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The Earth Science course must address all of the major categories listed below and at least 75% of the subtopics.

Studying Earth Science

• What is Earth Science
• Introduction to the Scientific Method

Earth’s Internal Forces

• Plate Tectonics
• Geologic Structures
• Mountain Building
• Earthquakes
• Volcanoes

Earth’s Materials

• Minerals
• Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic Rocks
• Soils

Earth History

• Geologic Time
• Relative and Absolute Dating
• Fossils and Fossilization

Earth’s External Processes

• Surface Water and Groundwater
• Glaciers
• Deserts

Oceanography

• Ocean Currents
• Tides
• Shorelines

Atmosphere

• Composition of the Atmosphere
• Seasons
• Atmospheric Moisture
• Weather Patterns and Severe Weather
• Climate

Astronomy

• The Solar System
• Stars and Stellar Evolution
• Interstellar Matter
• Formation of the Universe

Additional

• Optional Field Trip

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At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1)   Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of concepts, principles and interactions of Earth’s systems including:

• Hydrologic Cycle
• Rock Cycle
• Plate Tectonics Cycle
• Solar System
• Geologic Time
• Weather and Climate

2)  Be able to explain basic properties of minerals and rocks

3)  Explain the processes that shape the Earth and how they change over geologic time

4)  Explain the Scientific Method

5)  Communicate complex course concepts effectively in writing and diagrams

Shall include multiple measures of performance that may include, but are not limited to:

• Quizzes
• Exams
• Written Assignments
• Research Assignments

Earth Science (Prentice Hall – Tarbuck, Lutgens and Tasa)

Foundations of Earth Science (Prentice Hall – Lutgens, Tarbuck and Tasa)

The Good Earth:  Introduction to Earth Science (McGraw-Hill – McConnell, Steer, Owens and Knight

Visualizing Earth Science (Wiley – Merali and Skinner)