Course title
SCI112Pre-requisite
Middle School Earth Science or equivalentCourse description
SCI112: Earth Science (Core)
Scope & Sequence
Scope & Sequence documents describe what is covered in a course (the scope) and also the order in which topics are covered (the sequence). These documents list instructional objectives and skills to be mastered. K12 Scope & Sequence documents for each course include:
Course Overview
This course provides students with a solid earth science curriculum; focusing on geology; oceanography; astronomy; weather; and climate. The program consists of online lessons; an associated reference book; collaborative activities; virtual laboratories; and hands-on laboratories students can conduct at home. The course provides a base for further studies in geology; meteorology; oceanography; and astronomy; and gives practical experience in implementing scientific methods.
Course Length
Two Semesters
Prerequisites
K12 middle school Earth Science; or equivalent
Course Outline
SEMESTER ONE
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; study aspects of scientific methods; and use those methods in a laboratory setting.
Semester Introduction
Why Study Earth Science?
Spheres as Earth Systems
Review: Why Study Earth Science and Earth Systems
Laboratory: Topographical Maps
Earth Systems and Interactions
Review: 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 the 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
Review: Plate Tectonics
Where Earthquakes and Volcanoes Occur
Review: Earthquakes and Volcanoes Occur
Structure of Earth's Interior
Review: Structure of Earth's Interior
Laboratory: Hawaiian Island Chain
How Earthquakes Happen
Review: How Earthquakes Happen
Locating Earthquakes
Laboratory: Earthquake Epicenter
How Volcanoes Form
Review: Earthquakes and Volcanoes
Mountain Building
Review: Mountain Building
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.
Minerals on Earth
Mineral Properties
Review: Minerals
Rocks and Their Mineral Composition
Review: Rocks and Their Mineral Composition
Three Kinds of Rocks
Review: Three Kinds of Rocks
Laboratory: Rocks and Minerals 1
Laboratory: Rocks and Minerals 1
The Rock Cycle
Review: The Rock Cycle
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.
Earth's History
The Fossil Record
Review: History and Fossil Record
Age of Geologic Features
Earth's History Written in Rocks
Review: Geological Features and Earth's History
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.
Layers in the Atmosphere
Composition of the Atmosphere
Review: Atmosphere
Laboratory: Barometer 1
Laboratory: Barometer 2
The Sun and Energy
Solar Radiation
Review: Sun and Solar Radiation
Temperature and Air Pressure
Review: Temperature and Air Pressure
Air Circulation Patterns 1
Air Circulation Patterns 2
Review: Air Circulation
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.
What Makes the Weather?
Review: What Makes the Weather?
Gathering Weather Data
Weather Maps
Review: Weather Maps and Data
Laboratory: Weather Map Interpretation 1
Laboratory: Weather Map Interpretation 2
Cloud Formation
How Storms Develop
Review: Clouds and Storms
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?
Review: Climate and Weather Influences
Laboratory: Cloud Formation
Laboratory: Relative Humidity
The Greenhouse Effect
Greenhouse Effect Analyses
Review: Greenhouse Effect
Climate Change
Patterns of Climate Change
Review: 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 the 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
Review: Oceans and Chemistry
Physical Properties of Seawater
Review: Physical Properties of Seawater
Laboratory: Ocean Water Density 1
Laboratory: Ocean Water Density 2
Ocean Currents
Review: Ocean Currents
Ocean Conditions and Life
Review: Ocean Conditions and Life
Laboratory: Ocean Floor Sediments 1
Laboratory: Ocean Floor Sediments 2
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 carbon and water. The concept of a dynamic and ever-changing Earth is reinforced in this unit.
Biogeochemical Cycles
Review: Biogeochemical Cycles
Carbon Cycle
Life and the Carbon Cycle
Review: Carbon Cycle
Laboratory: Dissolved Oxygen 1
Laboratory: Dissolved Oxygen 2
Water Cycle
Review: Water Cycle
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
The Earth–Moon–Sun System
Review: Sun and The Earth–Moon–Sun System
Laboratory: Solar Energy
The Moon's Influence
Review: The Moon's Influence
Earth Movement and Seasons
Review: Earth Movement and Seasons
Laboratory: Earth; Moon; Sun Motion
Laboratory: Sunrise and Sunset
Origin of the Solar System
Features of the Solar System
Review: Origin and Features of the Solar System
The Planets
Review: The Planets
Electromagnetic Spectrum
Light: A Tool for Astronomy
Review: Electromagnetic Spectrum and Light
Distances in Space
Review: Distances in Space
Life Cycle of a Star
Review: Life Cycle of a Star
What's a Galaxy?
The Big Bang Theory
Review: Galaxies and Life Cycle of a Star
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
Review: Resources
Environmental Issues
Review: Environmental Issues
Laboratory: Air Pollution Watch
Water Resources
Review: Water Resources
Humans and the Environment
Conservation
Review: Humans and Conservation
Unit 6: Semester Review and Test
Semester Review
Semester Test
School Country
United StatesSchool state
ArizonaSchool city
PhoenixHigh school
Insight Academy of ArizonaSchool Address
99 E. Virginia Avenue, Suite 200School zip code
85004Requested competency code
Lab ScienceDate submitted
Approved
YesApproved competency code
- LGEO
- Geology