1.0 credit
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12

 

Course Description

Earth science is a course designed to give students a through education with regards to the four branches: geology, oceanography, meteorology, astronomy. 

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• use the theory of plate tectonics theory to explain features of the earth’s surface and geological phenomena and describe evidence for the plate tectonics theory.

• explain the surface features of the Great Lakes region using Ice Age theory.

• explain how and why earth materials are conserved and recycled.

• explain how water moves below the earth’s surface.

• explain relationships between the hydrosphere, regional climates and human activities.

• describe how human activities effect the quality of water.

• describe patterns of air movement in the atmosphere and how they effect weather conditions.

• explain and predict general weather patterns and storms.

• explain changes in climate over long periods of time.

• compare our sun to other stars and stars systems.

• explain common observations of the day and night sky.

• describe the position and motion of our solar system in the universe.

• explain why seasons occur on earth.

• explain how stars form and how they produce energy.

Course Materials

• Book: Modern Earth Science

• Because the students will not need to have a book at home very often, books will be kept in the classroom, however, there are enough that any student may take one home at any time by checking it out with the teacher.

• Notebook

(Occasionally, we will work on projects that will require the students to bring in additional materials.)

Grades

• 75% of grade is based on homework and projects
        Completion of homework on time is crucial.
        Homework turned in late will result in loss of ½ of the points earned

• 25% of grade is based on tests and quizzes