Earth & Space Science is a geology-focused course centered on the study of Earth’s structure and history. The course emphasizes the identification and classification of rocks and minerals, the rock cycle, plate tectonics, and the processes responsible for earthquakes, volcanism, mountain building, weathering, erosion, and soil formation. The first half of this course begins with a discussion of the methods and tools that scientists use to study Earth and space science, including the scientific method, modeling, and mathematics. Space science content is included to support understanding of Earth’s formation and interactions that influence geologic processes, such as tides and long-term climate patterns.
Students will participate in 1 authenitic hands-on learning experience per week for 1 hr each, and on average 15 wet labs throughout the durration of the course. These labs include but are not limited to:
Rock and Mineral Identification Using Physical Properties
Modeling Plate Tectonics with Density and Convection
Soil Composition and Permeability Analysis
Simulating Weathering and Erosion Processes
Mapping Earth’s Magnetic Field with Iron Filings
Density and Layering of Earth’s Interior Model
Modeling the Water Cycle with Phase Changes
Analyzing Atmospheric Pressure and Air Masses
Crater Formation and Impact Energy Investigation
Modeling Moon Phases with Light and Spheres
Solar Energy Absorption and Albedo Experiment
Simulating the Greenhouse Effect Using Gas Chambers
Ocean Salinity and Density Currents Lab
Sedimentary Rock Formation Through Compaction
Scale Modeling of the Solar System Using Ratios