THE MOUNTAIN TRAIL OUTDOOR SCHOOL

Geology

How the Blue Ridge came to Be

Students learn how the Blue Ridge Mountains were formed and how they are still changing. Key concepts/vocabulary: formations, fault, geomorphology, geologic time, plate tectonics, metamorphic/igneous/sedimentary, and geologic processes such as volcanism and erosion.

From the North Carolina Standard Course of Study

Go back to NC class list.

4th Grade TOP

Science

Competency Goal 2

The learner will build an understanding of the composition and uses of rocks and minerals.

2.02 Analyze the mineral composition of rocks.

2.03 Assess the uses of rocks and minerals.

5th Grade TOP

Science

Competency Goal 1

The learner will build an understanding of the interdependence of plants and animals.

1.04 Relate the role of light, range of temperatures, and soil composition to an ecosystem's capacity to support life.

Competency Goal 3

The learner will build an understanding of landforms.

3.01 Summarize changes to the earth caused by erosion, weathering, and mass wasting.

3.02 Compare and contrast the stages of stream erosion and the valleys they produce.

3.03 Compare and contrast the rock structure and relief of plains, plateaus, and mountains.

English

Competency Goal 2

The learner will apply strategies and skills to comprehend text that is read, heard, and viewed.

2.09 Listen actively and critically by:

  • asking questions.
  • delving deeper into the topic.
  • elaborating on the information and ideas presented.
  • evaluating information and ideas.
  • making inferences and drawing conclusions.
  • making judgments.
6th Grade TOP

Science

Competency Goal 1

The learner will build an understanding of the lithosphere.

1.01 Determine how physical and biological agents and processes form soil and affect soil characteristics.

1.02 Analyze soil properties that can be observed and measured to predict soil quality:

  • Horizon profile.
  • Infiltration.
  • Soil temperature.
  • Structure.
  • Consistency.
  • Texture.
  • Particle size.
  • Soil pH.
  • Fertility.
  • Soil moisture.

English

Competency Goal 1

The learner will use language to express individual perspectives drawn from personal or related experience.

1.03 Interact appropriately in group settings by:

  • listening attentively.
  • showing empathy.
  • contributing relevant comments connecting personal experiences to content.
  • monitoring own understanding of the discussion and seeking clarification as needed.

1.04 Reflect on learning experiences by:

  • describing personal learning growth and changes in perspective.
  • identifying changes in self throughout the learning process.
  • interpreting how personal circumstances and background shape interaction with text.
7th Grade TOP

English

Competency Goal 1

The learner will use language to express individual perspectives in response to personal, social, cultural, and historical issues.

1.03 Interact in group settings by:

  • responding appropriately to comments and questions.
  • offering personal opinions confidently without dominating.
  • giving appropriate reasons that support opinions.
  • soliciting and respecting another person’s opinion.

1.04 Reflect on learning experiences by:

  • analyzing personal learning growth and changes in perspective.
  • examining changes in self throughout the learning process.
  • determining how personal circumstances and background shape interaction with text.
8th Grade TOP

Science

Competency Goal 3

The learner will build an understanding of evidence of change or constancy in organisms and landforms over time.

3.01 Interpret ways in which rocks, fossils, and ice cores record Earth's geologic history and the evolution of life.

3.03 Examine evidence that the movement of continents has had significant global impact:

  • Distribution of living things.
  • Major geological events.

3.04 Evaluate the forces which shape the lithosphere:

  • Constructive.
  • Destructive.
  • Earthquakes

English

Competency Goal 1

The learner will use language to express individual perspectives through analysis of personal, social, cultural, and historical issues.

1.03 Interact in group activities and/or seminars in which the student:

  • shares personal reactions to questions raised.
  • gives reasons and cites examples from text in support of expressed opinions.
  • clarifies, illustrates, or expands on a response when asked to do so, and asks classmates for similar expansion.

1.04 Reflect on learning experiences by:

  • evaluating how personal perspectives are influenced by society, cultural differences, and historical issues.
  • appraising changes in self throughout the learning process.
  • evaluating personal circumstances and background that shape interaction with text.

Competency Goal 2

The learner will use and evaluate information from a variety of sources.

2.01 Analyze and evaluate informational materials that are read, heard, and/or viewed by:

  • summarizing information.
  • determining the importance of information.
  • making connections to related topics/information.
  • monitoring comprehension.
  • drawing inferences.
  • generating questions.
  • extending ideas.

Go back to NC class list.