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Course Syllabus
Course: Earth Science
Outside Study/Preparation: 2 hours a week
Current Semester/Year: 2014/2015
Instructor: Scott Porter
Email: [email protected]
Website: portermhs.weebly.com
Conference: _______________
Room number: 242
Date last revised: 8/20/2014
Course Description:
This course is designed to acquaint students with an understanding of the earth and its position in the universe. The course will include a study of the earth in the universe and the solar system. Basic forces that act upon and shape the earth will also be studied. A study of the oceans, atmosphere, and climatic changes will be an integral part of the course. Major laboratory work will be included. The Earth Science course is for students that are planning on attending college and will provide the student with an understanding and appreciation of as many areas of science as possible. The class is designed to promote an interest in the continuation of science courses in the future.
Rationale and Instructional Philosophy: Earth Science utilizes the Ohio Academic Content Standards for eleventh grade as a basis for what all students should know and do by the time they complete this course. The short-term and long-term projects in this course are designed for learning opportunities to enable students to become scientifically literate citizens.
Major Course Goals: In grade eleven students draw on their previous experience and connect the Earth, space, life, and physical science into a coherent study of the environment. Emphasis is placed on the interactions between humans and the Earth, ecosystems, biological evolution, populations, and diversity. Students also explore matter and energy relationships. The human interactions with science and technology are discussed, as well as how man has modified current ecosystems and natural systems. Students have the opportunity to use science processes of inquiry, scientific investigation, and the nature of science to examine past events and current situations and to develop and revise scientific predictions, ideas or theories
Course Materials:
Required Textbooks: McDougall/Littell Earth Science
Supplementary and/or Resource Materials:
· USB-Drive or online access to turn in assignments
· Writing Utensils and Paper
Most Common Instruction Methodology Used In This Course: Lecture, Lab, Discussion
Other Accepted Methodologies: Independent Study with Instructor Approval
Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. All students must use the following scientific processes with appropriate laboratory safety techniques to construct their knowledge and understanding in all science content areas:
• Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations;
• Design and conduct scientific investigations
• Use technology and mathematics to improve investigations and communications;
• Formulate and revise explanations and models using logic and evidence (critical thinking);
• Recognize and analyze explanations and models;
• Communicate and support a scientific argument.
2. All students must use scientific processes to construct their knowledge and understanding in the following areas of study:
• Oceanography
• Meteorology
• Geology
• Astronomy
General Education:
The objectives of this course support the following General Education Goals:
· Communication
· Critical Thinking
· Independent, life-long learning
· Science and Technology
Method of Evaluating Student Performance:
· Laboratory Reports
· Quizzes and Tests
· Projects and Presentations
· Midterm & Final Exam (20% each)
Student Characteristics:
Course Outline
Week Textbook Resources
1. Introduction to Course
· Effective Study Strategies Chapters 1, 2, 3
· Rules & Guidelines
· Syllabus
· Lab Safety, Measurement, Critical Thinking
· Chapters 1, 2, & 3 are Independent Study
2-9. Astronomy Chapters 4, 25-28
· Observing the Solar System: A History
o Ancient Astronomers
o Space Flight
o The Sun
o Energy
o Structure
o Features
· The Planets
o Inner
o Outer
· The Solar System
o Planetary Satellites
· Origin of the Moon
· Lunar Motions
· Eclipses
· Solar System Debris
o Asteroids
o Meteoroids
o Comets
o Meteorites
· Stars and Galaxies
o Light
o Stars and Their Characteristics
· Mass, Size, Temperature
· Constellations
· Life Cycles of Stars
o Main Sequence
o Massive
· Galaxies and the Universe
10-17. Geology Chapters 5-10, 13, 15, 29, 30
· Minerals
o Atoms and elements
o Chemical bonding (ionic, covalent, metallic)
o Crystallinity (crystal structure)
o Criteria of a mineral (crystalline solid, occurs in nature, inorganic, defined chemical composition)
o Properties of minerals (hardness, luster, cleavage, streak, crystal shape. fluorescence, flammability, density/specific gravity, malleability)
· Igneous
o Mafic and felsic rocks and minerals
o Intrusive (igneous structures: dikes, sills, batholiths, pegmatites)
o Earth’s interior (inner core, outer core, lower mantle, upper mantle, Mohorovicic discontinuity, crust)
o Magnetic reversals and Earth’s magnetic field
o Thermal energy within the Earth
o Extrusive (volcanic activity, volcanoes: cinder cones, composite, shield)
o Bowen’s Reaction Series (continuous and discontinuous branches)
· Metamorphic
o Pressure, stress, temperature and compressional forces
o Foliated (regional), non-foliated (contact)
o Parent rock and degrees of metamorphism
o Metamorphic zones (where metamorphic rocks are found)
· Sedimentary
o The ocean
§ Tides (daily, neap and spring)
§ Currents (deep and shallow, rip and longshore)
§ Thermal energy and water density
§ Waves
§ Ocean features (ridges, trenches, island systems, abyssal zone, shelves, slopes, reefs, island arcs)
§ Passive and active continental margins
o Division of sedimentary rocks and minerals (chemical, clastic/physical, organic)
o Depositional environments
o Streams (channels, streambeds, floodplains, cross-bedding, alluvial fans, deltas)
o Transgressing and regressing sea levels
· Earth’s History
o The geologic rock record
§ Relative and absolute age
§ Principles to determine relative age
· Original horizontality
· Superposition
· Cross-cutting relationships
o Absolute age
§ Radiometric dating (isotopes, radioactive decay)
§ Correct uses of radiometric dating
o Combining relative and absolute age data
o The geologic time scale
§ Comprehending geologic time
§ Climate changes evident through the rock record
§ Fossil record
· Plate Tectonics
o Internal Earth
§ Seismic waves
· S and P waves
· Velocities, reflection, refraction of waves
o Structure of Earth (Note: specific layers were part of grade 8)
§ Asthenosphere
§ Lithosphere
§ Mohorovicic boundary (Moho)
§ Composition of each of the layers of Earth
§ Gravity, magnetism and isostasy
§ Thermal energy (geothermal gradient and heat flow)
o Historical review (Note: this would include a review of continental drift and sea-floor spreading found in grade 8)
§ Paleomagnetism and magnetic anomalies
§ Paleoclimatology
o Plate motion (Note: introduced in grade 8)
§ Causes and evidence of plate motion
§ Measuring plate motion
§ Characteristics of oceanic and continental plates
§ Relationship of plate movement and geologic events and features
§ Mantle plumes
· Earth’s Resources
o Energy resources
§ Renewable and nonrenewable energy sources and efficiency
§ Alternate energy sources and efficiency
§ Resource availability
§ Mining and resource extraction
o Air
§ Primary and secondary contaminants
§ Greenhouse gases
o Water
§ Potable water and water quality
§ Hypoxia, eutrophication
o Soil and sediment
§ Desertification
§ Mass wasting and erosion
§ Sediment contamination
· Glacial Geology
o Glaciers and glaciation
§ Evidence of past glaciers (including features formed through erosion or deposition)
§ Glacial deposition and erosion (including features formed through erosion or deposition)
§ Data from ice cores
· Historical changes (glacial ages, amounts, locations, particulate matter, correlation to fossil evidence)
· Evidence of climate changes throughout Earth’s history
§ Glacial distribution and causes of glaciation
§ Types of glaciers – continental (ice sheets, ice caps), alpine/valley (piedmont, valley, cirque, ice caps)
§ Glacial structure, formation and movement
Week Textbook Resources
18. Midterm Exam Chapters 1 -10, 13, 15, 25-30
19-27. Meteorology Chapters 17-21
· Atmosphere
o Atmosphere in Balance
o Heat and the Atmosphere
o Local Temperature Variations
o Human Impact on the Atmosphere
· Water in the Atmosphere
o Humidity and Condensation
o Clouds
o Precipitation
· The Atmosphere in Motion
o Air Pressure and Wind
o Factors Affecting Wind
o Global Wind Patterns
o Continental and Local Winds
· Weather
o Air Masses and Weather
o Fronts and Lows
o Thunderstorms and Tornadoes
o Hurricanes and Blizzards
o Forecasting Weather
· Climate and Climate Change
o What is Climate
o Climate Zones
o Climate Change
28-35. Oceanography Chapters 16, 22-24
· Wind, Waves, and Currents
o Waves in the Sea
o Shoreline Features
· The Water Planet
o Oceanography
o Properties of Water
o Properties of Ocean Water
o Ocean Life
· The Ocean Floor
o Studying the Ocean Floor
o The Continental Margin
o The Ocean Basin
o Ocean Floor Sediments
· The Moving Ocean
o Surface Currents
o Currents Under the Surface
o Tides
36. Final Exam Chapters 1-10, 13, 15-30
This Schedule is Subject to Change
Course: Earth Science
Outside Study/Preparation: 2 hours a week
Current Semester/Year: 2014/2015
Instructor: Scott Porter
Email: [email protected]
Website: portermhs.weebly.com
Conference: _______________
Room number: 242
Date last revised: 8/20/2014
Course Description:
This course is designed to acquaint students with an understanding of the earth and its position in the universe. The course will include a study of the earth in the universe and the solar system. Basic forces that act upon and shape the earth will also be studied. A study of the oceans, atmosphere, and climatic changes will be an integral part of the course. Major laboratory work will be included. The Earth Science course is for students that are planning on attending college and will provide the student with an understanding and appreciation of as many areas of science as possible. The class is designed to promote an interest in the continuation of science courses in the future.
Rationale and Instructional Philosophy: Earth Science utilizes the Ohio Academic Content Standards for eleventh grade as a basis for what all students should know and do by the time they complete this course. The short-term and long-term projects in this course are designed for learning opportunities to enable students to become scientifically literate citizens.
Major Course Goals: In grade eleven students draw on their previous experience and connect the Earth, space, life, and physical science into a coherent study of the environment. Emphasis is placed on the interactions between humans and the Earth, ecosystems, biological evolution, populations, and diversity. Students also explore matter and energy relationships. The human interactions with science and technology are discussed, as well as how man has modified current ecosystems and natural systems. Students have the opportunity to use science processes of inquiry, scientific investigation, and the nature of science to examine past events and current situations and to develop and revise scientific predictions, ideas or theories
Course Materials:
Required Textbooks: McDougall/Littell Earth Science
Supplementary and/or Resource Materials:
· USB-Drive or online access to turn in assignments
· Writing Utensils and Paper
Most Common Instruction Methodology Used In This Course: Lecture, Lab, Discussion
Other Accepted Methodologies: Independent Study with Instructor Approval
Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. All students must use the following scientific processes with appropriate laboratory safety techniques to construct their knowledge and understanding in all science content areas:
• Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations;
• Design and conduct scientific investigations
• Use technology and mathematics to improve investigations and communications;
• Formulate and revise explanations and models using logic and evidence (critical thinking);
• Recognize and analyze explanations and models;
• Communicate and support a scientific argument.
2. All students must use scientific processes to construct their knowledge and understanding in the following areas of study:
• Oceanography
• Meteorology
• Geology
• Astronomy
General Education:
The objectives of this course support the following General Education Goals:
· Communication
· Critical Thinking
· Independent, life-long learning
· Science and Technology
Method of Evaluating Student Performance:
- A (100-90) B (89-80) C (79-70) D (69-60) F (59-0)
· Laboratory Reports
· Quizzes and Tests
· Projects and Presentations
· Midterm & Final Exam (20% each)
Student Characteristics:
- Characteristics of an A student - Student has completed all assignments with exceptional effort. Student shows a mastery of material by excelling on tests, reports, composition notebook and class work. Assignments are well organized and colorful. The student shows motivation and is an independent learner. Student follows directions, participates in class, and has good attendance.
- Characteristics of a B student – Student has completed all assignments with above average effort. The student performs consistently well on tests, projects and class assignments. Assignments are complete and well-illustrated. Student needs little direction and is thorough in completing assignments. Student participates in class and has good attendance.
- Characteristics of a C student – Student completes a majority of assignments with average effort. Assignments show an average level of mastery. Assignments may not include many details, with average effort and information. Student participates in class irregularly.
- Characteristics of a D student – Student did not master the skills necessary to achieve the levels A, B, or C. Student did not always follow detail and needs supervision. Student completes assignments; work completed is low quality with error and omissions.
Course Outline
Week Textbook Resources
1. Introduction to Course
· Effective Study Strategies Chapters 1, 2, 3
· Rules & Guidelines
· Syllabus
· Lab Safety, Measurement, Critical Thinking
· Chapters 1, 2, & 3 are Independent Study
2-9. Astronomy Chapters 4, 25-28
· Observing the Solar System: A History
o Ancient Astronomers
o Space Flight
o The Sun
o Energy
o Structure
o Features
· The Planets
o Inner
o Outer
· The Solar System
o Planetary Satellites
· Origin of the Moon
· Lunar Motions
· Eclipses
· Solar System Debris
o Asteroids
o Meteoroids
o Comets
o Meteorites
· Stars and Galaxies
o Light
o Stars and Their Characteristics
· Mass, Size, Temperature
· Constellations
· Life Cycles of Stars
o Main Sequence
o Massive
· Galaxies and the Universe
10-17. Geology Chapters 5-10, 13, 15, 29, 30
· Minerals
o Atoms and elements
o Chemical bonding (ionic, covalent, metallic)
o Crystallinity (crystal structure)
o Criteria of a mineral (crystalline solid, occurs in nature, inorganic, defined chemical composition)
o Properties of minerals (hardness, luster, cleavage, streak, crystal shape. fluorescence, flammability, density/specific gravity, malleability)
· Igneous
o Mafic and felsic rocks and minerals
o Intrusive (igneous structures: dikes, sills, batholiths, pegmatites)
o Earth’s interior (inner core, outer core, lower mantle, upper mantle, Mohorovicic discontinuity, crust)
o Magnetic reversals and Earth’s magnetic field
o Thermal energy within the Earth
o Extrusive (volcanic activity, volcanoes: cinder cones, composite, shield)
o Bowen’s Reaction Series (continuous and discontinuous branches)
· Metamorphic
o Pressure, stress, temperature and compressional forces
o Foliated (regional), non-foliated (contact)
o Parent rock and degrees of metamorphism
o Metamorphic zones (where metamorphic rocks are found)
· Sedimentary
o The ocean
§ Tides (daily, neap and spring)
§ Currents (deep and shallow, rip and longshore)
§ Thermal energy and water density
§ Waves
§ Ocean features (ridges, trenches, island systems, abyssal zone, shelves, slopes, reefs, island arcs)
§ Passive and active continental margins
o Division of sedimentary rocks and minerals (chemical, clastic/physical, organic)
o Depositional environments
o Streams (channels, streambeds, floodplains, cross-bedding, alluvial fans, deltas)
o Transgressing and regressing sea levels
· Earth’s History
o The geologic rock record
§ Relative and absolute age
§ Principles to determine relative age
· Original horizontality
· Superposition
· Cross-cutting relationships
o Absolute age
§ Radiometric dating (isotopes, radioactive decay)
§ Correct uses of radiometric dating
o Combining relative and absolute age data
o The geologic time scale
§ Comprehending geologic time
§ Climate changes evident through the rock record
§ Fossil record
· Plate Tectonics
o Internal Earth
§ Seismic waves
· S and P waves
· Velocities, reflection, refraction of waves
o Structure of Earth (Note: specific layers were part of grade 8)
§ Asthenosphere
§ Lithosphere
§ Mohorovicic boundary (Moho)
§ Composition of each of the layers of Earth
§ Gravity, magnetism and isostasy
§ Thermal energy (geothermal gradient and heat flow)
o Historical review (Note: this would include a review of continental drift and sea-floor spreading found in grade 8)
§ Paleomagnetism and magnetic anomalies
§ Paleoclimatology
o Plate motion (Note: introduced in grade 8)
§ Causes and evidence of plate motion
§ Measuring plate motion
§ Characteristics of oceanic and continental plates
§ Relationship of plate movement and geologic events and features
§ Mantle plumes
· Earth’s Resources
o Energy resources
§ Renewable and nonrenewable energy sources and efficiency
§ Alternate energy sources and efficiency
§ Resource availability
§ Mining and resource extraction
o Air
§ Primary and secondary contaminants
§ Greenhouse gases
o Water
§ Potable water and water quality
§ Hypoxia, eutrophication
o Soil and sediment
§ Desertification
§ Mass wasting and erosion
§ Sediment contamination
· Glacial Geology
o Glaciers and glaciation
§ Evidence of past glaciers (including features formed through erosion or deposition)
§ Glacial deposition and erosion (including features formed through erosion or deposition)
§ Data from ice cores
· Historical changes (glacial ages, amounts, locations, particulate matter, correlation to fossil evidence)
· Evidence of climate changes throughout Earth’s history
§ Glacial distribution and causes of glaciation
§ Types of glaciers – continental (ice sheets, ice caps), alpine/valley (piedmont, valley, cirque, ice caps)
§ Glacial structure, formation and movement
Week Textbook Resources
18. Midterm Exam Chapters 1 -10, 13, 15, 25-30
19-27. Meteorology Chapters 17-21
· Atmosphere
o Atmosphere in Balance
o Heat and the Atmosphere
o Local Temperature Variations
o Human Impact on the Atmosphere
· Water in the Atmosphere
o Humidity and Condensation
o Clouds
o Precipitation
· The Atmosphere in Motion
o Air Pressure and Wind
o Factors Affecting Wind
o Global Wind Patterns
o Continental and Local Winds
· Weather
o Air Masses and Weather
o Fronts and Lows
o Thunderstorms and Tornadoes
o Hurricanes and Blizzards
o Forecasting Weather
· Climate and Climate Change
o What is Climate
o Climate Zones
o Climate Change
28-35. Oceanography Chapters 16, 22-24
· Wind, Waves, and Currents
o Waves in the Sea
o Shoreline Features
· The Water Planet
o Oceanography
o Properties of Water
o Properties of Ocean Water
o Ocean Life
· The Ocean Floor
o Studying the Ocean Floor
o The Continental Margin
o The Ocean Basin
o Ocean Floor Sediments
· The Moving Ocean
o Surface Currents
o Currents Under the Surface
o Tides
36. Final Exam Chapters 1-10, 13, 15-30
This Schedule is Subject to Change