Earth Science (1.0 Credit)

The course begins by covering Scientific Inquiry, the Structure and Composition of the Universe, and the Features of the Solar System. Students learn the importance of scientific inquiry and how to communicate the results of scientific investigations. They then have material on the formation of the universe, including the Big Bang Theory, the motions of celestial objects, and stellar evolution. The course covers material related to the Solar System, including features of the Sun and the planets and the movements of Earth. The course also covers Weather, Climate, and Earth’s Water Cycle. Students will learn about the atmosphere and clouds, as well as the factors that influence local and global climate. The student will also learn about weather and air

masses, meteorology and storms. The course then discusses the water cycle, including groundwater and ocean features, as well as water scarcity and pollution. The course will then co go to cover the physical structure of the Earth and Earth’s tectonic system, including the rock cycle, tectonic activity, and mountain building. It then covers weathering and erosion and soil formation. The next material in the course then addresses the concept of systems; it addresses the Earth as a system, feedback in systems, and Earth’s major nutrient cycles. Student will learn about geologic history, including the evolution of Earth’s atmosphere, the geologic time scale, and the fossil record. It then goes over natural resources and the effects of human population on natural resources. The course wraps up with a discussion of human society and its interconnectedness with the Earth’s environment, how science and technology work together, and the technological design process in earth science applications.