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Course Overview
Course Overview
Earth and Environmental Science (EES) explores the Earth’s renewable and non-renewable resources and also environmental issues. An understanding of the Earth’s resources and ability to live sustainably on the planet is a central purpose of the study of Earth and Environmental Science.
The course uses the Working Scientifically skills to develop knowledge through the application of those skills. Students engage with inquiry questions to explore knowledge of the Earth. They also undertake practical and secondary-sourced investigations to acquire a deeper understanding of the Earth’s features and naturally occurring phenomena and cycles. Fieldwork is an integral part of these investigation processes
Course Structure - Year 11
Course Structure - Year 11
Module 1: Earth's Resources
Module 1: Earth's Resources
- How did the compositional layers of the Earth develop?
- What are the components of rocks and soils?
- How is the age of geological materials determined?
- How are non-renewable geological resources discovered and extracted?
Module 2: Plate Tectonics
Module 2: Plate Tectonics
- What is the current evidence for the theory of plate tectonics and how did the theory develop?
- What occurs at plate boundaries?
- What are the geological and topographic features that have resulted from plate tectonics at each plate boundary type?
Module 3: Energy Transformations
Module 3: Energy Transformations
- How does energy drive the Earth’s processes?
- How do energy transfers and transformations alter the lithosphere?
- How do energy transformations influence the atmosphere, oceans, biosphere and cryosphere?
Module 4: Human Impacts
Module 4: Human Impacts
- How can water be managed for use by humans and ecosystems?
- How does human use of land affect soil?
- How do introduced species affect the Australian environment and ecosystems?
Course Structure - Year 12
Course Structure - Year 12
Module 5: Earth's Processes
Module 5: Earth's Processes
- How did today’s biosphere originate and develop?
- How did the changes to the biosphere affect the Earth’s geosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere?
- What effect does the plate tectonic supercycle have on the Earth?
- What is the role of fossils in expanding what is known of geological time and past life on Earth?
Module 6: Hazards
Module 6: Hazards
- How and why do geological disasters occur?
- How do natural disasters such as explosive volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and extreme weather events influence the biosphere and atmosphere?
- What technologies enable prediction of natural disasters and minimisation of their effects on the biosphere?
Module 7: Climate Science
Module 7: Climate Science
- How long does it take for the climate to change naturally and what causes these changes?
- What scientific evidence is there of climate variations in the past?
- : Is there scientific evidence to show that human activity has led to a variation in the Earth’s climate since the Industrial Revolution?
- Is there scientific evidence that demonstrates how humans could minimise and respond to the effects of increased global temperatures?
Mosule 8: Resource Management
Mosule 8: Resource Management
- How are Australia’s natural resources extracted, used and managed?
- How is waste managed?
- How can humans manage the Earth’s natural resources sustainably?
Coursework
Earth and Environmental Science involves the analysis, processing and evaluation of qualitative and quantitative data in order to formulate explanations and solve problems. In conjunction with knowledge and understanding, communication skills are essential in forming evidence-based conclusions or arguments.
Suitable Candidates
The course provides the foundation knowledge and skills required to study earth and environmental science after completing school, and supports participation in careers in a range of related industries.
Career path
Air Pollution Analyst, Botanist, Chemist, Ecologist, Environmental Conservation Officer, Environmental Engineer, Environmental Health Officer, Environmentalist
Equipment Required
Exercise book / folder, laptop, calculator, black leather lace up shoes
Mandatory Course Fees? No
Other Course Costs
$25 for field study
Coordinating Faculty
Science
Head Teacher
Mrs. S Norrish
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