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.
Learn all about geology, including what a geologist does, the rock cycle, plate tectonics, sediments, crystals, mines, rocks, volcanoes, quakes, and more. In this Middle School Science course, you will get excited about Earth Science as it relates to you and the world.
Total Classes: 13
Duration: 45 minutes per class
Prerequisite: A love of rocks!
Suggested Grade Level: 6th to 8th grade
Suggested Credit: One full semester General Science or Earth Science
Description
A weekly look at the earth, its dynamic surface, rocks and minerals, volcanoes, etc. Have you ever had a rock collection? Wondered about God’s creation? Been intrigued by how that creation is connected to everything else? Did you know that rocks tell many stories, not only about creation but also about history and science? This brief introduction to the geological wonders of the earth will include an emphasis on the properties of matter. Each week, we’ll take a look at the earth, its dynamic surface, rocks and minerals, volcanoes, and MORE! We’ll have some in-class demonstrations and explore the history of geology. Mrs. Derham may even share some ideas for fun-yet-educational geology field trips for your family.
Outline
Class 1: Introduction
Class 2: What a geologist does
Class 3: Properties of matter
Class 4: The Rock Cycle
Class 5: Plate Tectonics
Class 6: Folds, Faults, Formations
Class 7: Volcanoes
Class 8: The Sediments
Class 9: A Quake! A Quake!
Class 10: Rivers, Glaciers, and Time
Class 11: The Fossil Record
Class 12: Crystals, Caves, and Mines
Class13: Places to go, things to do
Materials and Homework
Course Materials: The Practical Geologist: The Introductory Guide to the Basics of Geology and to Collecting and Identifying Rocks by Dougal Dixon, ISBN: 0671746979 or ISBN-13: 978-0671746971 (www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0671746979/macbethsopinion-20 or bookfinder.com)
For students who want to explore the subject more deeply, see optional reading list. below.
Homework: Students should expect to spend a minimum of 1 hour per week outside of class on homework. There are automated quizzes for immediate feedback. All lab and notebook work should be show to parents for evaluation.
