Science

Meteorology- Heat Transfer

Objective Standard

Alignment

&/or Anchor

Level of

Mastery


Assessment

Materials Time

Frame


1. Explain how heat and

temperature are related

2. List the 3 major mechanisms of

heat transfer


heating of land and water

4. Describe how the atmosphere is

affected by heat transfer

mechanisms

3.3.10.A4

3.3.10.A6

A

R

A

A

� Discussion

� Lab: Analyze the heat transfer

methods utilized in boiling a

pot of water

� Enrichment Activity: Tracing

the pathways by which solar

radiation is distributed

� Quiz

Textbook


2 days



Meteorology- Air Pressure And Winds

Objective Standard

Alignment

&/or Anchor

Level of

Mastery


Assessment

Materials Time

Frame


1. Identify the main properties of

air

2. Define air pressure and describe

how it is exerted on objects

3. Identify the ultimate energy

source for wind

4. Describe how the Coriolis Effect

influences freely moving objects

5. Identify the major wind belts of

the world

6. Explain how the unequal heating

of the Earth’s surface affects the

atmosphere

7. Identify the causes of local

winds

8. Correlate local and global winds

with climate

3.3.10.A5

3.3.10.A6

R

A

R

A

R

A

R

I

� Demo: Relationship between

air pressure and temperature

� Demo: Proving the properties

of air

� Enrichment Activity: Contour

Isohypse

� Lab: Collapsing Can

� Activity: Global wind patterns

� Demo: Coriolis Effect

� Quiz

Textbook

Computers (weather.com)

Jar

Balloons

Ice

Hot Plate

Soda Cans

3 days



Meteorology- Weather and Storms

Objective Standard

Alignment

&/or Anchor

Level of

Mastery


Assessment

Materials Time

Frame


1. Explain what must happen for

precipitation to occur

2. Describe how clouds are

classified

3. Define air masses and how they

are classified

4. Identify the major air masses

that affect North America

5. Explain the formation of a front

and explain the weather patterns

associated with each type of

front

6. Differentiate between the

various types of storms and

conditions needed for them to

form

7. Identify the major components

needed to form severe weather

3.3.10.A6

R

R

A

R

I

I

I

� Discussion

� Activity: Fronts Foldable

� Lab: Reading a Weather Map

� Activity: Weather Symbol

Interpretation

� Case Study: Tornado Alley

� Case Study: Katrina

� Project: Storms

� Unit Test

Textbook

Computers (Weather.com,

Wunderground)

5 days



Meteorology- Climate

Objective Standard

Alignment

&/or Anchor

Level of

Mastery


Assessment

Materials Time

Frame


1. Describe how latitude affects

climate

2. Describe how mountains and

higher elevation and oceans

affect climate

3. Identify different types of

climate

4. Describe natural processes that

can cause changes in climate

5. Relate climate to soil types and

crop production for a particular

region

6. Explain the greenhouse effect

7. Define global warming

8. List the global consequences of

global warming

3.3.10.A6

3.3.10.A7

R

A

R

I

I

R

I

A

� Discussion

� Activity: Plotting CO2 vs.

Temperature

� Enrichment Activity: Global

Climate Investigation

� Quiz

Textbook


2 days



Astronomy- Introduction

Objective Standard

Alignment

&/or Anchor

Level of

Mastery


Assessment

Materials Time

Frame


1. Describe contributions of

various scientists in astronomy


geocentric and heliocentric

models of the solar system

3. Describe the movements of

Earth known as rotation and

revolution

4. Explain how gravity is

responsible for planetary orbits

5. Utilize Kepler’s Law to

calculate the orbit of a planet

6. Explain how the solar system is

said to have formed 4 to 5

billion years ago and the

evidence that supports it

3.3.10.B1

3.3.10.B2

R

A

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I

� Discussion: Formation of the

Solar System and Early

Astronomers

� Article Assessment:

“Foucault’s Experiment”

� Activity: Astronomy timeline

� Enrichment Activity: Kepler’s

Laws calculations

� Quiz

Textbook

Computers (Google Space)

Foucault Article

2 days



Astronomy- Earth-Moon-Sun Relationship

Objective Standard

Alignment

&/or Anchor

Level of

Mastery


Assessment

Materials Time

Frame


1. Model how the moon goes

through phases

2. Model how and why eclipses

and tides occur

3. Explain the history of the moon

4. Explain the structure of the Sun

and its physical features

5. Explain how the sun produces

energy

3.3.10.B1

3.3.10.B2

I

I

R

R

A

� Demo: Observing Precession

� Demo: Moon Phases

� Lab: Moon Phases and eclipses

� Activity: Measuring the angle

of the Sun at noon

� Enrichment Activity: Lunar

viewing with astronomy

binoculars

� Demo: Earth and Solar Winds

� Quiz

Textbook


Toy Top

Globe

Flashlight; lamp

Basketball

Softball

Magnet

Iron Fillings

Drinking Straw

2 sheets Notebook Paper

3 days



Astronomy- Planets

Objective Standard

Alignment

&/or Anchor

Level of

Mastery


Assessment

Materials Time

Frame


1. List the major differences

between the terrestrial and

jovian planets

2. Describe the distinguishing

characteristics of each terrestrial

planet

3. Describe the distinguishing

characteristics of each jovian

planet


terrestrial planets

5. Explain why Pluto is not

considered a planet

6. Compare densities,

temperatures, and compositions

of planetary atmospheres

7. Compare and contrast period of

revolution and rotations for both

jovian and terrestrial planets

8. Contrast systems for measuring

distance on Earth, inside our

solar system and outside our

solar system

3.3.10.B1

3.3.10.B2

R

A

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A

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A

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� Activity: What is the shape of a

planetary orbit?

� Demo: Speeding up a spinning

nebula

� Activity: Calculating your

weight on other planets

� Enrichment Activity: Mars-

Worth Visiting? OR Research

other “Planets”

� Lab: Modeling the Solar

System

� Debate: Pluto- Planet or Not?

� Project: Living in Space

� Quiz

Textbook


Calculator

Cardboard

Pushpins and Ruler

String and Tape

Unlined Paper

Chair that Spins in Place

Meter Stick

Colored Pencils

Adding Machine Tape

4 days



Astronomy- Comets, Asteroids, and Meteoroids

Objective Standard

Alignment

&/or Anchor

Level of

Mastery


Assessment

Materials Time

Frame


1. Identify the location within our

solar system where most

asteroids are found

2. Describe the structure of a

comet

3. Explain the possible origin of

meteoroids

3.3.10.B1

3.3.10.B2

R

R

A

� Demo: Modeling a Comet’s

Tail

� Reading: Comet by Carl Sagan

� Enrichment Activity: Is the

Earth on a Collision Course?

� Case Study: Yucatan

Penninsula

� Webquest: Nasa’s Near Earth

Object Program

� Quiz

Textbook


Fan

Light-Weight Paper

Tape

Streamers

1 day


Academic Earth Science Astronomy- Stars and Galaxies

Objective Standard

Alignment

&/or

Anchor

Level of

Mastery


Assessment

Materials Time

Frame


1. Identify the properties of stars

2. Explain how distance affects

parallax

3. List the factors that determine a

stars apparent and absolute

magnitude

4. Describe the relationship shown on

the Hertzsprung- Russell Diagram

5. List the stages of a star’s life cycle

6. Explain the eventual demise of the

sun

7. Describe the kind, size, and

structure of the Milky Way Galaxy

8. Compare and contrast different

types of galaxies

9. List the ways which galaxies differ

from one another

10. Cite evidence that the universe is

expanding

3.3.10.B1

3.3.10.B2

R

A

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A

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I

� Activity: Comparative

Analysis (Sun vs. another

star)

� Inquiry Activity: How do

Astronomers measure

distance to nearby stars?

� Demo: Binary Star Motion

� Demo: Apparent and

Absolute Magnitude

� Activity: Draw the Life Cycle

of a Star

� Lab: Observing Stars

� Lab: Brightness vs

Luminosity of stars

� Demo: Modeling a Pulsar

� Activity: Create a

Constellation

� Unit Test

Textbook


Star Charts

Penlight

String and Tape

2 Tennis Balls

Ping Pong Ball

2 Bright Flashlights

1 dimmer flashlight

Balloon

5 days

academic earth science high school grade 9

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