VUSD Academic Earth Science Course Description

The Academic Earth Science course covers a wide range of related disciplines including: Astronomy, Meteorology, Geology, Oceanography, and Plate Tectonics. Special emphasis will be placed on California geology and its role in underlying the state’s wealth of natural resources as well as its natural hazards. Present-day & future environmental issues & concerns will also be analyzed throughout the year. This course meets the graduation requirements for Physical Science and acts as a “G” category elective for both UC & CSU systems.

Earth Science SYLLABUS

General Geology

• Minerals

• Rocks

• Earth’s Resources

Oceanography

• The Ocean Floor

• Ocean Water & Ocean Life

• The Dynamic Ocean

Plate Tectonics

• Earthquakes & Earth’s Interior

• Plate Tectonics

• Volcanoes

• California Geology

Meteorology

• The Atmosphere: Structure & Temperature

• Moisture, Clouds & Precipitation

• Air Pressure & Wind

• Climate

Astronomy

• Origin of Modern Astronomy

• Touring Our Solar System

• Studying the Sun

• Beyond Our Solar System

Historical Geology

• Geologic Time

• Earth’s History