COURSE DESCRIPTION

The students will study basic principles of earth science. The curriculum includes major topics such as energy, weather, climate, and plate tectonics. Students will be given opportunities to analyze and evaluate these topics and how they relate to one another. Diverse learning opportunities include videos, interactive presentations, and projects. New York Learning Standards and unit alignment were utilized in building this curriculum.

CHAPTERS

Ch.1 – Rocks and Minerals
Ch.2 – Geologic History
Ch.3 – Parts of the Earth
Ch.4 – Earthquakes
Ch.5 – Plate Tectonics
Ch.6 – Volcanoes
Ch.7 – Mountain Building
Ch.8 – Weathering and Erosion
Ch.9 – Soil
Ch.10 – Freshwater
Ch.11 – Oceans
Ch.12 – Atmosphere
Ch.13 – Weather
Ch.14 – Climate
Ch.15 – Planetary Motion
Ch.16 – Stars
Ch.17 – Our Solar System

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Students completing this course will:
Articulate a fundamental knowledge about the surface and interior of the Earth
Demonstrate an understanding of the Scientific Method as it relates to geosciences and the processes that relate to the form and function of the Earth
Employ the language and nomenclature of earth sciences in discussions
Demonstrate familiarity with the concept of plate tectonics
Discuss and analyze the environmental issues that face our region and the world at large