Earth Science [Competency Based] (2nd semester)

Course Description

Earth Science explores how a number of sciences, including geology, physics, chemistry, and biology impact the world and universe around us. In this interactive and engaging course, students study air, water, and the physical processes that shape the physical world, and how human civilization has affected the balance of nature. Students learn about the modern science behind topics from the Earth’s history, such as continental drift, ice ages, fossil dating, and geological timescale. Students will also look at processes that affect life today, such as weathering and erosion, the rock cycle, weather patterns, and climate. They will explore regular phenomena, the cause of the seasons and natural disasters. The students will examine the formation, acquisition and use of natural resources, as well as alternative energy sources. The students will also look at Earth as a small part of a larger universe in an exploration of astronomy. They will examine the Solar System and the stars and galaxies beyond it.

Course Breakdown

• River valleys and floods
• Groundwater
• Earth's spheres
• The atmosphere
• Atmospheric energy cycle
• Water cycle and cloud formation
• Wind patterns and air masses
• Weather forecasting
• Climate factors
• Humans and environmental changes
• Effects of air pollution
• Greenhouse effect
• Impact on ecosystems
• Energy sources
• The atmosphere
• Structure of the Sun
• Structure of the solar system
• Planets, moons, asteroids, and comets
• Universal laws
• Electromagnetic radiation
• Classification of stars
• Constellations and galaxies

Course Goals

1. Relate the movement of water to the formation of river valleys and floodplains.
2. Distinguish between the layers of the atmosphere and explain how energy is absorbed and moved throughout the atmosphere.
3. Describe the movements of the atmosphere and how they are used to predict weather conditions.
4. Summarize the processes that create climate patterns across Earth.
5. Explain how pollution and other human activities affect the atmosphere and climate patterns.
6. Examine the causes and solutions to the issues caused by human activity.
7. Compare and contrast the sources of energy used by humans for fuel.
8. Describe the structures and the laws that compose the solar system.
9. Summarize the nature of electromagnetic radiation and how it is detected and used to analyze the universe.
10. Distinguish between different stars and galaxies and explain how constellations are used to comprehend the night sky.