Course: Earth & Space Science
Description: Spring Semester
In this course students will explore, investigate, and study the interactions between the four major Earth spheres: geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere in order to explain Earth’s formation, processes, history, landscapes, and how and why the Earth changes over time. Students will engage in the science disciplines of Geology, Oceanography, Astronomy, and Earth Systems as they further their understanding of scientific practices and cross-cutting concepts embedded throughout the disciplines of Earth Science. The course will foster a learning environment where students can apply scientific questions and engage in scientific investigations to understand and explain the natural phenomena found in the observable universe. The course will introduce students to the effects that current actions of humans have with Earth’s spheres, leading to local and global changes. Topics to be addressed include, but are not limited to, science and engineering practices, nature of science, measurement, mapping Earth’s surface, minerals, rocks, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, geologic time, meteorology, and Earth’s place in the universe. Students will participate in laboratory exercises, small group activities, web-based investigations and simulations, class discussions, projects, and research.
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: None