Unit Context

The Earth has four spheres - lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere - that interact and affect each other, especially in the cycling of matter. 

Human actions impact all spheres but can be mitigated with better technology and understanding. 

The Earth and Space topic studies natural systems, resource management, geological activity, and the effects of human activity on the spheres and cycles.

Student Learning Goals

1. I can distinguish between Earth's spheres: atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere.

2. I can label and describe the importance of water, carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen cycles.

3. I can describe the impacts of natural events, such as cyclones, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes, on the Earth's spheres.

4. I can explain the differences between the greenhouse effect and enhanced greenhouse effect and provide evidence of the latter.

5. I can provide specific examples of the long-term effects of human activities on the planet and identify at least one global agreement for managing its impact.

6. I can explain how ocean currents regulate global climate and marine life, including the El Niño/La Niña cycle, Pacific currents, and thermohaline circulation.

7. I can discuss teams of specialists from different branches of science, engineering, and technology involved in our understanding of these issues.

8. I can discuss some advantages of using computer modeling to predict climate change in Australia.

9. I can discuss different societal, cultural, religious, and economic views on issues such as climate change and the Murray/Darling river.

NESA Syllabus Requirements

Outcome

• The outcome aims to use scientific knowledge about global patterns of geological activity and interactions to inform decisions related to contemporary issues.

• Students are expected to outline how global systems rely on interactions involving the biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere, including the carbon cycle.

• Students are required to describe the impacts of natural events, such as cyclones, volcanic eruptions, or earthquakes, on the Earth's spheres.

• Students should evaluate scientific evidence of some current issues affecting society resulting from human activity on global systems, such as the greenhouse effect, ozone layer depletion, and the long-term effects of waste management and loss of biodiversity.

• Students should discuss the reasons different groups in society may use or weigh criteria differently to evaluate claims, explanations, or predictions in making decisions about contemporary issues involving interactions of the Earth's spheres.

• Additional content includes discussing technological developments that have extended the ability of scientists to collect information about, and monitor events in, the natural world, researching evidence relating to global warming and changes in weather patterns, examining the factors that drive deep ocean currents, discussing the development and implications of international agreements relating to biodiversity and climate change, and outlining examples where advances in science and emerging technologies significantly affect people's lives, such as generating new career opportunities in areas such as astrophysics, geophysics, space science, and vulcanology.