Earth and Space Science (SES 4U)
Click on any of the units / links below to see individual lessons and
resources related to this course.
FALL 2017 - ISU Links
ISU Package - FALL 2017
Success Criteria - What do you think needs to be done to be successful?
ISU Topic Selection - Topic and Thesis
January 2018 Seminar Schedule and ISU Topics
ISU Seminar Tips and Success Checklist
ISU Example Research Paper - from last year
Other Course Links - Fall 2017
Unit 1: Introduction to Space and Earth Science (4 days)
Text Reference: Chapters 1 & 2
Big Ideas & Enduring Understandings:
1. Demonstrate a general understanding of the vast disciplines within the Earth Sciences and their relevance to understanding how the various Earth processes interact.
2. Describe the importance of mapping Earth's physical features.
Unit 2: Astronomy and Planetary Science (27 days)
Astronomy Summative Projects - Fall 2016
Astronomy Summative Projects - Spring 2017
Astronomy Summative Projects - Fall 2017
Text Reference: Chapters 28, 29, 30 & 31
Big Ideas & Enduring Understandings:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the properties of the Earth and of the internal (geological) and external (cosmic) processes operating on it, and draw comparisons with other objects in the solar system?
2. Describe Earth’s place in the solar system and the effects of cosmic and geological processes on it and on other objects in the solar system.
3. Describe and explain how observations of the Earth and other objects in the solar system, made both from Earth and from space, are used to study and better understand the natural and the human-made environments of the Earth.
Text Reference: Chapters 21, 22, 23, 24, 4, 5, & 6
Big Ideas & Enduring Understandings:
1. Analyse, with reference to geological records, the relationship between climate, geology, and life on Earth, and evaluate contributions to our understanding of changes in Earth systems over geological time.
2.Investigate geological evidence of major changes (i.e. mass extinctions)that have occurred during Earth’s history, and of the various processes that have contributed to these changes;
3. Demonstrate an understanding of how changes to Earth’s surface have been recorded and preserved throughout geological time and how they contribute to our knowledge of Earth’s history.
Unit 4: Geological Processes (22 days)
Text Reference: Chapters 7, 8, 9, 10, 17, 18, 19, & 20
Big Ideas & Enduring Understandings:
1. Analyse technological developments that have increased our knowledge of geological processes
and structures, and how this knowledge assists in monitoring and managing these processes
and structures;
2. Investigate, through the use of models and analysis of information gathered from various sources,
the nature of internal and surficial Earth processes, and the ways in which these processes can
be quantified.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the processes at work within Earth and on its surface, and the
role of these processes in shaping Earth’s surface.
Quizzes (15 in total but drop your lowest 5) - 20 %
Final Culminating Project (ISU) - 15% (10 days)
by Robert W. Christopherson
Journey to the Cosmic Frontier
Astronomy Online Textbook, Online Quizzes and Simulations
by John D. Fix
Great Review Tool (Textbook and quizzes)
(please check often)
(January 2018)
TEXTBOOK CHAPTERS, STUDY GUIDES, POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS & STUDENT WORKSHEETS
Other SES 4U1 Course Websites
Penn State - Intro to Astronomy
Standley Lake HS - Earth Science
What are University Professors expecting from 1st year students?