Course title
SCI113Pre-requisite
K12 middle school Life Science, or equivalentCourse description
Unit 1: Earth Science and Systems
Earth Science is one of the most fascinating topics in all the sciences; and students learn about its place among the sciences in this unit. Students explore what Earth science is; learn about its breadth and history; and study the contributions of earth scientists to the betterment of life for all of us. Students also study aspects of scientific methods and use those methods in a laboratory setting.
Semester Introduction
Why Study Earth Science?
Historical Contributions in Earth Science 1
Historical Contributions in Earth Science 2
Spheres as Earth Systems
Laboratory: Topographical Maps
Earth Systems and Interactions
Laboratory: Modeling Earth Science Processes 1
Laboratory: Modeling Earth Science Processes 2
Unit 2: Dynamic Earth
Students confront Earth as a dynamic planet; in many ways; it is more active than any other planet in our solar system. The core idea of plate tectonics; its effect on Earth's history; and its current geological activity helps students make sense of our world. Knowledge of the origin and distribution of volcanoes and earthquakes helps students make even greater sense of Earth's dynamic nature.
Introduction to Plate Tectonics
Pangaea and Continental Drift
Moving Plates
Plate Boundaries 1
Plate Boundaries 2
Plate Tectonics: Historical Perspective
Where Earthquakes and Volcanoes Occur
Structure of Earth's Interior
Laboratory: Island Chain Formation
How Earthquakes Happen
Locating Earthquakes
Earthquakes and Waves
Laboratory: Earthquake Epicenter
How Volcanoes Form
Volcanic Zones
Mountain Building
Impact of Geologic Events
Unit 3: Composition of the Earth
Study of the minerals and rocks that comprise Earth is students' most tangible way to engage in the nature of the Earth's structure. In this unit; students tackle the nature of rocks; their origin; distribution; and transformation. After establishing a firm basis of Earth materials; students confront weathering and erosion and the development and change in Earth's landforms.
Minerals on Earth
Mineral Properties
Valuable Minerals
Crystal Structures
Rocks and Their Mineral Composition
Three Kinds of Rocks
Laboratory: Rocks and Minerals 1
Laboratory: Rocks and Minerals 2
Rock Origins 1
Rock Origins 2
The Rock Cycle
Earth Materials Change
Weathering and Erosion
Land Use and Its Effects
Unit 4: Geological History
The history of Earth is told in its rocks—how the planet was formed and what changes it has gone through. Students study changes that have taken place in Earth's long history; examining geological time and the changes in living things over time. Students also begin an investigation of rocks and minerals.
Earth's History
Earth's History and Change
The Fossil Record
Age of Geologic Features
Earth's History Written in Rocks
Laboratory: Interpreting Geologic History; Day 1
Laboratory: Interpreting Geologic History; Day 2
Unit 5: Earth's Atmosphere
The structure of our atmosphere has a profound effect on Earth and its living things. In this unit; students first develop a firm basis for understanding how the sun's energy is the basis for many of the characteristics of our atmosphere. Knowledge of how the sun's energy is used provides the basis for understanding wind and global circulation of air. As in other units; student understanding of facts stems from their mastery of the "big ideas" of Earth Science.
Layers in the Atmosphere
Composition of the Atmosphere
History of the Earth's Atmosphere
Laboratory: Barometer 1
Laboratory: Barometer 2
The Sun and Energy
Solar Radiation
Temperature and Air Pressure
Air Circulation Patterns 1
Air Circulation Patterns 2
Air Movement and Weather
Wind and Human Activity
Laboratory: Energy Absorption/Reflection 1
Laboratory: Energy Absorption/Reflection 2
Unit 6: Weather 1
The origin of weather and its effects on Earth systems and on human life are the focus of student learning in this unit. Students explore what it means to gather weather data and work with weather maps. They learn the factors that influence weather; cloud formation; and storm development. They also learn the level of risk of severe weather and how to prepare for dangerous weather.
What Makes the Weather?
Gathering Weather Data
Weather Maps
Laboratory: Weather Map Interpretation 1
Laboratory: Weather Map Interpretation 2
Cloud Formation
How Storms Develop
Determining Level of Risk
Preparing for Severe Weather
Unit 7: Semester Review and Test
Semester Review
Semester Test
SEMESTER TWO
Unit 1: Weather 2
The difference between climate and weather is the focus of learning in this unit. Students examine climatic zones; cloud formation; and relative humidity. Students explore the different biomes on Earth and the results that the greenhouse effect will have on Earth's environment. Students confront the issue of climate change.
Semester Introduction
Climate vs. Weather
What Influences the Weather?
Comparing the Weather
Laboratory: Cloud Formation
Laboratory: Relative Humidity
Biomes on Earth
The Greenhouse Effect
Greenhouse Effect Analyses
Climate Change
Patterns of Climate Change
Laboratory: Temperature of Water and Soil 1
Laboratory: Temperature of Water and Soil 2
Unit 2: Oceans
The oceans of the world give our Earth a unique characteristic among planets in our solar system. In this unit; students explore Earth's water; learn about the properties of ocean water; and see how the physical and biological characteristics of oceans make our planet unique.
Oceans of the World
Chemistry of the Oceans
Physical Properties of Seawater
Ocean Dynamics
Laboratory: Ocean Water Density 1
Laboratory: Ocean Water Density 2
Ocean Currents
Ocean Floor
Ocean Conditions and Life
Marine Life Zones
Laboratory: Ocean Floor Sediments 1
Laboratory: Ocean Floor Sediments 2
Marine Organisms
Marine Resources
Unit 3: Cycles on Earth
The materials that make up Earth are continuously being recycled. Important nutrients for living things; as well as the components of rock and minerals; are circulated through Earth systems over time. Students examine these nutrient cycles; paying particular attention to nitrogen; carbon; oxygen; and water. The concept of a dynamic and ever-changing Earth is reinforced in this unit.
Biogeochemical Cycles
Nitrogen Cycle
Carbon Cycle
Life and the Carbon Cycle
Laboratory: Dissolved Oxygen 1
Laboratory: Dissolved Oxygen 2
Water Cycle
How Humans Alter Cycles
Unit 4: Astronomy
By this point in the Earth Science curriculum; students have a firm basis for understanding Earth and its characteristics. Students now look at Earth in the broader context of its place in the solar system; the Milky Way; and the universe. Building on the "big ideas" of astronomy; students develop a strong central basis for understanding Earth within the larger context of space.
The Sun
Solar Phenomena
The Earth–Moon–Sun System
Laboratory: Solar Energy
Solar and Lunar Eclipses
The Moon's Influence
Earth Movement and Seasons
Laboratory: Earth; Moon; Sun Motion
Laboratory: Sunrise and Sunset
Origin of the Solar System
Gravitational Forces in the Solar System
Features of the Solar System
The Planets
Planetary Impact
Electromagnetic Spectrum
Light: A Tool for Astronomy
Distances in Space
Life Cycle of a Star
Color and Brightness of Stars
Date about Stars
What's a Galaxy?
Searching for Objects in Space
The Big Bang Theory
Unit 5: Earth's Resources
With all that students have learned about Earth; they are able now to confront some practical aspects of Earth and how humans use its resources. Where are we headed with regard to those resources needed to sustain modern society? What is and what should be our relationship to fossil fuels; water resources; and issues regarding changes in human populations?
Earth's Natural Resources
Renewable vs. Nonrenewable Resources
Mineral Resources
Locating Resources
Managing Resources
Using Resources Wisely
Environmental Issues
Laboratory: Air Pollution Watch
Water Resources
Humans and the Environment
Conservation
Population Growth
Population Changes
Unit 6: Semester Review and Test
Semester Review
Semester Test
School Country
United StatesSchool state
ArizonaSchool city
PhoenixHigh school
Arizona Virtual AcademySchool Address
99 E Virginia Ave Suite 200School zip code
85004Requested competency code
Lab ScienceDate submitted
Approved
YesApproved competency code
- LGEO
- Geology