Course title
SCI114Pre-requisite
K12 middle school Life Science (or equivalent), success in previous science course, and teacher/school counselor recommendationCourse description
SEMESTER ONE
Unit 1: Earth Science and Systems
Earth science is one of the most fascinating topics in all the sciences; and students will learn about its place among the sciences in this unit. Students will 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 will also study aspects of scientific methods and use those methods in a laboratory setting.
Lesson 1: Earth Science Semester 1 Introduction
Lesson 2: Why Study Earth Science?
Lesson 3: Historical Contributions in Earth Science 1
Lesson 4: Historical Contributions in Earth Science 2
Lesson 5: Spheres as Earth Systems
Lesson 6: Laboratory: Topographical Maps
Lesson 7: Earth Systems and Interactions
Lesson 8: Laboratory: Modeling Earth Science Processes 1
Lesson 9: Laboratory: Modeling Earth Science Processes 2
Lesson 10: Your Choice
Lesson 11: Unit Test
Unit 2: Dynamic Earth
Students will confront Earth as a dynamic planet which is; in many ways; more active than any other planet in our solar system. The core idea of plate tectonics and 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.
Lesson 1: Introduction to Plate Tectonics
Lesson 2: Pangaea and Continental Drift
Lesson 3: Moving Plates
Lesson 4: Plate Boundaries 1
Lesson 5: Plate Boundaries 2
Lesson 6: Plate Tectonics: Historical Perspective
Lesson 7: Where Earthquakes and Volcanoes Occur
Lesson 8: Structure of Earth's Interior
Lesson 9: Laboratory: Island Chain Formation
Lesson 10: How Earthquakes Happen
Lesson 11: Your Choice
Lesson 12: Mid-Unit Test
Lesson 13: Locating Earthquakes
Lesson 14: Earthquakes and Waves
Lesson 15: Laboratory: Earthquake Epicenter
Lesson 16: How Volcanoes Form
Lesson 17: Volcanic Zones
Lesson 18: Mountain Building
Lesson 19: Impact of Geologic Events
Lesson 20: Unit Test
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.
Lesson 1: Minerals on Earth
Lesson 2: Mineral Properties
Lesson 3: Valuable Minerals
Lesson 4: Crystal Structures
Lesson 5: Rocks and Their Mineral Composition
Lesson 6: Three Kinds of Rocks
Lesson 7: Laboratory: Rocks and Minerals 1
Lesson 8: Laboratory: Rocks and Minerals 2
Lesson 9: Mid-Unit Test
Lesson 10: Rock Origins 1
Lesson 11: Rock Origins 2
Lesson 12: The Rock Cycle
Lesson 13: Earth Materials Change
Lesson 14: Weathering and Erosion
Lesson 15: Land Use and Its Effects
Lesson 16: Your Choice
Lesson 17: Unit Test
Unit 4: Geologic 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 will also begin an investigation of rocks and minerals.
Lesson 1: Earth's History
Lesson 2: Earth's History and Change
Lesson 3: The Fossil Record
Lesson 4: Age of Geologic Features
Lesson 5: Earth's History Written in Rocks
Lesson 6: Laboratory: Interpreting Geologic History; Day 1
Lesson 7: Laboratory: Interpreting Geologic History; Day 2
Lesson 8: Your Choice
Lesson 9: Unit Test
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 platform 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 leads to the development of student understanding of wind and global circulation of air. As in other units; students' understanding of facts stems from their mastery of the "big ideas" of earth science.
Lesson 1: Layers in the Atmosphere
Lesson 2: Composition of the Atmosphere
Lesson 3: History of Earth's Atmosphere
Lesson 4: Atmosphere and Life on Earth
Lesson 5: Laboratory: Barometer 1
Lesson 6: Laboratory: Barometer 2
Lesson 7: Mid-Unit Test
Lesson 8: The Sun and Energy
Lesson 9: Solar Radiation
Lesson 10: Temperature and Air Pressure
Lesson 11: Air Circulation Patterns 1
Lesson 12: Air Circulation Patterns 2
Lesson 13: Air Movement and Weather
Lesson 14: Wind and Human Activity
Lesson 15: Laboratory: Energy Absorption/Reflection 1
Lesson 16: Laboratory: Energy Absorption/Reflection 2
Lesson 17: Your Choice
Lesson 18: Unit Test
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 will explore what it means to gather weather data and will work with weather maps. They will understand the factors that influence weather; cloud formation; and storms development. They will also determine the level of risk of severe weather and learn to prepare for dangerous weather.
Lesson 1: What Makes the Weather?
Lesson 2: Gathering Weather Data
Lesson 3: Weather Maps
Lesson 4: Laboratory: Weather Map Interpretation 1
Lesson 5: Laboratory: Weather Map Interpretation 2
Lesson 6: Cloud Formation
Lesson 7: How Storms Develop
Lesson 8: Determining Level of Risk
Lesson 9: Preparing for Severe Weather
Lesson 10: Your Choice
Lesson 11: Unit Test
Unit 7: Semester 1 Review and Test
Lesson 1: Semester Review
Lesson 2: Your Choice
Lesson 3: Your Choice
Lesson 4: Semester Test
Unit 8: Honors Project 1: Research Paper
An independent research paper will give honors students the opportunity to explore earth science topics in depth. Students will select one of five topics to research and then will develop a paper reporting on their topic.
Lesson 1: Planning Your Research Paper
Lesson 2: Finding and Using Information for Your Paper
Lesson 3: Organizing Notes and Developing an Outline
Lesson 4: Writing Your Paper
Lesson 5: Creating a Works Cited Page
Lesson 6: Revising and Proofreading the Research Paper
Unit 9: Honors Project 2: Virtual Lab: Spectroscopy
Spectroscopy is the analysis of the component parts of light. It is an important tool for an earth scientist. Most scientists use spectroscopy in one way or another to study light from different objects such as rocks; stars; and even the human body. Using a spectrometer; an instrument that spreads light out into its different colors; scientists can identify the elements and molecules that make up objects. In this lab; students identify four samples by conducting flame tests and using a spectroscope in the K12 Virtual Science Lab.
Lesson 1: Virtual Lab: Spectroscopy
Lesson 2: Discuss: Virtual Lab: Spectroscopy
SEMESTER TWO
Unit 1: Weather 2
The difference between climate and weather is the focus of learning in this unit. Students will examine climatic zones; cloud formation; and relative humidity. Students will explore the different biomes on Earth and the results that the greenhouse effect will have on Earth's environment. Students will confront the issue of climate change.
Lesson 1: Earth Science Semester 2 Introduction
Lesson 2: Climate vs. Weather
Lesson 3: What Influences the Weather?
Lesson 4: Comparing the Weather
Lesson 5: Climatic Zones
Lesson 6: Laboratory: Cloud Formation
Lesson 7: Laboratory: Relative Humidity
Lesson 8: Biomes on Earth
Lesson 9: The Greenhouse Effect
Lesson 10: Greenhouse Effect Analyses
Lesson 11: Climate Change
Lesson 12: Patterns of Climate Change
Lesson 13: Laboratory: Temperature of Water and Soil 1
Lesson 14: Laboratory: Temperature of Water and Soil 2
Lesson 15: Your Choice
Lesson 16: Unit Test
Unit 2: Oceans
The oceans of the world make our Earth unique among planets in our solar system. In this unit students have the opportunity to explore Earth's water; to learn about the properties of ocean water; and to show how the physical and biological characteristics of oceans make our planet unique.
Lesson 1: Oceans of the World
Lesson 2: Chemistry of the Oceans
Lesson 3: Physical Properties of Seawater
Lesson 4: Ocean Dynamics
Lesson 5: Laboratory: Ocean Water Density 1
Lesson 6: Laboratory: Ocean Water Density 2
Lesson 7: Ocean Currents
Lesson 8:Mid-Unit Test
Lesson 9: Ocean Floor
Lesson 10: Ocean Conditions and Life
Lesson 11: Marine Life Zones
Lesson 12: Laboratory: Ocean Floor Sediments 1
Lesson 13: Laboratory: Ocean Floor Sediments 2
Lesson 14: Marine Organisms
Lesson 15: Marine Resources
Lesson 16: Your Choice
Lesson 17: Unit Test
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.
Lesson 1: Biogeochemical Cycles
Lesson 2: Nitrogen Cycle
Lesson 3: Carbon Cycle
Lesson 4: Life and the Carbon Cycle
Lesson 5: Laboratory: Dissolved Oxygen 1
Lesson 6: Laboratory: Dissolved Oxygen 2
Lesson 7: Water Cycle
Lesson 8: How Humans Alter Cycles
Lesson 9: Your Choice
Lesson 10: Unit Test
Unit 4: Astronomy
By this point in the Earth Science curriculum; students will 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.
Lesson 1: The Sun
Lesson 2: Solar Phenomena
Lesson 3: The Earth-Moon-Sun System
Lesson 4: Laboratory: Solar Energy
Lesson 5: Solar and Lunar Eclipses
Lesson 6: The Moon's Influence
Lesson 7: Earth Movement and Seasons
Lesson 8: Laboratory: Earth; Moon; Sun Motion
Lesson 9: Laboratory: Sunrise and Sunset
Lesson 10: Your Choice
Lesson 11: Mid-Unit Test
Lesson 12: Origin of the Solar System
Lesson 13: Gravitational Forces in the Solar System
Lesson 14: Features of the Solar System
Lesson 15: The Planets
Lesson 16: Planetary Impact
Lesson 17: Electromagnetic Spectrum
Lesson 18: Light: A Tool for Astronomy
Lesson 19: Distances in Space
Lesson 20: Life Cycle of a Star
Lesson 21: Color and Brightness of Stars
Lesson 22: Data about Stars
Lesson 23: What's a Galaxy?
Lesson 24: Searching for Objects in Space
Lesson 25: The Big Bang Theory
Lesson 26: Your Choice
Lesson 27: Unit Test
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?
Lesson 1: Earth's Natural Resources
Lesson 2: Renewable vs. Nonrenewable Resources
Lesson 3: Mineral Resources
Lesson 4: Locating Resources
Lesson 5: Managing Resources
Lesson 6: Using Resources Wisely
Lesson 7: Mid-Unit Test
Lesson 8: Environmental Issues
Lesson 9: Laboratory: Air Pollution Watch
Lesson 10: Water Resources
Lesson 11: Humans and the Environment
Lesson 12: Conservation
Lesson 13: Population Growth
Lesson 14: Population Changes
Lesson 15: Your Choice
Lesson 16: Unit Test
Unit 6: Semester 2 Assessment
Lesson 1: Semester Review
Lesson 2: Your Choice
Lesson 3: Your Choice
Lesson 4: Semester Test
Unit 7: Honors Project 1: Weather Website
This weather website project is a culmination of the concepts students have learned about temperature; air pressure; humidity and their relationship to prevailing weather. Students will select a city and analyze four days of weather data and maps for that location. Then they will predict the weather; create a forecast; and using web resources; create an online weather website to communicate the forecast to their chosen city.
Lesson 1: Weather Website
Unit 8: Honors Project 2: Issues in Science: Online Debate
Research and technology produce new information and capabilities; as well as great responsibility. The scientific community wrestles with the question; "Just because we can; does that mean we should?" Examining all sides of an issue can sometimes bring together everyone's opinions. Other times; people just have to agree to disagree. Different sides of an issue can be examined with a debate. The Issues in Science Online Debate is an opportunity for students to examine current scientific issues and express opposing viewpoints through structured debate. Students will work in collaborative teams to develop and present a case online. Teamwork and sharing ideas will be emphasized; and students are encouraged to meet online or in person.
Lesson 1: Semester Review
Lesson 2: Your Choice
Lesson 3: Your Choice
Lesson 4: Semester Test
Lesson 1:Debates: A Different Way to Argue
Lesson 2: Gathering Evidence
Lesson 3: Building a Case
Lesson 4: Reasoning and Refutation
Lesson 5: Effective Debating Strategies
Lesson 6: Debate: Constructive Argument
Lesson 7: Debate: First Rebuttal
Lesson 8: Debate: Second Rebuttal
Lesson 9: Debate: Summary Argument
Lesson 10: Discuss: Issues in Science Online Debate
School country
United StatesSchool state
ArizonaSchool city
PhoenixHigh school
Arizona Virtual AcademySchool / district Address
99 E Virginia Ave Suite 200School zip code
85004Requested competency code
Lab ScienceDate submitted
Approved
YesApproved competency code
- LGEO
- Geology