Course title

Honors Earth Science A/B

Pre-requisite

N/A

Course description

Honors Earth Science A

Description: Honors Earth Science A is designed to give the student a strong basis for understanding the world. This course is also designed to prepare the student to confidently enter and complete college-level Earth Science courses. The course consists of a varied curriculum that provides the student the opportunity to explore; compare; research; reflect; and make real-world connections. The curriculum; which meets Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS); engages students in problem solving and scientific investigation; and provides opportunities for both hands-on exploration and virtual simulation.

During this course; the student will learn about natural resources and explore issues surrounding human management of resources. Topics of study include water resources; energy resources; and rock; mineral; and land resources. The student will investigate the impact of resource consumption on humans and the environment. The student will also explore Earth?s processes of rock and mineral formation and plate tectonics.

In the honors-level course; the student will have opportunities to delve further into some topics and engage with enhanced assessments.

This course includes a laboratory requirement with live/synchronous laboratory opportunities. Over the course of the semester; students spend approximately 1 - 1.5 hours per week on laboratory assignments.†

Honors Earth Science A laboratory assignments include: Star Composition Lab; Coloring the Universe Lab; Investigating Redshift and Blueshift Lab; Geologic Age Lab; Investigating Thermal Convection Lab

†

†

Honors Earth Science B

Description: Honors Earth Science B is designed to give the student a strong basis for understanding the world. This course is also designed to prepare the student to confidently enter and complete college-level Earth Science courses. The course consists of a varied curriculum that provides the student the opportunity to explore; compare; research; reflect; and make real-world connections. The curriculum; which meets Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS); engages students in problem solving and scientific investigation; and provides opportunities for both hands-on exploration and virtual simulation.

During this course; the student will learn about space sciences; including topics like the sun and stars; orbital motion; galaxies; and the universe. The student will also explore Earth?s processes involving the atmosphere; hydrosphere; and geosphere. Topics of study include meteorology and geologic history.

In the honors-level course; the student will have opportunities to delve further into some topics and engage with enhanced assessments.

This course includes a laboratory requirement with live/synchronous laboratory opportunities. Over the course of the semester; students spend approximately 1 - 1.5 hours per week on laboratory assignments.

Honors Earth Science B laboratory assignments include: Virtual Meteorologist Lab; Carbon Cycle Changes Lab; Rock and Mineral Properties Lab; Soil Testing Lab; Virtual Fracking Lab

School country

United States

School state

Maryland

School city

Columbia

High school

Pearson Online Academy formally known as International Connections Academy

School / district Address

10960 Grantchester Way

School zip code

21044

Requested competency code

Lab Science

Date submitted

04/18/2022

Approved

Yes

Approved competency code

• LGEO
• Geology

Approved date

04/20/2022

Online / Virtual

Yes