- COURSE DESCRIPTION:
In this course, students will gain a fundamental understanding of the four major sub-
disciplines in Earth Science: Geology, Astronomy, Oceanography, and Meteorology. Some
of the topics students will be investigating include: plate tectonics, weather and climate,
global warming and the greenhouse effect, and natural hazards in California. In addition,
Earth Science students will have opportunities to gain mastery of the Investigation and
Experimentation standards identified for all secondary science courses.- COURSE GOALS:
At the end of the course, students should be able to...
Apply problem solving skills during experimentation and data analysis.
Explain the process of plate tectonics and how it’s responsible for shaping the
Earth’s physical features through time.
Identify the unique features of California by describing its natural resources and
unique land and water features, as well as the existence of natural hazards.
Discuss how incoming solar radiation is absorbed, transmitted, and reflected by the
Earth’s atmosphere, and how greenhouse gases trap heat and influence climate.
Explain how carbon and nitrogen cycles through the living and non-living
components of an ecosystem,
Identify the different factors influencing weather and climate [temperature, wind,
pressure, humidity, elevation, topography], and
Describe the Solar System’s evolution and the characteristics of the different stars
and planets.
Read and interpret topological and geologic maps.
Department: SCIENCE
Course Title: Earth Science
Grade Level: 10-
Length: 1 Academic Year
Number of Credits: 10
Pre-requisite: NONE
Satisfies A Æ G Requirements [Elective]