Earth Science 1

402 Full year course - 4 credits

Revised 1998 by: Anita Honkonen, Cathy Law, and John Birmingham

FROM THE PROGRAM OF STUDIES:

Earth Science 1 is a demanding course. Strong emphasis is placed on encouraging the student to think critically and to relate course materials to the study of the environment. Laboratory investigations, activities and problem solving are emphasized.

Earth Science is a physical science that looks at the underlying unity and interrelationship of the sciences through study of the earth and environments. Areas of study include hydrology, geology, oceanography, meteorology and astronomy, and a unit on orienteering, an outdoor activity using map and compass skills. Computers are used in some areas for simulations and data analysis. Environmental issues are examined throughout the year, along with discussions of the social and ethical problems created by the advancement of the physical sciences.

RATIONALE:

This course is designed to instill in a student a sense of curiosity about the physical world. Through the recognition of the inter-connectedness of the various systems at work on and within the Earth, students will gain an understanding of the earth sciences in their lives.

Through the utilization of laboratory investigations and other activities, students will recognize that there is often no simple explanation for the phenomena observed within Earth's systems. It is expected that the students will be able to express their findings and ideas in both informed and creative ways concerning the discipline of Earth Science.

COURSE OUTLINE:

I. Scientific Method

What is Earth Science

Scientific method

Proof of theories: Extinction of the Dinosaurs, Big Bang (Spectra and the Doppler Effect)

II. Earth's Place in the Universe

Earth's characteristics: layers, magnetosphere

Movements of the Earth

The seasons

Rotation

Time zones

III. Mapping

Latitude and longitude

Topographic maps: contour lines, map scale, symbols and interpretation

IV. Orienteering

Reading a compass

Orienteering in the woods

V. Plate Tectonics

Continental Drift: evidence

Plate Tectonics theory

Causes of plate motion

Activity along different types of plate boundaries

VI. Earthquakes

Elastic Rebound Theory

Measuring magnitude and damage

Recording and locating earthquakes

Earthquake prediction

VII. Volcanoes

Types of volcanoes

Major volcanic zones

Predicting eruptions

VIII. Chemistry

Atoms and Elements

Atom structure and mapping

Chemical Bonds: ionic and covalent

IX. Mineralogy

What is a mineral

b. Crystalline structure

c. Identifying minerals

X. Rocks

Types of rocks

Rock cycle

Characteristics and formation of rocks

XI. Weathering

Types of mechanical and chemical weathering

Rates of weathering

Soils

Acid Rain

XII. Water and Erosion

Hydrologic cycle

Water budget

River systems

Stream deposition

XIII. Groundwater

Rock properties that effect groundwater

Regions and movement of groundwater

Wells and springs

XIV. Glaciers

Formation and features of glaciers

Landforms caused by glaciers

Ice Ages

XV. The Atmosphere

Structure of the atmosphere

Composition of the atmosphere

Energy transfer, absorption, and radiation

Greenhouse Effect

Air pressure

Global and local winds

XVI. Water in the Atmosphere

Atmospheric moisture- heat (energy) exchange, humidity, dew point

Clouds and fog

Precipitation

XVII. Weather

Types of Air Masses

Fronts

Violent storms

Forecasting the weather and making weather maps

METHODS:

This course is a designed to expose the students to the topics that compose Earth Science using a variety of methods. For example in a unit students may be presented information in a lecture format, be involved in small group activities, conduct laboratory investigations, or conduct individual research. Depending on the subject, each unit will vary in the amount of each activity. In a typical class a student will be exposed to two or three different methods of instruction.

LABS AND ACTIVITIES:

This course is designed to be lab and activity intensive. Laboratory investigations may include: the study of the effects of acid rain on different materials, simulating the Coriolis Effect and its influence on winds, weather forecasting, and creating stream erosion patterns. Computer simulations and databases are used in some units. Activities such as orienteering and identifying local weathering products utilize the property surrounding the school building. Labs and activities are designed to enhance the learning of difficult and often abstract topics. Through these activities, the students are able to study worldwide phenomena.

EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS:

Each student is expected to be an active learner and to take responsibility for their education. Required work (homework, lab reports, projects, etc.) is expected to be completed on time. Participation in classroom activities is necessary to be successful.

SKILLS TO BE DEVELOPED:

Throughout the year the students will be required to develop and enhance a number of science skills. Most importantly students will practice synthesizing and analyzing complex scientific phenomena. The students will then be required to express their understanding of the new material in clear and coherent written statements or in form of graphs, tables, diagrams, etc. Special emphasis is placed on developing a student's laboratory skills and their ability to work with others effectively.

The development of organizational skills will be emphasized. These are skills that are necessary for success in all academic areas but particularly so in the sciences. Note taking, organization of lab data, and time management are all needed skills to be successful in this course.

TEXTBOOK:

Modern Earth Science published by Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc.

OTHER MATERIALS:

Audiovisual materials

Library materials

Prepared laboratory investigations

Computer software

USGS topographic maps

Orienteering course on school property

SAMPLE ASSIGNMENTS:

Assignments will vary in length and complexity. Short nightly homework assignments may involve a reading from the textbook and questions based on that reading. Laboratory investigations will require the gathering of data, graphically presenting that data, and/or analysis of the data. Long term projects involving research to be conducted outside the classroom will be assigned each quarter. These projects may be completed by a written report, a poster presentation, Hypercard presentation, etc.

ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS:

The evaluation of students is based on the following:

- Assignments: Regular homework given most nights

a. reading, questions, current events.

b. Weekly laboratory investigations and reports.

- Projects: Minimum of one project per quarter

- Testing: Tests given at the end of each unit

Periodic quizzes