Honors Earth Science will involve a more in-depth understanding of the earth science concepts than the regular course.  The course will involve many of the same resources as the regular course, but the questions on quizzes and tests will require higher-level thinking skills to analyze and master the material presented.  Students will be involved in more intensive class assignments and assessments for this course.

Honors Earth Science will be separated into two major units: Meteorology and Geology. 

In meteorology, the focus will be on the structure and composition of the atmosphere, as well as, how gases cycle within our atmosphere. The production of energy from the sun and stars will be related to the various types of electromagnetic radiation. The processes of evaporation and condensation, as they pertain to the hydrologic cycle and how these processes interact with the oceans, will also be discussed. 

In geology, plate tectonics and the composition of the Earth as they relate to earthquakes and volcanoes will be explored.  The relationship of the earth’s chemistry to the rocks and minerals of the Earth will also be studied.