This is our catalog of courses. We will occasionally adjust the course listing to reflect the addition of new courses and the retirement of others.
Earth Science–the science of the Earth, our very own planet. We will explore the spheres of the Earth, from the atmosphere to the lithosphere, using tools and data gathered from near and far, high and low, east, west, north, and south. Readings from the textbook and lectures will be supplemented by up-to-date information from ongoing research. Students should keep collections and are welcome to submit photos. 6 hands-on labs are integrated into the course.
Total classes: 13
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th
Suggested credit: One full semester Earth Science
Description
Earth Science–the science of the Earth, our very own planet. We will explore the spheres of the Earth, from the atmosphere to the lithosphere, using tools and data gathered from near and far, high and low, east, west, north, and south. Readings from the textbook and lectures will be supplemented by up-to-date information from ongoing research. Students should keep collections and are welcome to submit photos. 6 hands-on labs are integrated into the course.
Outline
Week 1: Introduction to Earth Science–Maps and More
Week 2: Rocks and Minerals–The Chemistry of Earth
Week 3: Energy Resources–Ultimate Power
Week 4: Rocks and the Fossil Record–Thanks Bl. Neils Steno
Week 5: Plate Tectonics–Continental D-r-i-f-t
Week 6: Earthquakes–Whose Fault?
Week 7: Volcanoes–The Floor is Lava!
Week 8: Weathering and Soil Formation–Good Earth
Week 9: The Flow of Fresh Water–Well?
Week 10: Erosion and Deposition–An Inseparable Pair
Week 11: Oceans–Salty
Week 12: The Atmosphere–Thin Blue Line
Week 13: Weather and Climate–What’s the Difference?
Materials and Homework
Course Materials: Text: Earth Science ISBN-13: 978-0030664786; a short supplemental reading list will be included on the Moodle page.
Homework: Weekly reading from the text and automated quizzes for immediate feedback. There will be 6 quick labs. Outside reading will be assigned. Expect to spend two to three hours a week outside of class. Easy-to-find materials, as well as safety information, for labs and/or fieldwork, will be discussed in class.
